How to Drain the Cooling System on a 1996 Chevy Truck

The 1996 Chevrolet truck series radiators include a drain plug on the passenger side of the radiator, at the bottom. When you replace your radiator or need to change the coolant, the radiator drain plug gives you an outlet to drain the existing coolant. Use a large drain pan to collect the coolant and deliver it to an auto parts retailer that accepts it free of charge for recycling.

Things You'll Need

• Drain pan
• Wrench set

Instructions

1. Park the truck on level ground. Wait for the engine to cool.

2. Open the hood and remove the radiator cap. Turn the cap counterclockwise to remove it. Place a drain pan under the radiator drain plug on the bottom passenger side of the radiator.

3. Open the radiator plug with a wrench. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the plug until coolant flows from the radiator. Tighten the plug after the coolant flow stops.

4. Add a 50-50 blend of coolant and water to the radiator before operating the vehicle. Running the engine without coolant can cause costly damage.

References

• "1996 Chevrolet Silverado Factory Service Manual"; General Motors Corporation; 1995