Cooling System Bleeding

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Cadillac Seville and 2003 Cadillac DeVille. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: DO NOT add cold water to the cooling system with the engine at or above operating temperature. Adding cold water causes rapid cooling, resulting in possible engine damage. When adding coolant, it is important that you use GM Goodwrench Dex-Cool® or Havoline® Dex-Cool® coolant. If coolant other than Dex-Cool® or Havoline® Dex-Cool® is added to the system, the engine coolant will require change sooner; at 30,000 miles or 24 months.

CAUTION: This engine uses Dex-Cool® and GM Coolant Supplement Sealant (3634621) specifically designed for use in aluminum engines. Failure to use the engine coolant supplement (sealant) and the approved coolant antifreeze could result in major engine damage. When refilling the cooling system (if system was completely drained), add three pellets of the engine coolant supplement sealant to the lower radiator hose. DO NOT use a solution stronger than 70 percent antifreeze. Pure antifreeze can freeze at -8°F (-22°C).

NOTE: Recover and store used coolant in a used coolant holding tank and submit the used coolant for recycling on a regular basis. DO NOT pour used coolant down the drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is very toxic. Disposing of ethylene glycol into the sewer system or ground water is both illegal and ecologically unsound.

CAUTION: Avoid spilling coolant mixture on engine parts. Coolant may cause undue corrosion. If coolant is spilled during procedure, rinse area with clean water.

NOTE: This engine is not equipped with block drains, 2 Qts. (2.5 L) of residual coolant remains in the engine block.

Ensure the radiator drain cock is closed. Install the front air deflector. Install the push in retainers in order to secure the front air deflector to the vehicle. Refill the cooling system. In order to ensure sufficient engine cooling, freezing and corrosion protection, maintain the protection level at -34°F (-37°C) or lower. Start the engine. Place the heater and A/C control in any A/C mode except Max and the temperature in the highest setting. Allow the engine to continue idling until the lower radiator-to-water pump hose is hot. Turn OFF the engine. Allow the engine to cool to outside temperature. Ensure the coolant level in the surge tank is at the proper level.