Surge Tank
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2004 GMC Yukon XL, 2004 GMC Yukon, 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2004 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2004 Cadillac Escalade EXT. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The surge tank is a plastic tank with a threaded pressure cap. The tank is mounted at a point higher than all other coolant passages. The surge tank provides an air space in the cooling system that allows the coolant to expand and contract. The surge tank provides a coolant fill point and a central air bleed location.
During vehicle use, the coolant heats and expands. The increased coolant volume flows into the surge tank. As the coolant circulates, any air is allowed to bubble out. Coolant without air bubbles absorbs heat much better than coolant with bubbles.