Ridding your coolant system of air pockets.

As freezing weather approaches, it can be extremely annoying if your first gen Equinox develops bubbles or an air pocket in the coolant system leaving you without heat. First, make sure that there are no leaks in your system, and the following procedure well help:

You will need a 7mm socket, and, at least a 1 gallon water bottle or jug, or a hose.

Make sure the vehicle is cooled before proceeding. Take note that there are some slightly dangerous steps to overcome certain obstacles, so, please, make sure you are comfortable with working with your vehicle's coolant system before proceeding... Most common cause of this issue could be either recent replacement of the water pump or the thermostat. Make sure it is a cool day before proceeding as well. Entire procedure can take up to 2 hours:

1: With the 7mm socket, unscrew the air bleed screw located on the water pump tower on the front left of the engine.

2: remove the cap and add water or coolant to the reservoir with the screw removed. Pay attention and make sure that the coolant shoots out of the bleed screw hole at a steady pace to the adding of water or coolant to the tank.

3: Reclose the bleed screw and reservoir, and, start the engine along with turning the heat all the way up. Let it get to operating temp (usually one fan cycle).

4: Again, with the 7mm, while the engine is running, carefully and slowly unscrew the air bleed screw, but, do not remove the screw completely. Just until you see a stream of coolant coming out of the side hole.

These next steps are important and should help you determine, and get rid of an air-pocket if one is caught in your vehicle's system...

5: After the stream calms down, you should see a steady dribble with air bubbles. If you do not see these bubbles, and/or you have been waiting for 15 minutes with no change in temperature coming out of the vents, do the following all with the engine running:

a. Very, Very carefully and slowly remove the reservoir tank lid, then reclose the air bleed screw. Allow all the bubbles to come out and reclose the lid.

b. (This is to prevent damage to your engine) Very slowly and carefully unscrew the air bleed screw. At this point, you may only get a steady stream of steam. Let it continue for 15 to 20 minutes. (Caution: Temp may slightly rise above normal, and, cause fans to run on high, and you may hear slight bumping and clicking in both the reservoir and heater core).

c. After 15 - 20 minutes after the bumping and clicking has stopped, reclose the bleed screw, and turn the vehicle off. Allow engine to cool.

d. Add coolant to coolant/water reservoir. It may take the entire gallon.

e. Close the reservoir lid, and start the engine.

f. Wait until operating temperature is reached, then, carefully and slowly unscrew the air bleed screw and wait until the stream calms down. Now you should have the dribble and bubbles.

6: The vents in the vehicle should now start getting warm.

7: Once the cabin temperature reaches 80 degrees, check the air bleed screw. The bubbles should be almost completely calm.

8: Re-tighten the air bleed screw, and shut the vehicle off. Once cooled, refill as necessary and heat should work as normal.

I hope this helps some experiencing this painful issue.