Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static)

Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static LAF)

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 coolant pressure cap from the radiator surge tank.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
3. Place a drain pan under the drain cock.




4. Loosen the radiator drain cock.
5. Drain the cooling system.
6. If a complete block drain is required, place a drain pan under the water pump drain.




7. Remove the water pump drain plug.
8. Drain the cooling system.
9. Inspect the coolant.
10. 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).

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.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

1. Tighten the radiator drain cock to 2 Nm (18 lb in).




2. Install the water pump drain plug and tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb in) if removed during the draining process.
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Remove radiator inlet hose at the engine. Refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (LAF) (Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement)Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (LF1 or LFW) (Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement)

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

5. Slowly add mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water to the engine and radiator. Fill the cooling system as indicated below:

* When the engine block is not drained, add 1.75 liters (1.85 qts) to the radiator through the radiator inlet hose.
* When the engine block is drained, add 2.0 liters (2.1 qts) to the engine, then add 1.75 liters (1.85 qts) to the radiator through the radiator inlet hose.

6. Install the radiator inlet hose at the engine. Refer to Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (LAF) (Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement)Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement (LF1 or LFW) (Radiator Inlet Hose Replacement)
7. Slowly add mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water to the surge tank until the coolant level reaches the base of the radiator surge tank. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities ([1][2]Maintenance)
8. Start the engine and check for leaks.
9. Run the engine and cycle the vehicle from idle to 3,000 RPM in 30 second intervals until the engine cooling fan comes ON, the engine cooling fan turns ON at approximately 102°C (216°F). Repeat this process twice before the engine is turned OFF.
10. Return the engine to idle, and idle for 30 seconds, then turn the engine OFF.
11. Allow the vehicle to cool, before adding additional coolant.

Note: The level in the surge tank will return into the cold fill range once the vehicle cools.

12. Add additional coolant to the surge tank until the level is approximately 13 mm (0.5 in) above the surge tank seam.
13. Install the coolant surge tank cap.