How to Flush the Radiator in a Pontiac Grand Am

The radiator is an integral part of the coolant system of the Pontiac Grand Am. To ensure that the radiator operates correctly, an owner should flush it regularly. Flushing the radiator every other year helps keep the radiator free of dirt and debris. To flush a radiator doesn't require an in-depth knowledge of auto mechanics, just follow a few easy steps.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled water
• Coolant
• Gloves
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Bucket
• Sealable container

Instructions

1. Move the Pontiac Grand Am to a relatively flat area and set the parking brake.

2. Open the hood and check the external temperature of the radiator. If the radiator is warm to the touch, wait until it is cool before you continue.

3. Twist the radiator cap one full turn and wait for the internal pressure to expel. Then, completely remove the cap from the radiator. Be extremely careful when working around the radiator, because the coolant can burn your skin.

4. Place a bucket underneath the radiator and below the drain plug. The bucket should have a capacity of at least two gallons. On some models of the Pontiac Grand Am, there is no drain plug. In this case, you will need to remove the lower radiator hose and use this to drain the radiator.

5. Loosen the drain plug or remove the radiator hose to begin draining the old coolant. Once it finishes draining, pour the old coolant into a sealable container for proper disposal.

6. Close the drain plug or radiator hose and fill the radiator with distilled water. Then, open the drain plug or radiator hose to let the water drain into the bucket. Keep repeating this process until it runs debris free out the radiator and into the drain bucket. Be sure to close the drain plug or replace the hose and dispose of the flush in the same manner as the used coolant.

7. Pour fresh coolant into the radiator of the Pontiac Grand Am until it is about an inch from overflowing. Be sure to check the drain plug and radiator hoses for any leakage. It takes 3 or 4 gallons of coolant to refill the radiator depending on the car's model.

8. Start the Pontiac Grand Am and turn the heating fan to high. Allow it to run like this until the cooling fan turns on twice. Then, switch off the engine and check the coolant level. If it is lower than before, add more coolant to the radiator. If not, put the radiator cap on and close the hood.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to wear work gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to prevent any injuries.