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Engine Cooling System: Maintenance Saturn ION I

Cooling System (Mechanical) ~393 words

Draining Procedure

  1. Remove the surge tank cap.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-196965-S31699626272005101000000) in General Information.
  3. Place a drain pan under the right side lower radiator mount.
  4. Open the radiator drain cock.
  5. Drain the cooling system.
  6. If a complete block drain is required, place a drain pan under the water pump drain.
  7. Remove the water pump drain plug (1).
  8. Drain the cooling system.
  9. Inspect the appearance of the engine coolant for discoloration: Discolored - Follow the flush procedure. Refer to «Coolant System Flushing»(ref-196980-S17193407942005101000000) . Normal in appearance - Follow the filling procedure.
  1. Remove the surge tank cap.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-196965-S31699626272005101000000) in General Information.
  3. Place a drain pan under the right side of the lower radiator mount.
  4. Open the radiator drain cock.
  5. Drain the cooling system.
  6. If a complete block drain is required, place a drain pan under the water pump drain.
  7. Remove the water pump drain plug (1).
  8. Drain the cooling system.
  9. Inspect the appearance of the engine coolant for discoloration: Discolored - Follow the flush procedure. Refer to «Coolant System Flushing»(ref-196980-S17193407942005101000000) . Normal in appearance - Follow the filling procedure.
  1. Remove the cap from the charge air cooler reservoir.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-196965-S31699626272005101000000) in General Information.
  3. Place a drain pan under the charge air cooler radiator.
  4. Using GE-47622 , reposition the inlet hose clamp at the auxiliary water pump.
  5. Remove the inlet hose from the auxiliary water pump and allow the cooling system to drain.
  6. Inspect the appearance of the engine coolant for discoloration: Discolored - Follow the flush procedure. Refer to «Coolant System Flushing»(ref-196980-S17193407942005101000000) . Normal in appearance - Follow the filling procedure.

Coolant System Flushing

IMPORTANTDo not use a chemical flush. Store used coolant in the proper manner, such as in a used engine coolant holding tank. Do not pour used coolant down a drain. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is a very toxic chemical. Do not dispose of coolant into the sewer system or ground water. This is illegal and ecologically unsound. Various methods and equipment can be used to flush the cooling system. If special equipment is used, such as a back flusher, follow the manufacturer's instruction. However, always remove the thermostat before back flushing the system.
  1. Block the drive wheels.
  2. Place the transmission in park (P) or neutral (N).
  3. Engage the park brake.
  4. Run the engine until the thermostat opens.
  5. Stop the engine.
  6. Follow the drain and fill procedure using only clean drinkable water. Repeat the procedure if necessary, until the fluid is nearly colorless. Refer to «Draining and Filling Cooling System (2.2L (L61))»(ref-196980-S29591727012005101000000) or «Draining and Filling Cooling System (2.0L (LSJ))»(ref-196980-S13609934402005101000000) .
  7. Fill the coolant reservoir to the FULL COLD mark.
  8. Fill the cooling system. Refer to «Draining and Filling Cooling System (2.2L (L61))»(ref-196980-S29591727012005101000000) or «Draining and Filling Cooling System (2.0L (LSJ))»(ref-196980-S13609934402005101000000) .

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