Do you have to bleed the coolant system when changing the antifreeze in a 1995 Pontiac Grand Am (2.3L). I replaced the antifreeze with basically equal parts of antifreeze and water through the surge tank; however, the "low coolant amount" light came on. I do not see any place for it to be bled so I do not think there are air pockets in the radiator. Do I just need to run the car for awhile so that it gets hot (I did do this for 20 minutes)

Luis Rondon

• 56 Answers
• Posted on Nov 19, 2008

SOURCE: 1999 Pontiac Grand Am Overheating

It is probably the problem. To make shure that need to change the gaskets, one of the symptoms use to be thet the temp rises when you are running at speed 50+ average, where is supposed that the car gets a lot of air due by the speed and nobody thinks that will be overheated.

SOURCE: 1999 Pontiac Grand Am Overheating

I had the same problem on my 1999 Pontiac GA 3.4 litre. Replaced a bunch of stuff. It just kept pushing the coolant out the overflow once the temp got to 200 + like to drove me nuts. Ended up being that reservoir. If you measure the O.D. of the cap(brand new cap) and the I.D. of the reservoir filler neck there is no way it will seal(even tried to fit a different type cap,no luck). The system has to be able to build pressure or the coolant will boil out at 212. Causing the coolant to be pushed out the reservoir. Why? you say or How? did the filler neck increase in size. I dont know but GM has write ups about this problem. They say sand it with a piece of sandpaper to smooth it. Maybe someone sanded it way to much?? Around $40 bucks and I was on my way. Hope this helps someone.

SOURCE: 98 Pontiac Grand Prix Overheating

YOU NEED TO REPLACE THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. ALSO, YOU WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING FLAW. THE PLASTIC INTAKE CRACKS CAUSING AN INTERNAL COOLANT LEAK. YOU CAN RESEARCH THIS ON LINE.

SOURCE: looking for procedure to properly bleed an audi A4

You didn't say what year the car is or what other diagnostics you've done lately...My guess is the radiator core is plugged...If you want to tackle it yourself, buy a Chiltons repair manual at AutoZone or NAPA stores ($25). I suspect you'll have to order the manual.
Good Luck

SOURCE: Do I need to bleed the system after replacing the radiator cap?

Definitely recommended - Process is fairly simple, let the vehicle idle and/or reach normal operating temperature - turn the"bleed screw" slightly open and note as the air bubbles escapes from the screw. Also make sure the radiator is topped up with sufficient coolant. Funny enough, the mechanic should have taken care of this process after replacing the thermostat....