Changing the radiator fluid

[FrankNY]

Just picked up a 2003 Alero with the 2.2. What is the easiest way to replace the anti-freeze/coolant in the radiator. On my 2.4 I just disconnect the radiator hose where it connects to the bottom of the radiator, but on the 2.2, the hoses connect at the center of the radiator (left & right sides). If I disconnect it there, half of the fluid will remain in the radiator.

[dbailey]

I have the 3.4 V6 but if your radiator has one of the weird looking drain plugs in the bottom driver's side corner, DO NOT try and screw it out! I destroyed mine not knowing that it actually only turns about a quarter of a turn and you pull on it and it pulls out enough to drain. Look REAL close at the side of it where it goes into the radiator and you will see the slot that it slides in. Hope this helps.

[FrankNY]

Originally Posted by dbailey

I have the 3.4 V6 but if your radiator has one of the weird looking drain plugs in the bottom driver's side corner, DO NOT try and screw it out! I destroyed mine not knowing that it actually only turns about a quarter of a turn and you pull on it and it pulls out enough to drain. Look REAL close at the side of it where it goes into the radiator and you will see the slot that it slides in. Hope this helps.

Thank you very much. It helped very much. Before I attemped to "unscrew" the drain plug, I purchased a new one, which has a better design, (made by Dorman). I took this long to thank you because I finally did the change yesterday.