Cooling System Bleeding

2004 Oldsmobile Bravada AWDSECTION Cooling System Bleeding
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2002 GMC Envoy XL, 2002 GMC Envoy, and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION: DO NOT remove radiator cap when radiator is warm. Removing cap immediately lowers boiling point of coolant and could cause a violent overflow, resulting in large coolant loss and personal injury.

Place a large funnel in radiator filler neck. Pour one-half of cooling system capacity of DEX-COOL® coolant into radiator. Fill remaining capacity with clean, drinkable water to 0.5" (13 mm) below radiator filler neck. Start engine and let cooling system warm up. If coolant level drops when thermostat opens, add clean drinkable water to just below filler neck. Install radiator cap and top off reservoir. Check for leaks.

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.