Draining Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: In order to avoid personal injury, do not remove the cap or open the cooling system drains from a hot system. Allow the system to cool first.

Fig 1: View Of Drain Valve

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: A 7.6 liter (8 qt) coolant container will be needed.

Place the coolant container under the radiator drain cock located at the bottom of the right radiator end tank.
Using a flat-bladed tool, open the drain cock and drain the coolant. A small amount of coolant will drain from the system.

Fig 2: Removing & Installing Surge Tank Cap

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the surge tank cap from the surge tank and the coolant will drain from the system.

Fig 3: Locating Water Pump Drain Plug (L61)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

For L61 and LAT vehicles, if the engine block needs to be drained, a drain bolt is located near the bottom of the water pump assembly.
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 Coolant System Flushing .