Cooling System: Service and Repair

ENGINE COOLANT REPLACEMENT

WARNING
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.

1. Drain the water from the radiator, heater core and engine after unplugging the radiator drain plug and removing the radiator cap.











2. Drain the water in the water jacket by unplugging the drain plug of the cylinder block.
3. Remove the radiator condenser tank assembly and drain the coolant.
4. Drain the coolant then clean the path of the coolant by injecting water into the radiator from the radiator cap area.








5. Apply the designated sealant to the screw area of the cylinder block drain plug, and then tighten to the standard torque.
Specified sealant: 3M(TM) AAD Part No.8731 or equivalent
Tightening torque:
[2.4L Engine] 44 ± 5 Nm (33 ± 3 ft-lb)
[3.8L Engine] 39 ± 5 Nm (29 ± 3 ft-lb)
6. Securely tighten the radiator drain plug.
7. Assemble the radiator condenser tank assembly.

CAUTION
Do not use alcohol or methanol anti-freeze or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol anti-freeze. The use of an proper 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 degrees C (-32.8 degrees F)].
Recommended antifreeze: Long Life Antifreeze
Coolant or an equivalent
Quantity:
2.4L Engine
^ [M/T] 8.8 dm3 (9.3 quarts)
^ [A/T] 8.7 dm3 (9.2 quarts)
3.8L Engine
^ [M/T] 8.1 dm3 (8.6 quarts)
^ [A/T] 8.0 dm3 (8.5 quarts)

NOTE: For how to use special tool MB991871, refer to its manufacturer's instructions.

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, stop the engine.
12. Remove the radiator cap after the engine has cooled, and pour in coolant up to the brim. Reinstall the cap.

CAUTION
Do not overfill the radiator condenser tank assembly.

13. Add coolant to the radiator condenser tank assembly between the "F" and "L" mark if necessary.