Coolant: Service and Repair

ENGINE COOLANT (CHANGE)
Check the cooling system parts such as the radiator, heater and oil cooler hoses, thermostat and their connections for leakage and damage.

CHANGING COOLANT





1. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position, and then rotate the heater control to the "MAX HOT" position.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the "LOCK" (OFF) position.
3. Raise the vehicle at the front with a floor jack.

CAUTION: When removing the radiator cap, use care to avoid contact with hot coolant or steam. Place a shop towel over the cap and turn the cap counterclockwise a little to let the pressure escape through the vinyl tube. After relieving the steam pressure, remove the cap by slowly turning it counterclockwise.





4. Remove the radiator cap, radiator drain plug and if equipped engine coolant drain plug to drain the coolant.
5. Remove the reserve tank and drain the coolant.
6. After completely draining the coolant, reinstall the drain plugs and flush the engine and radiator using a radiator cleaning fluid.
7. After the flushing is completed, completely drain the cleaning fluid and install the radiator and engine drain plugs.





CAUTION: Do not use alcohol or methanol anti-freeze or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol anti-freeze. The use of an improper anti-freeze can cause corrosion of the aluminum components.

8. By referring to the section on coolant, select an appropriate concentration for safe operating temperature within the range of 30 to 60 %. Use special tool MB991871 to refill the coolant. A convenient mixture is a 50 % water and 50 % antifreeze solution [freezing point: -31°C (-32.8°F)].
Recommended antifreeze: Long Life Antifreeze Coolant or an equivalent Quantity:
[2.4L Engine] 7.0 dm3 (7.4 quarts)
[3.0L Engine] 8.0 dm3 (8.5 quarts)
9. Reinstall the radiator cap.
10. Start the engine and let it warm up until the thermostat opens.
11. After repeatedly revving the engine up to 3,000 r/min several times, then stop the engine.
12. Remove the radiator cap after the engine has become cold, and pour in coolant up to the brim. Reinstall the cap.

CAUTION: Do not overfill the reserve tank.

13. Add coolant to the reserve tank between the "FULL" and "LOW' mark if necessary.