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Home >> Cadillac >> 2002 >> Escalade EXT >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Remove, Overhaul & Install >> Engine Controls - Removal, Overhaul & Installation >> Cooling System >> Cooling System Bleeding
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Cooling System Bleeding

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.
NOTE: When adding coolant, use DEX-COOL® coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner, at 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 24 months.
  1. Park vehicle on a level surface. Slowly rotate the surge tank fill cap counterclockwise. Stop rotating the surge tank fill cap and allow hissing to stop. After all hissing stops, continue turning surge tank fill cap counterclockwise until cap is removed.
  2. Place a large funnel in surge tank filler neck. Pour in one-half of cooling system capacity of DEX-COOL® coolant. Slowly add remaining capacity with clean, drinkable water, to the surge tank until the level is slightly above the surge tank split line.
  3. Start and idle the engine for one minute. Loosely install the surge tank cap. DO NOT allow the cooling system to build up pressure. Cycle the engine from idle to 3000 RPM in 30 second intervals until the engine coolant reaches 210°F (99°C) and the thermostat opens. Shut off the engine.
  4. Slowly rotate the surge tank fill cap counterclockwise. Stop rotating the surge tank fill cap and allow hissing to stop. After all hissing stops, continue turning surge tank fill cap counterclockwise until cap is removed.
  5. Start and idle engine for one minute. Fill surge tank to 1/2" above COLD FULL mark. Install surge tank cap.
  6. Cycle the engine from idle to 3000 RPM in 30 second intervals until the engine coolant reaches 210°F (99°C). Shut off the engine. Fill surge tank to 1/2" above COLD FULL mark as necessary.
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