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.
Filling Procedure
- Apply pipe sealer to the drain plug prior to installing the engine block drains.
Tighten
Tighten the drain plug to 19 N.m (14 lb ft).
- Close the radiator drain cock.
- Install the coolant recovery reservoir.NOTE: When adding coolant, it is important that you use GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® coolant. If Coolant other than DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® is added to the system the engine coolant will require change sooner; at 50 000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.
- Slowly add a 50/50 mixture of GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX- COOL® and clean, drinkable water. Refer to Capacities-Approximate Fluid in General Information.
- Wait for 2 minutes and reinspect the level of the coolant in the radiator. If necessary, add coolant to the radiator until the coolant level is at the base of the radiator fill neck.
- Install the radiator cap.
- Ensure that the radiator cap arrow points toward the radiator overflow tube.
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Important: The air bleed valves are brass. Do NOT over-tighten the air bleed valves.
- Close the air bleed valve above the coolant pump.
- Close the air bleed valve on the thermostat housing.
- Fill the coolant reservoir with a 50/50 mixture of GM Goodwrench DEX-COOL® or HAVOLINE® DEX-COOL® and clean, drinkable water.
Important: If the coolant temperature indicator turns ON, turn the engine OFF immediately and allow the engine to cool. Do NOT remove the radiator cap.
- Start the engine and allow the engine cooling fan to cycle on and off 3 times.
- Turn off the ignition.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.