Draining and Filling Cooling System: Draining
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Park the vehicle on a level surface.
- When the engine is cool, remove the surge tank cap by following these steps:
- 2.1. Slowly rotate the surge tank cap counterclockwise about a 1/4 turn and then stop.
- 2.2. Wait until any residual pressure is relieved. Residual pressure is indicated by a hissing sound.
- 2.3. After all hissing stops, continue to rotate the surge tank cap counterclockwise until the cap is removed.
Important: For procedures requiring the cooling system to be partially drained, opening the radiator drain valve should provide sufficient draining. No further actions should be necessary.
- Use a 1/4 square drive or a 3/16 inch hex drive in order to open the radiator drain valve. The radiator drain valve is located at the bottom of the radiator tank.
- Remove the engine block drain plug.
- Allow the coolant to drain completely.
- Inspect the drained coolant:
- Flush the cooling system if the coolant is discolored. Refer to Flushing .
- Continue with the filling procedure if the coolant appears normal. Refer to Refilling.