Draining Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: 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 Coolant Container

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

NOTE: 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.
Open the drain cock and drain the coolant. A small amount of coolant will drain from the system.

Fig 2: View Of Surge Tank

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

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

For LE5 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 (Without HP5) .