How to Change the Engine Coolant in a 2001 Cavalier
General Motors recommends inspecting the coolant in your 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier periodically for contamination. The coolant helps to transfer heat from the engine block and into the radiator, where flowing air dissipates most of the heat. If the coolant becomes contaminated or remains in the system too long, it loses its ability to protect the engine. Extend the service life of your engine by regularly changing the coolant in your Cavalier.
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Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- 2 jack stands
- Ratchet
- Short ratchet extension
- Socket
- Large drain pan
- Rib-joint pliers
- Wrench
- 6 quarts of undiluted ethylene glycol antifreeze
- 6 quarts of distilled water
- Clean container
- Small funnel
Instructions
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Draining the Cooling System
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1
Wait for the engine to cool down at least an hour if it has just been driven.
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2
Take the cap off the coolant recovery tank, which is connected to the radiator by a hose.
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3
Raise the front of your Cavalier with a floor jack and support it on jack stands. Take the splash shield from under the engine with a ratchet, short ratchet extension and socket.
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4
Slide a large drain pan under the vehicle, right below the right radiator tank on the driver's side. Open the radiator drain plug by hand and let the coolant drain completely. The drain plug is at the bottom-front of the right tank. When finished, close the drain plug.
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5
Slide the drain pan under the lower radiator hose, where it connects to the engine block. Slide the clamp securing the hose to the engine block with a pair of rib-joint pliers. Disconnect the hose and let the coolant drain. Reconnect the radiator hose, secure it with the clamp using the rib-joint pliers and remove the drain pan.
Refilling the Cooling System
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6
Replace the splash shield with the ratchet, short ratchet extension and socket. Remove the jack stands and lower your Cavalier with the floor jack.
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7
Unfasten and remove the bleed screw on top of the thermostat housing with a wrench. The housing connects to the upper radiator hose on the engine side.
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8
Mix 6 quarts of new, undiluted ethylene glycol antifreeze with 6 quarts of distilled water in a clean container and pour the mixture in the recovery tank with a small funnel until the level reaches the MAX line on the recovery tank. Replace the bleed screw on the thermostat housing when you see a stream of coolant without bubbles flowing through the bleed hole.
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9
Start the engine and let it idle until it reaches operating temperature. The coolant level on the recovery tank will go down. Add coolant to the tank up to the "Max" line, turn off the engine and replace the cap on the recovery tank.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Store the used coolant into a closed container in a safe place away from kids and pets for later recycling. If you did not use all of the new coolant mixture, store it in a close and safe container, properly labeled, so that you can use it later as needed.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
