Fill Procedure

CAUTION: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.

After draining the system, close the drain cock (1) on the radiator.

Fig 1: Identifying Drain Cock And Radiator Drain Port
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Remove the drain hose from the radiator drain port (2).
Lower the vehicle.
The vehicle should be level before filling the cooling system.
Remove the vent screw (1) on the radiator and turn in one thread to allow venting of the cooling system.

Fig 2: Identifying Vent Screw
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE: The vent screw has a feature (2) to allow air to escape when the vent screw is in the open position.
Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL® antifreeze and clean drinkable water to the surge tank until coolant is present at the vent screw (1
Tighten the vent screw (1) to 1.9 N.m (17 lb in).
CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .
Continue to fill the surge tank until coolant has stabilized at the cold fill indicator marking on the surge tank (1).

Fig 3: Identifying Surge Tank
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Start the engine.
NOTE: The A/C system must be turned OFF to ensure the cooling fans do not cycle during engine warm up.
Turn the A/C system OFF.
After starting the engine, wait two minutes for the coolant level to stabilize within the surge tank and coolant to flow through the surge tank vent port (2). If necessary, add coolant to the surge tank until the coolant level is at the cold fill indicator marking on the surge tank (1).
Install the coolant surge tank cap.
Run the engine at 2500 RPM until the thermostat opens and the coolant fans cycle ON and OFF at least two separate times.
Turn the engine OFF.
Allow the cooling system to cool down.
NOTE: The engine must be allowed to completely cool down to under 49°C (120°F) to ensure a proper coolant fill.
Remove the surge tank cap.
Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant, using GE-26568 tester. Adjust concentration as necessary prior to adding additional coolant.
Slowly remove the vent screw (1) on the radiator until coolant begins to flow from the vent port.

Fig 4: Identifying Vent Screw
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Tighten the vent screw (1) to 1.9 N.m (17 lb in).
Add coolant to the surge tank until the coolant level is 9.0 mm (0.35 in) above the coolant fill indicator marking (1).

Fig 5: Identifying Coolant Fill Indicator Marking
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Install the surge tank cap.
Clean any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.