The following
technical tips provide repair information about specific conditions on a
variety of vehicles. If you have a tough or unusual service repair, the TSS
Technical Assistance Hot Line can help. Call 1-800-825-5886, prompt #2, to speak with a technical expert with
the latest OEM information.
Aluminum
Heater Core and Radiator Replacement
2005 and prior GM passenger
cars and light-duty trucks
It may be necessary to replace
an aluminum heater core, radiator or water pump due to erosion, corrosion or
insufficient inhibitor levels in the coolant. A coolant check should be
performed when replacing these components in order to verify proper coolant
effectiveness.
Verify coolant concentration
using a refractometer. A 50% coolant/water solution ensures proper freeze and
corrosion protection. The refractometer uses a minimal amount of coolant that
can be taken from the coolant reservoir, radiator or engine block. If the concentration
is below 50%, the cooling system should be flushed.
In addition, verify that no
electrolysis is present in the cooling system using a digital voltmeter. The
electrolysis test can be performed before or after system repairs. Electrolysis
is often an intermittent condition that occurs when a device or accessory that
is mounted to the radiator is energized. This type of current could be caused
by a poorly grounded cooling fan or other accessory and can be verified by
watching the voltmeter while turning on/off various accessories or engaging the
starter motor.
Follow the flushing
procedures outlined in the Service Information for vehicles using DEX-COOL®
coolant and for vehicles using conventional silicate coolant.
Do not mix the OEM orange
colored DEX-COOL coolant with green colored conventional coolant. Some GM
vehicles, such as the 2004-2005 Chevrolet Aveo use a blue colored conventional
coolant.
Engine
Mount Replacement
2004-2007 Cadillac CTS with
3.6L (LY7) or 2.8L (LP1) engine
When replacing the engine
mounts for any reason, follow these steps to prepare and install the new mount.
The
new part does not include the exhaust heat shield which must be re-used.
Follow the appropriate Engine
Mount Replacement procedure in SI to remove the old mount from the vehicle.
Once the mount is removed,
mark the hole location of the alignment pin on the mount heat shield. (Fig. 14, A)
Using a suitable tool, remove
the retaining spring nut from the top of the mount heat shield and discard the
old mount. (Fig. 14, B)
Prepare the replacement mount
by cutting the lower locating pin off using a die grinder and cutting wheel. (Fig. 15, A)
Align the marked hole on the
heat shield with the top alignment pin on the replacement mount. (Fig. 15, B)
Follow the appropriate Engine
Mount Replacement procedure in the Service Information to install the new mount
with heat shield into the vehicle.
Verify
that the heat shield is properly located on the mount.
A
retaining spring nut is not required.
Ignition
Lock Cylinder
2008-2009 Cadillac CTS (built
prior to VIN breakpoint 90163371), 2005-2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (built prior to
April 14, 2009), 2006-2009 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice (built prior to
April 14, 2009), 2007-2009 Chevrolet Equinox (built prior to July 2008),
2007-2009 Pontiac G5 (built prior to April 14, 2009) and Pontiac Torrent (built
prior to July 2008), 2006-2009 Saturn SKY (built prior to April 24, 2009) --
with an automatic transmission only
Technicians may experience
some difficulty installing the new style ignition lock cylinder on these models.
Before installing the new
cylinder, carefully inspect the housing for debris or damage from the old lock
cylinder.
No tools are required for
installing the new lock cylinder. When installing into the housing, ensure that
the lock cylinder is fully seated to ensure it latches into position.
Do not use the old style lock
cylinder that is still used on a manual transmission-equipped vehicle on a
vehicle with an automatic transmission; the original binding condition will
likely return.
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