How to Troubleshoot the Cooling System in a Chevy Impala

If the engine cooling system of your Chevy Impala starts to give you trouble, you don't need to run straight to the mechanic. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do, independently, to troubleshoot the engine cooling system.

Instructions

Park your Impala on a level surface.

Find the coolant recovery tank, located in the back of the engine compartment on the passenger side.

Look at the coolant recovery tank, to see if the coolant is boiling. If it is boiling, wait and allow it to cool before moving forward.

Verify the coolant level is at or above the word "cold," located on the side of the coolant recovery tank facing the engine.

Add a coolant mixture to your coolant recovery tank if the coolant level has dipped below the "cold" mark.

Start your Impala after you've checked and filled the coolant recovery tank.

Look to see if the you're still getting the overheat warning. If it's still there, locate your radiator pressure cap, which is towards the front of your engine compartment on the passenger side.

Turn the radiator pressure cap slowly in a counterclockwise direction. Stop turning it if you hear a hiss. Once the hiss stops, turn it again as you push down on the cap. Open the coolant air bleed valves.

Pour a 50/50 water and DEX-COOL mixture into the radiator. Leave the radiator pressure cap off. Close the bleed valves and clean up any coolant that may have spilled.

Fill the coolant recovery tank to the "cold" mark, if necessary, and put the cap back on the tank.

Start your engine and allow it to run until the upper radiator hose is hot to the touch. Replace the radiator pressure cap.

Look at your coolant recovery tank again. If the engine is hot, the coolant level should be at the "hot" mark. If the engine is cool, then it should be at the "cold" mark.