Using Static Fill

Cooling System Draining and Filling (LLT Static Fill)

Special Tools

J 26568 - Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester

Draining Procedure

Warning

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 intake manifold cover. Refer to Intake Manifold Cover Replacement - Front (Intake Manifold Cover Replacement - Front).
2. Remove the coolant pressure cap from the coolant filler neck.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
4. Place a clean drain pan under the radiator drain cock.
5. Loosen the radiator drain cock.
6. Drain the cooling system.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Inspect the coolant.
9. 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 (Flushing).

10. Tighten the radiator drain cock.
11. Lower the vehicle.

Filling Procedure

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

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

1. Slowly fill the coolant filler neck with a 50/50 coolant mixture until the coolant level is just below the top of the coolant filler neck. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities. Specifications
2. Allow 30 seconds for the coolant level to stabilize and continue to fill the coolant filler neck until the level stabilizes for at least 2 minutes.
3. Start the engine and allow to the engine to idle in PARK or NEUTRAL with the parking brake engaged.
4. Slowly fill the coolant mixture until the level stabilizes just below the top of the coolant filler neck.
5. Install the coolant pressure cap.
6. Raise the engine RPM to 2500 rpm for 30-40 seconds.
7. Shut the engine OFF.
8. Allow the engine to cool, remove coolant pressure cap and repeat steps 4-10 until the coolant level has completely stabilized within the coolant fill neck.
9. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle until it reaches normal operating temperature.
10. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to cool.
11. Remove the coolant pressure cap.
12. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant using the J 26568 - Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester
13. Install the coolant pressure cap.
14. Inspect and if necessary, fill the coolant reservoir bottle as necessary.
15. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment
16. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
17. Install the intake manifold cover. Refer to Intake Manifold Cover Replacement - Front (Intake Manifold Cover Replacement - Front).