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Repair Instructions: Flushing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2020 Cadillac CT4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:

Dispose of the used engine coolant properly. Store the used coolant in a used coolant holding tank awaiting proper disposal or recycling. Do not pour used coolant down the drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a very toxic chemical. Disposal into the sewer system or into the ground water is both environmentally irresponsible and illegal.

NOTE:
  • When the cooling system becomes contaminated, the cooling system should be flushed thoroughly to remove the contaminants before the engine is seriously damaged.
  • This procedure is effective in removing contaminants caused by the use of improper coolants, coolant at the end of its life, or some liquid chemical flushing agents. This procedure is NOT effective for removing debris contamination caused by component failure, or the use of "stop leak" additives. When the system is contaminated by this type of debris, use the system flow diagrams to identify components that may need replacement to restore proper system flow.
  • Do not use chemical flush agents.
  • Store used coolant in the proper manner, such as in a used engine coolant holding tank. Do not pour used coolant down a drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a very toxic chemical. Do not dispose of coolant into the sewer system or ground water. This is illegal and ecologically unsound.
  • Various methods and equipment can be used to flush the cooling system. If special equipment is used, such as a back flusher, follow the manufacturer's instruction.

When the cooling system becomes contaminated, the cooling system should be flushed thoroughly to remove the contaminants before the engine is seriously damaged.

  1. Fully drain the cooling system. Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B Static Fill) Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B GE 47716) 
    GM5325063Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  2. Using the appropriate trim tool, remove the windshield wiper arm finish caps (1) from both windshield wiper arms (3).
  3. Windshield Wiper Arm Nut (2) - Remove [2x]
  4. Grasp the outer ends of the windshield wiper arms (3) and gently rock both arms back and forth to remove the windshield wiper arms (3) from the windshield wiper transmission pivot shafts.
    GM5417116Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  5. Apply two layers of masking tape on the body around the top edges of the air inlet grille panel extensions (1) to prevent paint damage.
  6. Using a suitable plastic trim tool, carefully release the air inlet grille panel extension (1) clips.
  7. Remove the air inlet grille panel extensions (1) from the air inlet grille panel and both upper front fenders.
    GM5421986Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  8. Remove the hood rear outer air inlet seal retainers (1) from both sides.
  9. Remove the hood rear outer air inlet seals (2) from both sides.
    GM5421990Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  10. Remove the front compartment side sight shield retainers (1) from both sides.
  11. Remove the front compartment side sight shields (2) from both sides.
    GM5417442Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  12. Air Inlet Grille Panel Retainer (1) - Remove [6x]
  13. Air Inlet Grille Panel (2) - Remove
  14. Disconnect the windshield washer nozzle hose from the windshield washer pump hose.
  15. Lift the front edge of the air inlet grille panel (2) and slide the panel forward from both hood hinges and remove.
    GM5420286Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  16. Windshield Wiper System Module Shield (1) - Remove
    NOTE:

    To prevent erroneous DTC's, disconnect the battery negative cable before disconnecting the windshield wiper motor electrical connector.

  17. Disconnect the battery negative cable. Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
    GM5420344Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  18. Disconnect the windshield wiper motor electrical connector.
  19. Windshield Wiper System Module Bolt (1) - Remove [2x]
  20. Slide the windshield wiper system module (2) inboard to release the grommet from the plenum and remove the windshield wiper system module (2) from the vehicle.
    GM5499581Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  21. Air Inlet Deflector Water Deflector Retainer (1) - Remove [2x]
    GM5499583Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  22. Air Inlet Deflector Water Deflector (1) - Remove
    GM5422039Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  23. Plenum Front Panel Nut (1) - Remove [3x]
  24. Plenum Front Panel Bolt (2) - Remove [3x]
  25. Disconnect the electrical connector.
  26. Pull the forward lamp wiring harness extension (3) out from the plenum front panel.
    GM5422041Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  27. Plenum Front Panel Bolt (1) - Remove [4x]
  28. Plenum Front Panel Nut (2) - Remove [3x]
  29. Disconnect the electrical connector.
  30. Pull the forward lamp wiring harness extension (3) out from the plenum front panel, if equipped.
    GM5422044Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  31. Plenum Front Panel (1) - Remove
    GM5423999Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  32. Radiator Surge Tank Inlet Hose Clamp (1) - Disengage - Hose Clamp Replacement Guidelines - Spring Type 
  33. Radiator Surge Tank Inlet Hose (2) @ Radiator Surge Tank - Remove
  34. Heater Outlet Hose Clamp (3) - Disengage - Hose Clamp Replacement Guidelines - Spring Type 
  35. Heater Outlet Hose (4) @ Radiator Surge Tank - Remove
    GM5583760Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  36. Radiator Surge Tank Nut (1) - Remove
  37. Clip (2) @ Front Wheelhouse Panel Extension - Remove
    GM5583761Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  38. Radiator Surge Tank (1) - Remove
  39. Clean and flush the radiator surge tank with clean, drinkable water.
    GM5583761Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  40. Radiator Surge Tank (1) - Install
    GM5583760Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  41. Clip (2) @ Front Wheelhouse Panel Extension - Install
    CAUTION:

    Refer to Fastener Caution .

  42. Radiator Surge Tank Nut (1) - Install and tighten
    GM5423999Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  43. Heater Outlet Hose (4) @ Radiator Surge Tank - Install
  44. Heater Outlet Hose Clamp (3) - Engage - Hose Clamp Replacement Guidelines - Spring Type 
  45. Radiator Surge Tank Inlet Hose (2) @ Radiator Surge Tank - Install
  46. Radiator Surge Tank Inlet Hose Clamp (1) - Engage - Hose Clamp Replacement Guidelines - Spring Type 
    GM5422044Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  47. Plenum Front Panel (1) - Install
    GM5422041Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  48. Plenum Front Panel Bolt (1) - Install and tighten [4x] - Fastener Specifications
  49. Plenum Front Panel Nut (2) - Install and tighten [3x] - Fastener Specifications
  50. Install the forward lamp wiring harness extension (3) into the plenum front panel, if equipped.
  51. Connect the electrical connector.
    GM5422039Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  52. Plenum Front Panel Nut (1) - Install and tighten [3x] - Fastener Specifications
  53. Plenum Front Panel Bolt (2) - Install and tighten [3x] - Fastener Specifications
  54. Install the forward lamp wiring harness extension (3) into the plenum front panel.
  55. Connect the electrical connector.
    GM5499583Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  56. Air Inlet Deflector Water Deflector (1) - Install
    GM5499581Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  57. Air Inlet Deflector Water Deflector Retainer (1) - Install [2x]
    GM5420344Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  58. Install the windshield wiper system module (2) in the vehicle.
  59. Windshield Wiper System Module Bolt (1) - Install and tighten [2x] - Fastener Specifications
  60. Connect the windshield wiper motor electrical connector.
  61. Connect the battery negative cable. Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection
    GM5420286Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  62. Windshield Wiper System Module Shield (1) - Install
    GM5417442Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  63. Air Inlet Grille Panel (2) - Install
  64. Install the air inlet grille panel (2) between both hood hinges.
  65. Connect the windshield washer nozzle hose to the windshield washer pump hose.
  66. Air Inlet Grille Panel Retainer (1) - Install [6x]
    GM5421990Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  67. Install the front compartment side sight shields (2) to both sides.
  68. Install the front compartment side sight shield retainers (1) to both sides.
    GM5421986Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  69. Install the hood rear outer air inlet seals (2) to both sides.
  70. Install the hood rear outer air inlet seal retainers (1) to both sides.
    GM5417116Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  71. Install the air inlet grille panel extensions (1).
  72. Remove the masking tape from the body around the top edges of the air inlet grille panel extensions (1).
  73. Using a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and clean drinkable water with a clean towel, remove any left over adhesive residue from the masking tape.
    GM5325063Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  74. Clean the windshield wiper transmission pivot shaft splines with a soft wire brush before installing the windshield wiper arms (3).
  75. Position the windshield wiper arms (3) on the windshield wiper transmission pivot shafts.
  76. Windshield Wiper Arm Nut (2) - Install and tighten [2x] - Fastener Specifications
  77. Windshield Wiper Arm Finish Cap (1) - Install [2x]
    GM5416557Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
  78. If required, realign the windshield wipers to their respective alignment circles (1) on the windshield.
  79. Lubricate the windshield with clean washer fluid.
  80. Run the windshield wipers for two complete cycles then turn off the windshield wipers.
  81. Ensure the windshield wipers are in the full park position.
  82. Inspect the windshield wipers for proper position to the alignment circles (1) on the windshield.
  83. Follow the drain and fill procedure using only clean, drinkable water. Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B Static Fill) Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B GE 47716) 
  84. Run the engine for 20 minutes.
  85. Stop the engine.
  86. Drain the cooling system. Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B Static Fill) Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B GE 47716) 
  87. Repeat the procedure if necessary, until the fluid is nearly colorless.
    NOTE:

    Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL® antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.

  88. Fill the cooling system to the proper level. Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B Static Fill) Cooling System Draining and Filling (L3B GE 47716) 
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