Cooling System Draining and Filling Static Fill

Tools Required

J 26568 Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester

Caution: 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 coolant pressure cap.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
3. Place a drain pan under the drain cock.
4. Remove the radiator drain cock.



5. Drain the cooling system.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Inspect the coolant.
8. Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant.

•	Normal in appearance--Follow the filling procedure.

•	Discolored--Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Flushing .

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

1. Raise and support the vehicle.

Important: Inspect the drain cock O-ring for signs of cracks or damage. Replace if necessary.

2. Lubricate the drain cock O-ring with clean coolant prior to installation.




Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

3. Install the radiator drain cock.

Tighten
Tighten the radiator drain cock to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

4. Lower the vehicle.

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

5. Slowly fill the surge tank with a 50/50 coolant mixture until the coolant level reaches the base of the surge tank fill neck. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities .




Important: Monitor the surge tank coolant level closely. The surge tank coolant level will begin to decrease once the engine is started.

6. Start the engine and allow to the engine to idle.

Allow the engine to idle for approximately 4 minutes.

7. Slowly fill the coolant mixture until the level stabilizes at the base of the surge tank fill neck.
8. Run the engine between 2,000-2,500 RPM for approximately 2 minutes.
9. Allow engine to idle and add approximately 1 liter (1.1 quarts) of coolant to the surge tank.
10. Install the coolant pressure cap.
11. Shut the engine OFF.
12. Allow the engine to cool.
13. Top off the coolant as necessary.
14. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant using the J 26568 .
15. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.
16. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.