How to Drain Fill and Bleed Radiator 2003-07 Cadillac CTS
Created on: 2016-08-02
Learn how to drain and refill the coolant properly. Follow along with our experts and learn to DIY
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step 1 :Removing the Splash Shield
- Raise and support the vehicle
- Pry the plastic clips out of the splash shield
- Remove the remaining clips with pliers
- Pull down the splash shield
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step 2 :Draining the Coolant
- Have a drain pan ready
- Loosen the radiator hose clamp with pliers
- Pull back the radiator hose clamp
- Disconnect the radiator hose
- Allow the coolant to drain
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step 3 :Installing the Splash Shield
- Connect the radiator hose
- Slide on the radiator hose clamp with pliers
- Lift the splash shield into place
- Insert the clips into the splash shield
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step 4 :Refilling the Coolant
- Twist off the coolant tank cap
- Add coolant to the tank using a funnel
- Twist on the coolant tank cap
- Allow the engine to run for 2 minutes occasionally revving to 3,500 rpms
- Repeat this step, while checking the temperature gauge
Tools needed
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Funnel
Flat Blade Screwdriver
Jack Stands
Drain Pan
Slip-Joint Pliers
Floor Jack
Anti-Freeze
Wire Cutters
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Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.
In this video, we're going to show you how to drain, refill, and properly bleed the cooling system on a 2005 Cadillac CTS. The items you'll need are a flathead screwdriver, pliers and side cutters, a drain bucket, a funnel, some 50/50 Dexcool antifreeze, a jack and jack stands.
We're removing this under body pan in order to gain access to the space between the back of the radiator and the front of the engine. You'll need a flat blade screwdriver to remove these clips. Our vehicle is missing some so you may find that you have more or some in places that we don't. Our vehicle also has a different style clip: two here and one on each side at the back of the pan. These can also be removed with a flat blade screwdriver but I find it's easier to carefully grab them with a pair of pliers. You don't want to pull on them too tight because you can crush them. If you get a good grip they pull out pretty easily. Once all the clips are removed, pull down and back to remove the pan.
On the bottom driver's side of the radiator, we have the lower radiator hose. This particular vehicle does not have a drain plug on the radiator, so we're going to place our drain bucket under here. Use a pair of pliers to slide the clamp back and out of the way. We had to lower the vehicle to get closer to the drain bucket. Now we're going to carefully pry the hose back off of the radiator and allow it to drain into the pan.
Reinstall the lower radiator hose. Use a pair of sliding lock pliers to open up the clamp. Reinstall it onto the end of the hose.
Reinstall the lower windage tray. Secure it with the plastic clips you removed and the thicker clips in the front.
Install a clean funnel into the expansion tank and fill with the 50/50 mix of distilled water and orange Dexcool coolant. Reinstall the expansion tank cap and allow the engine to run for 2 minutes occasionally revving to 3,500 rpms. After 2 minutes shut the vehicle down and allow it to cool. We'll repeat this process several times to remove any air bubbles from the cooling system. Be sure to always monitor your temperature gauge and make sure that it does not start running over the normal operating temperature. Otherwise you'll have to shut down the vehicle before the two minutes is up.
Thanks for tuning in. We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.
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