Chevrolet Cobalt Service & Repair Manual: Coolant Drain, Flush & Refill

Chevrolet Cobalt Service & Repair Manual / Air Conditioning & Heater / Component Replacement & Adjustment / Coolant Drain, Flush & Refill

Warning: To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.
1. Remove surge tank cap.
2. Raise and support vehicle.
3. Place a drain pan under righthand side lower radiator mount.
4. Open radiator drain cock.
5. Drain cooling system.
6. If a complete block drain is required, place a drain pan under water pump drain.
7. Remove water pump drain plug.
8. Drain cooling system.
9. Inspect appearance of engine coolant for discoloration.
10. Flush cooling system with clean, drinkable water.
11. Close radiator drain cock by hand.
12. Install water pump drain plug if removed during the draining process.
13. Torque drain plug to 16 ft. lbs.
14. Lower vehicle.
15. Remove radiator inlet hose.
16. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and deionized water to engine through upper radiator hose. Add at least 2.1 quarts or until engine is full.
17. Install radiator inlet hose.
18. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and deionized water to cooling system surge tank until coolant reaches and maintains a level 1/2-3/4 inch above cold fill line on surge tank.
19. Install surge tank cap.
20. Start engine.
21. Watch coolant temperature on driver information center. Shut engine off if reading exceeds 230°F.
22. Run engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM for 3 minutes.
23. Allow engine to idle for 30 seconds.
24. Shut engine off. Wait 5 minutes.
25. Top off coolant as required 1/2-3/4 inch above cold fill line on surge tank.
26. Install surge tank cap.
27. Start engine.
28. Watch coolant temperature on driver information center. Shut engine off if reading exceeds 230°F.
29. Turn HVAC fan on high and HVAC temperature to hot. Heater should now provide continuous hot air. If it does, continue. If not, return to step 16.
30. Idle for 5 minutes.
31. Top off coolant as required to 1/2-3/4 inch above cold fill line on surge tank.
32. Inspect cooling system for leaks.
33. Rinse away any excess coolant from engine and engine compartment.
34. Inspect and top off coolant for next two heat cycles.
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