Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill-LNF)

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.

Note: Draining the cooling system with the pressure cap installed will syphon the coolant from the overflow tank.




1. Remove the pressure cap (1) from the radiator fill tube.
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 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 (Coolant System Flushing).
* 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 if removed during the draining process (1).

Tighten the drain plug to 22 Nm (16 lb ft).

3. Lower the vehicle.

Note: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water.

4. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water to the cooling system until the coolant level reaches the top of the radiator fill tube and stabilizes.
5. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water to the overflow bottle until the level reaches the specified mark.
6. Start the engine.




7. Install the pressure cap (1).
8. Run the engine at idle for 5 minutes in PARK (P) (Automatic) or NEUTRAL (N) (Manual) with the parking brake on.
9. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool and the system pressure to decrease.
10. Remove the surge tank cap (1).
11. Add coolant to the cooling system until the level reaches the top of the radiator fill tube stabilizes.
12. Install the surge tank cap (1).
13. Run the engine at idle for an additional 5 minutes.
14. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
15. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
16. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.