Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: 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 compartment front insulator cover. Refer to Front Compartment Front Insulator 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 Y (18 lb in)

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3. Install the front compartment front insulator cover. Refer to Front Compartment Front Insulator 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.
6. Allow 30 seconds for the coolant level to stabilize and continue to fill the coolant filler neck until the level stabilizes for at least 2 minutes.
7. Start the engine and allow to the engine to idle in PARK or NEUTRAL with the parking brake engaged.
8. Slowly fill the coolant mixture until the level stabilizes at the base of the radiator surge tank.
9. Install the coolant pressure cap.
10. Raise the engine RPM to 2500 rpm for 30?E0 seconds.
11. Shut the engine OFF.
12. Allow the engine to cool, remove coolant fill cap and repeat steps 4?E0 until the coolant level has completely stabilized within the radiator surge tank.
13. Inspect and if necessary, fill the coolant reservoir bottle as necessary.
14. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.
15. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
16. Top off the radiator surge tank if necessary.