How to Check for Cooling System Leaks in a Pontiac Grand Am

Iskandar Blogger 9:07 PM

To keep your Pontiac Grand Am operating at peak efficiency, you must perform periodic inspections for leaks in the cooling system. If you can catch a leak in the early stages, it can save you money on the repair bills after the engine overheats and fails. Checking for leaks in the cooling system is relatively simple and doesn't require an in-depth knowledge of auto mechanics.

Instructions

    1

    Move the Pontiac Grand Am from its traditional parking space and check the area underneath for signs of a coolant leak. If you can make this a habit each time you leave the driveway, it's an easy way to spot a potential leak.

    2

    Open the hood of the Pontiac Grand Am and inspect the water pump and the gasket seal for potential leaks. The water pump is behind the engine fan and the gasket seal secures the water pump's connection to the engine block. Look for any corrosion, discoloration or fresh leaks, which indicates a leaky cooling system.

    3

    Use a flashlight to examine the radiator thoroughly for any leaks. Be sure to check the underside of the radiator for potential damage from normal wear and tear as rocks and road debris may harm the bottom of the radiator. Check the coolant reservoir tanks for leaks, as well. Again, look for corrosion, discoloration or fresh coolant on the radiator as a sign of leakage.

    4

    Inspect the cooling system hoses that connect the radiator to the engine and the engine to the heater core. Examine the hoses for bulging, cracking and splitting, which is usually a sign of leakage. Also, check each of these areas for discoloration, corrosion and fresh leaks. If you can't find any signs of damage on the hoses, but there are signs of leaking, it could be a pinhole or pinch leak that only appears after running the engine.

    5

    Check the external temperature of the radiator and if it's cool to the touch, remove the radiator cap. If not, wait for the radiator to cool before you continue. Be sure to remove the radiator cap with caution, as the internal pressure can cause the radiator to erupt and burn anyone in the area.

    6

    Fill the radiator with fresh coolant until it's within an inch from overflowing. Then, start the Pontiac Grand Am, turn the heater to high and let it run like this for about 15 minutes.

    7

    Shut the engine off to inspect the auto parts mentioned in the previous steps. If you still can't find any leaks, then it's most likely an internal leak. In that case, your best option is to visit a cooling system specialist for further diagnostics.