Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Service Manual, Page: 134 / 677

Coolant
Filling & Bleeding
To Bleed:
WARNING
Do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine and radiator are hot. If
the caps are removed while the engine and radiator are hot, scalding fluid and steam will
be released under pressure.
1. When the engine and radiator are cool, remove the radiator cap from the radiator.
2. Lift the vehicle.
3. Position a drain pan under the radiator where the lower radiator hose attaches to
the radiator.
4. Use a set of J 38185 hose clamp pliers to disconnect the lower radiator hose from
the radiator.
5. Drain the coolant into the drain pan.
6. If the coolant is discolored, flush out the cooling system.
7. If a complete block drain is necessary, remove the plug from the engine block on
the left side.
To Fill:
1. If a complete block drain is necessary, install the plug into the engine block on the
left side.
2. Use a set of J 38185 hose clamp pliers to connect the lower radiator hose to the
radiator.
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and deionized water.
5. Install the radiator cap onto the radiator.
6. Fill the coolant recovery reservoir with the coolant mixture.
7. Start the vehicle and run the engine at 1,000-3,000 RPM until it reaches normal
operating temperature.
8. Idle the engine for 3 minutes.
9. Turn off the engine.
10. When the engine is cool, refill the coolant recovery reservoir with the coolant
mixture.
11. Make sure there are no leaks in the cooling system.
12. Remove any excess coolant from the engine and engine compartment.
13. Use the J 26568 coolant and battery tester to check the concentration of the engine
coolant.