Back Flush

2001 Chevrolet Cavalier LS, 2.4 TSECTION Back Flush
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Inspect the transaxle oil cooler pipes for kinks or damage. Repair as necessary.
  2. Connect the flushing equipment to the oil cooler feed top connector. Use the Cooler Flusher Adapter (J 35944-440).
  3. Clip the discharge hose (5) onto the oil drain container. See Figure.
  4. Attach the flushing equipment to the undercarriage of the vehicle with the hook provided and connect the flushing system feed supply hose (3) from the flushing equipment to the bottom connector oil cooler return pipe. Use the cooler flusher adapter.
  5. Turn the flushing equipment water supply valve (1) to the ON position and allow water to flow through the oil cooler and pipes for 10 seconds to remove any remaining transaxle fluid. See Figure. If water does not flow through the oil cooler and pipes, the cause of the blockage must be diagnosed and the plugged component must be repaired or replaced. Continue with the cooler flushing and flow check procedure once the blockage is corrected.
  6. Turn the flushing equipment water supply valve (1) to the OFF position and clip the discharge hose onto a 5 gallon (19 liter) pail with a lid, to avoid splashback. See Figure.
    NOTE: Flushing for approximately 2 minutes in each cooler line direction will result in a total of about 8-10 gallons of waste fluid. This mixture of water and flushing fluid is to be captured in a bucket or similar container.
  7. Turn the flushing equipment water supply valve (1) to the ON position and depress the trigger (8) to mix cooler flushing solution into the water flow. Use the clip provided on the handle to hold the trigger (8) down. The discharge will foam vigorously when the solution is introduced into the water stream. See Figure and Figure .
  8. Flush the oil cooler and pipes with water and solution for 2 minutes. During this flush, attach the shop air supply 120 psi (825 kPa) to the flushing system feed air valve (2) located on the flushing equipment, for 3-5 seconds at the end of every 15-20 second interval to create a surging action. See Figure.
  9. Release the trigger (8) and turn the flushing equipment water supply valve (1) to the OFF position. See Figure and Figure .
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.