Cooling System - Fluid Level Checking Procedure
INFORMATIONBulletin No.: 09-06-02-005
Date: April 28, 2009
Subject: Engine Coolant Level Checking Procedure for V6 Engines
Models:
2006-2009 Chevrolet Impala
Equipped With Engine RPOs LZ4, LZE, LZ8, LZG or LGD
Please Refer to GMVIS
The engine coolant reservoir can give a false impression of the actual coolant level due to improper inspection and/or difficulty viewing the level through the coolant reservoir bottle. Staining and discoloration of the reservoir may cause an incorrect reading of the actual coolant level. To ensure an accurate check of the coolant level, follow the suggested procedure in this bulletin to determine the correct coolant reservoir level.
Coolant Level Checking Procedure
1. Locate the coolant reservoir bottle in the RH rear of the engine compartment (1).
2. Locate the molded line on the reservoir that indicates COLD FULL level (1). Mark the molded line with a permanent marker to facilitate future coolant level checks.
3. A stained or discolored reservoir may give a false impression of the actual coolant level. To ensure an accurate check of the level, remove the reservoir lid and shine a flashlight or trouble light into the coolant reservoir's opening. Verify that the actual coolant level coincides with the apparent coolant level that is viewed from outside the reservoir. (Correction of the reservoir coolant level will be addressed in Steps 5 and 6 below.)
- If the coolant level in the reservoir is below the COLD FULL line, it will be necessary to check the coolant level in the engine. Proceed to Step 4.
- If the coolant level in the reservoir is at or above the COLD FULL line, proceed to Step 5.
Warning
The engine must be cold before performing the next step.
4. Locate and remove the coolant pressure cap, being careful not to drip coolant onto the engine accessory drive belt. Coolant level in the engine filler neck must be full to the top. Add coolant as necessary. Use only a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL coolant and clean potable water.
Clean any residue found on the pressure relief valve of the cap and the engine filler neck. If the coolant level in the filler neck was low, perform a pressure check on the cap to confirm proper operation. Install the coolant pressure cap.
5. If the coolant reservoir is sufficiently stained to prevent accurate visual fluid level checks (Step 3), it must be removed and cleaned or replaced before proceeding. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement in SI.
6. Set the coolant level in the reservoir as follows:
- If the coolant level in the engine filler neck (Step 4) had to be topped off, fill the reservoir to a level approximately 40 mm (1.57 in) above the COLD FULL line. (This additional quantity of coolant is to replace trapped air that will be purged from the cooling system during subsequent thermal cycles.) Use only a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL coolant and clean potable water.
- If the coolant level in the reservoir was found to be at or above COLD FULL line (Step 3) and the reservoir bottle was removed for cleaning or replacement, fill the reservoir to the COLD FULL line. Use only a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL coolant and clean potable water.
- If the coolant level in the reservoir was found to be at or above the COLD FULL line (Step 3) and the reservoir was NOT removed for cleaning or replacement, the reservoir level is adequate. No further action is needed.
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