Fix Coolant Leaks: 1996 GMC C1500 Sierra SL 5.0L V8 Extended Cab Pickup (2 Door)

GMC C1500 Model Years - 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

1. Getting Started - Prepare for the repair

2. Set Up Paper - Position paper and mark wheels

3. Assess Leak - How to determine if the leaking fluid is coolant

4. Open the Hood - How to pop the hood and prop it open

Car Displayed: 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.7L V8 info

5. Find Reservoir - Locate the coolant reservoir and clean it

Car Displayed: 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.7L V8 info

6. Check Level - Determine the coolant level

Car Displayed: 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.7L V8 info

7. Fix Minor Leaks - Easy way to tackle minor coolant leaks

8. Replace Cap - Secure the coolant reservoir cap

Car Displayed: 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.7L V8 info

9. More Info. - Additional information on minor coolant leaks

Author

Hans Angermeier is an ASE certified Maintenance and Light Repair Technician and has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road. Over the past 10 years, Hans has been focused on building CarCareKiosk, which is visited by millions of drivers each month.

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Video Description

Follow the steps in this video to see how to fix minor coolant (antifreeze) leaks in your 1996 GMC C1500. Leaking coolant / antifreeze is one of the more common types of leaking fluid from C1500 engines. Engine coolant (which is also called antifreeze or anti-freeze) moves through the inside of your C1500 engine and keeps it from overheating. Coolant / antifreeze can leak from the reservoir, radiator or any hose, in 1996 C1500 with the 5.0 liter engine. However, a coolant leak (aka an antifreeze leak) is most likely to occur where the hoses connect to the engine or radiator. Otherwise, your C1500 may have a radiator leak. This video shows you where the coolant reservoir, hoses and connections on your 1996 C1500 Sierra SL are located and the steps needed to fix minor leaks.

A few things to note about coolant is that it is sweet tasting and highly toxic, so it can end up in the dog's stomach pretty quickly. If you ignore a small coolant leak long enough, you will run out of coolant, which leads to an overheated engine and other serious, but highly avoidable, problems. An anti-freeze leak can cause the temp sensor to record high engine temperatures in a 1996 GMC C1500. Always protect yourself with safety glasses and gloves when working with the coolant on your C1500.

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