GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: 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.

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Place a drain pan under the right side lower radiator mount.

  3. Object Number: 877653  Size: SH

    Important: Coolant will drain from the right radiator mounting pin.

  4. Loosen the radiator drain cock.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 877653  Size: SH
  1. Tighten the radiator drain cock. Tighten the radiator drain cock by hand only.
  2. Lower the vehicle.
  3. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .

Caution: 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.

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Place a drain pan under the right side lower radiator mount.

  3. Object Number: 1696009  Size: SH

    Important: Coolant will drain from the right radiator mounting pin.

  4. Loosen the radiator drain cock.
  5. Remove the drain cock from the radiator after the coolant is done draining.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1696009  Size: SH
  1. Tighten the radiator drain cock. Tighten the radiator drain cock by hand only.
  2. Lower the vehicle.
  3. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .