Draining and Topping Up Coolant

Note: After filling the cooling system, vent the system and check for leaks, refer to Cooling System, Service and Repair.

Drain Coolant

Warning!
Danger of scalding!
Only perform this work after engine has cooled down.

Recycling
Catch and dispose of drained coolant. Observe country-specific waste-disposal regulations.





If necessary, remove expansion tank





If necessary, remove front underbody protection.
Unscrew drain plug at bottom of radiator.

Installation:
Replace seal.
Tightening Torque, refer to Cooling System, Specifications, Mechanical.
Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.





Unfasten drain plug on engine block.

Installation:
Replace seal.
Tightening Torque, refer to Cooling System, Specifications, Mechanical.
Drain, catch and dispose of coolant.
Top up coolant.





Slacken vent plug (2) on expansion tank.





Also unfasten additional vent screw.
On cars with latent heat accumulators, do not turn on ignition when filling cooling system.
Follow venting procedure specified in Heating and Air Conditioning.





Note:
Before filling:
- Switch on ignition.
- Set heater control to maximum temperature.
- Set blower to low setting. This opens the heating valves and sets the auxiliary water pump in operation.

Perform filling operation slowly.
Fill up expansion tank fully and wait until bubble-free coolant
emerges from vent point. Close vent plugs.

Note: Use only recommended coolant.