Draining Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the radiator can be considerably higher than the boiling point of the solution at atmospheric pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and under high pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, the fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.

NOTE: If the procedure below is not followed a low or high coolant level condition and/or vehicle damage could result.

Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Remove the coolant pressure cap.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING & JACKING THE VEHICLE .
Place a drain pan under the drain cock.
Open the radiator drain cock.
Drain the cooling system.
If a complete engine block drain is required, remove the engine block drain plug.
Inspect the coolant.
Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant.
- Normal in appearance - follow the filling procedure.
- Discolored - follow the flush procedure. Refer to Flushing .