Cooling System: Service and Repair

DRAIN

With the engine off and sufficiently cool, place heater temperature control at the maximum heat position, remove radiator cap, open draincock and allow coolant to drain. A 3/8 inch (9.5mm) hose should be attached to the draincock to direct coolant into a suitable container.

REFILL

1. Install block drain plug, if removed, and close draincock. With engine off, add 50 percent of total coolant system capacity with specified coolant concentrate to radiator. Then, add water until it reaches the radiator fill neck seat.

total coolant capacity 8.3 quarts (7.9 liters)

On 2.5L engines, remove vent plug on water connection outlet.

CAUTION: Less than 30 percent, approximately 2.1 quarts (2 liters) coolant concentrate (4~F (-16~C) freezing point) may cause engine corrosion and overheating. The vent plug must be removed before radiator fill or the engine may not fill completely. Do not turn plastic cap under vent plug or the gasket may be damaged. Do not try to add coolant through vent plug hole. Install vent plug after filling radiator and before starting engine.

2. Install radiator cap to first notch to keep spillage to a minimum.
3. Start and idle engine until upper radiator hose is warm. (This indicates thermostat is open and coolant is flowing through entire system).
4. Remove cap carefully and top off radiator with water.
5. Install cap on radiator securely.
6. Fill coolant recovery reservoir to FULL COLD mark with specified coolant concentrate, then add water to FULL HOT mark. This will ensure a proper mixture in coolant recovery bottle.
7. Check for leaks at draincock, block plug and vent plug on 2.5L engines.