Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2008IMPALA V6-3.5LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE, COOLING AND EXHAUSTCOOLING SYSTEMSERVICE AND REPAIRCOOLING SYSTEM DRAINING AND FILLING (STATIC FILL)POLICE PACKAGE
2008 Chevrolet Impala V6-3.5L
Police Package
2008 Chevrolet Impala V6-3.5LSECTION Police Package
Cooling System Draining and Filling (9C1, 9C3 Static Fill)
Special Tools
J 26568 Coolant and Battery Tester
Draining Procedure
Caution: To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.
Important: Draining the cooling system with the pressure cap installed will syphon the coolant from the overflow tank.
1. Remove the coolant pressure cap.
2. Place a drain pan under the drain cock.
3. Open the radiator drain cock.
4. Drain the cooling system.
5. If a complete engine block drain is required, remove the coolant drain plugs from the engine block. Refer to Draining Fluids and Oil Filter Removal (Overhaul) .
6. Inspect the coolant.
7. 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 Flushing (Service and Repair) .
Filling Procedure
Notice: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice .
1. Close the radiator drain cock.
2. If a complete engine block drain was required, install the coolant drain plugs to the engine block. Refer to Draining Fluids and Oil Filter Removal (Overhaul) .
3. Remove the vent cap from the top right side of the radiator.
Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.
4. Slowly fill the cooling system with a 50/50 coolant mixture until the coolant comes out of the radiator vent. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities .
5. Install the vent cap to the top right side of the radiator.
6. Slowly fill the cooling system with a 50/50 coolant mixture until the coolant level is visible and stable at the fill neck.
7. Install the pressure cap loosely, threaded on about one turn.
8. Start the engine and raise the engine speed to 2500 RPM and hold it there for 40 seconds, then shut engine off.
9. Remove the pressure cap and fill the coolant system until the level is visible and stable.
10. Install the pressure cap loosely, threaded on about one turn.
11. Start the engine and raise the engine speed to 2500 RPM and hold it there for 30 seconds, then shut engine off.
12. Remove the pressure cap and radiator vent cap, fill the coolant system until the coolant comes out of the radiator vent.
13. Install the radiator vent cap.
14. Install the pressure cap loosely, threaded on about one turn.
15. Start the engine and raise the engine speed to 2500 RPM and hold it there for 20 seconds, then shut engine off.
16. Remove the pressure cap and fill the coolant system until the level is visible and stable.
17. Install the pressure cap, fully threaded on.
18. Fill the coolant recovery bottle to the indicator line, then add 400 milliliters (13.5 ounces) more.
19. Start the engine and run it above 2500 RPM until it is hot enough to open the thermostat, this will allow the trapped air to be purged from the engine.
20. Complete a series of three, 4 second-duration idles with 4 second-duration 3000 RPM cycles.
21. Turn the engine off and allow it to cool down to room temperature.
22. Fill the coolant recovery bottle to the indicator line.
23. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant using the J 26568 .
24. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.
RENDER: 1.0x
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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.