The 1998 Pontiac Sunfire base model is powered by a liquid-cooled 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Any time service is performed on the engine cooling system, air pockets can form during the filling process that can hamper the circulation of the engine coolant. When there is air in the cooling system, the heater may not blow warm air or the engine may overheat, causing damage. The 2.2-liter engine has an air bleed valve on the heater return hose, located just below the ignition coil pack on the left side of the engine.
Instructions
- 1
Lift the vehicle hood and support it with the hood prop rod. Allow the engine to cool completely before proceeding.
2Turn the coolant pressure cap a quarter turn, and wait for the hissing noise to dissipate. Remove the coolant pressure cap.
3Locate the air bleeder valve on the heater return hose on the left side of the engine.
4Turn the air bleeder valve counterclockwise with the line wrench. Slowly pour fresh DEXCOOL coolant into the neck for the coolant pressure cap. When a steady stream of coolant pours from the vacuum hose in the drain pan, tighten the air bleeder valve.
5Top off the cooling system to the "Full" mark with the fresh DEXCOOL coolant. Install the coolant pressure cap. Remove the vacuum hose from the bleeder valve. Pour the coolant from the drain pan into the gallon container of DEXCOOL, and store it in a safe place.
