One of the first things you're going to need to know is where the radiator drain plug is located. That just so happens to be one of the most popular questions in the Taurus / Sable categories.
It is to found in the same spot it's been for years - the problem is, on 1996 and newer models there is a plastic panel that hides it from casual inspection.
See "Related Questions" below for a few ideas on how to remove it, avoid having to keep removing it in the future and a whole lot more.
Cooling System- Drain and Fill
Ensure that the engine is completely cool prior to starting this service.
Plastic petcocks easily bind. Before opening a plastic radiator petcock, spray it with some penetrating lubricant.
Locate the drain plug. It should be on the drivers side of the radiator. You have to remove the splash guard. Use a 6mm ratchet and remove 4 bolts and just slide the splash guard away from the front end. The drain plug on our 99 Sable is white, but clearly visible when you move the splash guard out of the way. Drain the coolant into a pan and keep away from animals! Dispose of properly. Close the plug and fill the radiator with water and circulate by running the engine with the heat on. You can use a radiator flush solution that you can get at any parts place for a few dollars. Run the car for at least 30 minutes, or drive at least 30 miles. Drain the radiator again, and then close the plug and add your coolant. Make sure to close the plug when you are done!
I let it drain from the rad pipe that goes to water pump, then re-fill it at the large tub on fender wall near alternator.
Change the head gasket.
go to http://www.motorvate.ca/mvp.php/502
To change the antifreeze on a 2003 Alero once the car cools remove that radiator pressure cap. Pour in a gallon of pre mixed coolant.
The corrosion protection package in the antifreeze does " wear out " so if you do not change the antifreeze / preferably distilled water mix the coolant mix will become acidic and not provide the corrosion protection that is required
Take a look here: http://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/coolant
Drain coolant. Refill with correct water anti freeze mix
To change coolant on a Toyota Corolla, place a bucket under the radiator. Open the radiator drain valve and remove the radiator cap. When all antifreeze drains out, close the drain valve. Then refill with fresh antifreeze and replace the radiator cap.
change your antifreeze fill cap.
I have a 91 Ford escort that has two caps. one is on the radiator itself and one next to it that says coolant only. how do I know where the antifreeze goes? does a mixture of coolant and water go in the radiator or does only water go in radiator and coolant in the other one? I have never seen an engine with this. could you help explain it?
you should have a petcock valve on the bottom of the radiator. beware. do not use automobile antifreeze in a motorcycle. it contains silicone that will wear your water pump. make sure to use motorcycle antifreeze or silicone free automotive. Try this link out. It's got pictures and directions to help you with the coolant change. http://users.zoominternet.net/~capronem/Coolant%20change.htm
The GM vehicles use the DexCool anti-freeze. There is a replacement type of antifreeze that can be used in GM vehicles but you cannot mix them with the DexCool. To change to another type of antifreeze the cooling system should be completely flushed of the old coolant. I would advise keeping the same coolant as the manufacturer provides
In 1997, the factory coolant system fluid type was GM DEXCOOL. "Supposedly," this anti-freeze/coolant was rated at 5 years or 100,000 miles. Some people change it sooner. If your antifreeze is pinkish-orange, it is probably DEXCOOL. Hope this helps.