System Care

CAUTION: Under some conditions, the ethylene glycol in engine coolant is combustible. To help avoid being burned, do not spill antifreeze or coolant on the exhaust system or hot engine parts. Do not remove the radiator cap when the radiator is warm. Removing the cap immediately lowers the boiling point of the coolant, and could cause a violent overflow, resulting in a large coolant loss and personal injury.

Every twelve months the cooling system should be serviced as follows:
1. Wash radiator cap with clean water.
2. Check for proper Engine Coolant Level (ECL) and freeze protection.
3. Pressure test the system and radiator cap for proper pressure holding capacity: 90 kPa (12.8 psi) above normal atmospheric pressure. If a replacement cap is required, use the proper cap specified for this vehicle.
4. Check hose clamps for tightness and inspect all hoses. Replace cracked, swollen or deteriorated hoses.
5. Clean the front of the radiator and A/C condenser (if so equipped).





6. Make sure the ear of the radiator cap is aligned with the coolant recovery reservoir hose. If not turn the cap to align.
7. Every two years or 48 000 kilometers (30,000 miles), whichever comes first, the cooling system should be drained and refilled.

CAUTION: If recommended quality antifreeze (GM specification #1 825-M or equivalent) is used, supplemental inhibitors or additives claiming to provide increased cooling capability are not necessary. They may in fact be detrimental to the efficient operation of the system, and represent an unnecessary operating expense.