Cooling System Bleeding: Procedure
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am and 2003 Oldsmobile Alero. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the radiator can be considerably higher than the boiling point of the solution at atmospheric pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and under high pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, the fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.
CAUTION:
Avoid spilling coolant mixture on engine parts. Coolant may cause undue corrosion. If coolant is spilled during procedure, rinse area with clean water.
NOTE:
Some coolant manufacturers are mixing other types of glycol in their coolant formulations; propylene glycol is the most common new ingredient. Propylene glycol is not recommended for use in GM vehicles that were manufactured with GM Goodwrench Dex-Cool(R).
- Fill the cooling system. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 Dex-Cool(R) antifreeze and deionized water to the cooling system until the coolant level reaches and maintains the top of the surge tank label. It is necessary to maintain the coolant level at the top of the surge tank label to insure all the air has been purged from the cooling system. Install surge tank cap. Start the engine.
- Run the engine at 2000-2500 RPM until engine reaches normal operating temperature. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes. Shut the engine off. Allow the engine to cool. Top off the coolant as necessary. Inspect the cooling system for leaks. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant using Coolant Tester (J-26568), or equivalent.