Changing coolant
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Joined: 10-30-06
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From: Tinker AFB, Oklahoma
Changing coolant
I've searched in the how to...and I haven't found another except for flushing the after cooler and heat exchanger. So I'm just wondering if someone can help me out and point me in the right direction. 
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Joined: 06-06-06
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From: O Fallon, MO
There is a petcock on the bottom corner of the passenger side on the radiator. If you turn the petcock and open the valve the coolant will drain out of the drain hole on the bottom passenger side of the radiator. Make sure you have a big bucket to catch the coolant in or you will be making a huge mess.
The proper way to fill the radiator is to take the upper radiator hose off and pour the coolant in until the radiator is full. Then replace the radiator hose and fill the overflow to the correct level. Start the car and let it run till it is hot and the fans kick on (should be about 220F ~ 230F). Turn the car off and let it cool, then top off the overflow bottle. You should be fine to drive the car at this point, but after heating up the car again you may need to top it off again so keep some coolant handy.
The proper way to fill the radiator is to take the upper radiator hose off and pour the coolant in until the radiator is full. Then replace the radiator hose and fill the overflow to the correct level. Start the car and let it run till it is hot and the fans kick on (should be about 220F ~ 230F). Turn the car off and let it cool, then top off the overflow bottle. You should be fine to drive the car at this point, but after heating up the car again you may need to top it off again so keep some coolant handy.
Straight from the manual:
Caution: 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.
Remove the surge tank cap.
Raise and support the vehicle.
Place a drain pan under the right side lower radiator mount.
Open the radiator drain ****.
Drain the cooling system.
If a complete block drain is required, place a drain pan under the water pump drain.
Remove the water pump drain plug (its a bolt at the bottom of the water pump, it faces the driver side of car. Its a bitch if youve got an auto.)
Drain the cooling system.
Filling Procedure
Notice: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.
Close the radiator drain **** by hand.
Install the water pump drain plug if removed during the draining process.
Tighten the plug to 22 Nˇm (16 lb in).
Lower the vehicle.
Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water. It is necessary to maintain the coolant level near the cold fill line on the surge tank to insure all the air has been purged from the cooling system.
Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and water to the cooling system until the coolant level reaches and maintains slightly above the cold fill line on the surge tank.
Install surge tank cap.
Start the engine.
Run the engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM for 3 minutes.
Allow the engine to idle for 30 seconds.
Shut the engine off.
Top off the coolant as necessary.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.
Caution: 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.
Remove the surge tank cap.
Raise and support the vehicle.
Place a drain pan under the right side lower radiator mount.
Open the radiator drain ****.
Drain the cooling system.
If a complete block drain is required, place a drain pan under the water pump drain.
Remove the water pump drain plug (its a bolt at the bottom of the water pump, it faces the driver side of car. Its a bitch if youve got an auto.)
Drain the cooling system.
Filling Procedure
Notice: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.
Close the radiator drain **** by hand.
Install the water pump drain plug if removed during the draining process.
Tighten the plug to 22 Nˇm (16 lb in).
Lower the vehicle.
Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water. It is necessary to maintain the coolant level near the cold fill line on the surge tank to insure all the air has been purged from the cooling system.
Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and water to the cooling system until the coolant level reaches and maintains slightly above the cold fill line on the surge tank.
Install surge tank cap.
Start the engine.
Run the engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM for 3 minutes.
Allow the engine to idle for 30 seconds.
Shut the engine off.
Top off the coolant as necessary.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.
Think of the cooling system just like the option B on a LSJ. (1 larger hose to keep the system filled and open for expansion and a smaller hose for bleeding air)
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Joined: 04-03-12
Posts: 90
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From: Texas
First of all, its about time the coolant was changed, assuming your 2005 has never been changed.
Also, please note the the lifespan of the Thermostat and the Coolant temperature sensor is about 5 years.
Since your going to drain your system, you may as well change those out at the same time, regardless of issues or not.
The coolant temperature sensor is about $15 online, also its the ACDelco brand, you can get a thermostat for about $20. Its an additional $35 on your bill, but will be well worth it later on.
As for flushing, yes recommended, this is what I would do;
Buy some radiator flush, get the new parts, thermostat and coolant temperature sensor and get your dex cool coolant.
Once done, drain the system and replace the thermostat and coolant temperature sensor. run water through the radiator until water is running clear from the drain plug (I actually run water through the place where the thermostat used to be too, for a complete clean, optional). Then, you can close the drain plug, and add the radiator flush, add water to the reservoir until it fills up. Run the car until it gets hot, once it cools down, check the level on the reservoir, add some more water if required. Drive the car for 50 - 100 miles. Once you get about 50 - 100 miles, drain the system out, add more water before sealing drain cap, once water is clear, seal the drain cap, then add your coolant. Let the engine heat up, then cool down, then add more coolant, if required.
Also, please note the the lifespan of the Thermostat and the Coolant temperature sensor is about 5 years.
Since your going to drain your system, you may as well change those out at the same time, regardless of issues or not.
The coolant temperature sensor is about $15 online, also its the ACDelco brand, you can get a thermostat for about $20. Its an additional $35 on your bill, but will be well worth it later on.
As for flushing, yes recommended, this is what I would do;
Buy some radiator flush, get the new parts, thermostat and coolant temperature sensor and get your dex cool coolant.
Once done, drain the system and replace the thermostat and coolant temperature sensor. run water through the radiator until water is running clear from the drain plug (I actually run water through the place where the thermostat used to be too, for a complete clean, optional). Then, you can close the drain plug, and add the radiator flush, add water to the reservoir until it fills up. Run the car until it gets hot, once it cools down, check the level on the reservoir, add some more water if required. Drive the car for 50 - 100 miles. Once you get about 50 - 100 miles, drain the system out, add more water before sealing drain cap, once water is clear, seal the drain cap, then add your coolant. Let the engine heat up, then cool down, then add more coolant, if required.
Senior Member
Joined: 01-08-11
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 0
From: north of milw, wi
First of all, its about time the coolant was changed, assuming your 2005 has never been changed.
Also, please note the the lifespan of the Thermostat and the Coolant temperature sensor is about 5 years.
Since your going to drain your system, you may as well change those out at the same time, regardless of issues or not.
The coolant temperature sensor is about $15 online, also its the ACDelco brand, you can get a thermostat for about $20. Its an additional $35 on your bill, but will be well worth it later on.
As for flushing, yes recommended, this is what I would do;
Buy some radiator flush, get the new parts, thermostat and coolant temperature sensor and get your dex cool coolant.
Once done, drain the system and replace the thermostat and coolant temperature sensor. run water through the radiator until water is running clear from the drain plug (I actually run water through the place where the thermostat used to be too, for a complete clean, optional). Then, you can close the drain plug, and add the radiator flush, add water to the reservoir until it fills up. Run the car until it gets hot, once it cools down, check the level on the reservoir, add some more water if required. Drive the car for 50 - 100 miles. Once you get about 50 - 100 miles, drain the system out, add more water before sealing drain cap, once water is clear, seal the drain cap, then add your coolant. Let the engine heat up, then cool down, then add more coolant, if required.
Also, please note the the lifespan of the Thermostat and the Coolant temperature sensor is about 5 years.
Since your going to drain your system, you may as well change those out at the same time, regardless of issues or not.
The coolant temperature sensor is about $15 online, also its the ACDelco brand, you can get a thermostat for about $20. Its an additional $35 on your bill, but will be well worth it later on.
As for flushing, yes recommended, this is what I would do;
Buy some radiator flush, get the new parts, thermostat and coolant temperature sensor and get your dex cool coolant.
Once done, drain the system and replace the thermostat and coolant temperature sensor. run water through the radiator until water is running clear from the drain plug (I actually run water through the place where the thermostat used to be too, for a complete clean, optional). Then, you can close the drain plug, and add the radiator flush, add water to the reservoir until it fills up. Run the car until it gets hot, once it cools down, check the level on the reservoir, add some more water if required. Drive the car for 50 - 100 miles. Once you get about 50 - 100 miles, drain the system out, add more water before sealing drain cap, once water is clear, seal the drain cap, then add your coolant. Let the engine heat up, then cool down, then add more coolant, if required.
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