Cooling System Draining and Filling
Draining Procedure
Warning: 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.
1. Remove the coolant pressure cap from the radiator surge tank.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
.
3. Remove the front bumper opening lower cover. Refer to
Front Bumper Fascia Opening Lower Cover Replacement
.
4. Place a drain pan under the drain cock.
5. Loosen the radiator drain cock
(1).
6. Drain the cooling system.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Inspect the coolant.
9. 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
.
Filling Procedure
Caution: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition,
causing engine damage.
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
Caution:
Refer to
Fastener Caution
.
2. Tighten the radiator drain cock
(1) to 2
N·m (18
lb
in).
3. Install the front bumper opening lower cover. Refer to
Front Bumper Fascia Opening Lower Cover Replacement
.
4. Lower the vehicle.
Note: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean drinkable water.
5. Slowly fill the radiator with a 50/50 coolant mixture until the coolant level reaches the base of the radiator surge tank. Refer
to
Approximate Fluid Capacities
.
© 2011 General Motors. All rights reserved.
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CHEVROLET SONIC 2012 BODY REPAIR MANUAL
