Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill LNF) (2.0L)

Draining Procedure





Warning

To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.

1. Remove the surge tank cap.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
3. Place a drain pan under the right side lower radiator mount.




4. Open the radiator drain cock.
5. Drain the cooling system.




6. If a complete block drain is required, place a drain pan under the water pump drain.
7. Remove the water pump drain plug (1).
8. Drain the cooling system.
9. Inspect the appearance of the engine coolant for discoloration:

* Discolored-Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Coolant System Flushing (Service and Repair).
* Normal in appearance-Follow the filling procedure.

Filling Procedure

Caution: The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant level could result in a low or high coolant level condition, causing engine damage.






1. Close the radiator drain cock by hand.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

2. Install the water pump drain plug (1) if removed during the draining process. Tighten the plug to 22 Nm (16 lb in).
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Remove the radiator inlet hose. Refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (LE5, L61) (Service and Repair)Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (LNF) (Service and Repair).

Note: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water. It is necessary to maintain the coolant level near the cold fill line on the surge tank to insure all the air has been purged from the cooling system.

5. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and deionized water to the engine through the upper radiator hose. Add at least 2 liters (2.1 quarts) or until the engine is full.
6. Install the radiator inlet hose. Refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (LE5, L61) (Service and Repair)Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (LNF) (Service and Repair).




7. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and deionized water to the cooling system surge tank until the coolant reaches and maintains a level 12-18 mm (1/2-3/4 inch) above the cold fill line on the surge tank. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities (Service Intervals).
8. Install surge tank cap.
9. Start the engine.
10. Watch the coolant temperature on the driver information center. Shut the engine off if the reading exceeds 110°C (230°F).
11. Run the engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM for 3 minutes.
12. Allow the engine to idle for 30 seconds.
13. Shut the engine off. Wait 5 minutes.
14. Top off the coolant as necessary 12-18 mm (1/2-3/4 inch) above the cold fill line on the surge tank.
15. Install surge tank cap.
16. Start the engine.
17. Watch the coolant temperature on the driver information center. Shut the engine off it the reading exceeds 110°C (230°F).
18. Turn the HVAC fan on high & HVAC temperature to hot. The heater should now provide continuous hot air. If it does, continue. If not, return to step 5.
19. Idle for 5 min.
20. Shut the engine OFF. Wait 5 minutes.
21. Top off the coolant as necessary to 12-18 mm (1/2-3/4 inch) above the cold fill line on the surge tank.
22. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
23. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment
24. Inspect and top off coolant for the next two heat cycles.