Replace DexCool after 140k?

[jsnevets]

I've got a 2001 Grand Prix GTP with 140k miles and need to replace the coolant elbows. While I'm at it I figure I'll flush the system. The car has always run on Dex-Cool. Is there any reason to switch at this point?

Also, the how-to says the Prestone extended life is green. Guy at Autozone said its green ... guy at Checker said its yellow. Which is it? And what's the Prestone yellow stuff I read about online?

[BNaylor]

If you are having no issues with Dex-cool then stay with it. But you are at the limits if it is the original Dex-cool. Dexcool is only good for 5 years or 150K miles whichever comes first so you may be way overdue anyways. If you switch to the green and sometimes it looks yellow the Prestone extended life (5/150) anti-freeze works fine too but make sure you do a thorough flush of the cooling system first before switching. Good luck!

[jsnevets]

Thanks for the reply. The old coolant didn't look bad and there was only a little grit when I drained it. So I stuck with the Dex-cool.

I was going to remove the air deflector but didn't want to fuss with the retainers. Is there an easy way to get those out? I tried a trim pad removal tool but it wouldn't fit up in that tight space.

[BNaylor]

It should be a standard GM push pin fastener so the center section should pop out and then the complete fastener should remove. I use a screwdriver.