Draining Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Pontiac Torrent and 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. 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 Drain Cock

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 valve to start the flow of coolant. Coolant will drain slowly until the surge tank cap is removed.

Fig 2: Locating Surge Tank Cap

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the surge tank cap from the surge tank. Allow the coolant to drain from the system.
Close the drain valve once the coolant has drained from the radiator.

Fig 3: View Of Left Coolant Drain Plug

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Additional coolant can be drained from the engine by removing the engine block drain plug.
Install the engine block drain plug once the coolant has drained from the engine.
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 .