GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Coolant Heater Replacement 3100

Removal Procedure

  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Disconnect the engine coolant heater cord from the engine coolant heater.
  4. Loosen the engine coolant heater bolt. Do not remove the engine coolant heater bolt.
  5. Remove the engine coolant heater.
  6. Clean the engine coolant heater opening.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 296172  Size: SH
  1. Coat the following components with the lubricant GM P/N 12345996 or the equivalent:
  2. • The engine block heater seal
    • The cleaned surface of the engine block heater hole
  3. Install the engine coolant heater. Position the engine coolant heater element at the 3 O'clock position (2), as shown.
  4. Final installed position between 2 O'clock (1) and 4 O'clock (3) is acceptable.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Tighten the engine coolant heater bolt.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the engine coolant heater bolt to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

  7. The engine coolant heater cord must not touch the engine , hot pipes, manifold, or any moving parts. Secure the engine coolant heater cord with tie straps as required.
  8. Connect the engine coolant heater cord to the engine coolant heater.

  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  11. Inspect for leaks.

Coolant Heater Replacement 3800

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 179497  Size: SH
  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Disconnect the engine coolant heater cord from the engine coolant heater.
  4. Loosen the engine coolant heater bolt. Do not remove the engine coolant heater bolt.
  5. Remove the engine coolant heater.
  6. Clean the engine coolant heater opening.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 179497  Size: SH
  1. Coat the following components with the lubricant GM P/N 12345996 or the equivalent:
  2. • The engine block heater seal
    • The cleaned surface of the engine block heater hole

    Object Number: 296180  Size: SH
  3. Install the engine coolant heater. Position the engine coolant heater element at the 9 O'clock position (2), as shown.
  4. Final installed position between 8 O'clock (1) and 10 O'clock (3) is acceptable.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  5. Tighten the engine coolant heater bolt until both locking wings draw tight against the inner wall of the engine block.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the engine coolant heater bolt to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

  7. The engine coolant heater cord must not touch the engine , hot pipes, manifold, or any moving parts. Secure the engine coolant heater cord with tie straps as required.
  8. Connect the engine coolant heater cord to the engine coolant heater.

  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. Fill the engine cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  11. Inspect for leaks.