Draining Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003 GMC Envoy XL, 2003 GMC Envoy, and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.
NOTE:
If the procedure below is not followed a low or high coolant level condition and/or vehicle damage could result.
IMPORTANT:
Draining the cooling system with the pressure cap installed will siphon the coolant from the overflow tank.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface.
- Allow the engine to cool.
- Using the J 38185 slide the coolant air bleed hose clamp back on to the hose.
- Remove the coolant air bleed hose from the throttle body.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
- Place a drain pan under the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom of the radiator.
- Using J 38185 slide the hose clamp back on the hose.
- Slowly remove the lower radiator hose and drain the coolant into the drain pan.
- Inspect the engine coolant for the following:
- Discolored appearance-follow the flush procedure. Refer to FLUSHING
- Normal in appearance - follow the filling procedure.
- If a complete block drain is required, remove the coolant heater located on the LH side of the block. Refer to COOLANT HEATER REPLACEMENT (4.2L ENGINE) or COOLANT HEATER REPLACEMENT (5.3L ENGINE) .
- Remove the radiator cap.