Installing antifreeze in the radiator of the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity is a good first step in learning to do your own car maintenance. Check your antifreeze level regularly, particularly if your vehicle has high mileage or is showing signs of wear. It is better to use 100% antifreeze rather than an antifreeze/water mixture in very cold or very hot climates, or if your vehicle is tending to run hot. GM advises against using cooling additives.
Tools Used: Antifreeze meeting GM Specification 1825-M, Cloth or paper towels
Install Antifreeze in Radiator
Find a safe and level spot to park while you install antifreeze. Do not park where leaking antifreeze can drain away into sewers or puddles.
Check the coolant level when the engine is cold by inspecting the see-through coolant overflow tank. Notice the marks on the tank for "ADD" and "FULL." The coolant should show around the "ADD" mark when the engine is cold. When the engine is warm the coolant level should be close to the "FULL" mark.
Loosen and remove the radiator cap. The cap has a middle position that allows hot liquid and steam to escape without erupting and causing injury. Always move the cap to this middle position first before fully removing.
Fill the radiator with antifreeze to the base of the radiator filler neck. Fill the overflow tank to the "FULL" mark.
Leave the radiator cap off and start the engine. Allow it to idle until the upper radiator hose becomes hot. A hot upper radiator hose tells you the engine thermostat has opened and is working properly.
The fluid level should have dropped slightly from the base of the filler neck. Install more antifreeze to the base of the filler neck while the engine is idling. Put the radiator cap back on. The arrows on the cap must point to the tube leading to the overflow tank.
Turn off the engine and look for leaks in the hoses or from the radiator. Tighten the drain and drain plugs if you flushed or repaired the radiator.
Tips & Warnings
Antifreeze must meet the engine specifications for the 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity.
Some mechanics recommend using 100% coolant for engines with high mileage or vehicles experiencing above average cooling needs.
A coolant tester is an inexpensive way to check the freezing protection on your 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity.
The 1989 Chevrolet Celebrity is equivalent to the Oldsmobile Ciera, Cutlass Cruiser and Pontiac 6000 for the purposes of installing antifreeze.
Coolant in an overheated engine will easily burn your skin. Always allow the engine to cool sufficiently before removing the radiator cap.
Cover the radiator cap with a large towel or heavy cloth before loosening the radiator cap if the engine is hot. This will prevent coolant from erupting under pressure and causing burns.
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