2004 CHEVROLET IMPALA radiator cap

{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the radiator
pressure cap — even a little — they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the radiator pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system and
radiator pressure cap to cool if you ever have
to turn the pressure cap.
5-39

How to Add Coolant to the Radiator
Notice:Your engine has a specic radiator ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause your engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
The radiator pressure cap is located in the front of the
engine compartment near the diagonal cross brace
on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12.1. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise until
it rst stops. (Don’t press down while turning the
pressure cap.)
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap, but now push
down as you turn it. Remove the pressure cap.
5-40

5. Fill the radiator with the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture, up to the base of the ller neck.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-29
If you see a stream of coolant coming from an
air bleed valve, close the valve. Otherwise,
close the valves after the radiator is lled.
6. Rinse or wipe any spilled coolant from the engine
and the compartment.7. If you have the 3800 V6 engine, replace the
3800 Series II V6 engine cover shield.
7.1. Remove the oil ll tube, with cap attached,
from the valve cover.
7.2. Insert the catch tab on the cover shield
under the bracket on the engine.
7.3. Place the hole in the cover shield over the
hole in the valve cover. Install oil ll tube and
cap by twisting clockwise.
8. Then ll the coolant recovery tank to the COLD mark.
9. Put the cap back on the coolant recovery tank,
but leave the radiator pressure cap off.
5-43

10. Start the engine and let it run until you can feel the
upper radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fans.
11. By this time, the coolant level inside the radiator
ller neck may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper DEX-COOL
®coolant mixture
through the ller neck until the level reaches
the base of the ller neck.12. Then replace the pressure cap. At any time during
this procedure if coolant begins to ow out of the
ller neck, reinstall the pressure cap. Be sure
the arrow on the pressure cap lines up like this.
13. Check the coolant in the recovery tank. The level in
the coolant recovery tank should be at the HOT
mark when the engine is hot or at the COLD mark
when the engine is cold.
5-44

of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all hinges
and latches, including those for the body doors,
hood, secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release
pawl, rear compartment, glove box door, console
door and any folding seat hardware. More frequent
lubrication may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
lter may require replacement more often.(h)Change automatic transaxle uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-29for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)Check throttle system for interference or binding and
for damaged or missing parts. Replace parts as
needed. Replace any components that have high effort
or excessive wear. Do not lubricate accelerator or
cruise control cables.
(k)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
(l)For supercharged engines only: Check the
supercharger oil level and add the proper supercharger
oil as needed (or every 36 months, whichever occurs
rst). See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-12.
6-8

P
Parade Dimming.............................................3-18
Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-27
Shifting Out of............................................2-30
Parking
Brake........................................................2-26
Over Things That Burn.................................2-30
Parking on Hills..............................................4-42
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-25
Passenger’s Side Instrument Panel Fuse Block....5-106
Passing.................................................4-13, 4-41
Passlock
®......................................................2-16
Plan Ahead When Possible................................ 7-8
Playing a Cassette Tape..........................3-65, 3-87
Playing a CD.........................................3-76, 3-90
Playing the Radio...........................3-58, 3-69, 3-79
Power
Accessory Outlets........................................3-19
Door Locks.................................................. 2-9
Electrical System.......................................5-103
Six-Way Seats.............................................. 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-45
Windows....................................................2-14
Power Steering...............................................4-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-10
Programmable Modes..............................2-10, 2-44
Programming the HomeLink
®Transmitter...........2-38
Q
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.........1-13
R
Radiator Pressure Cap....................................5-32
Radio Data System (RDS)...............3-57, 3-68, 3-78
Radio Messages.............................3-62, 3-73, 3-84
Radios..........................................................3-56
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player................3-94
Care of Your CD Player...............................3-96
Care of Your CDs........................................3-96
Radio with Cassette.....................................3-57
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-78
Radio with CD............................................3-68
Setting the Time..........................................3-56
Theft-Deterrent............................................3-92
Understanding Reception..............................3-94
RDS Messages..............................3-61, 3-72, 3-83
Reading Lamps..............................................3-18
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides......................1-28
Rear Seat Passenger Positions.........................1-24
Rear Seat Passengers, Safety Belts..................1-24
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-42
Rear Window Defogger....................................3-23
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming..................2-34
11