Draining, Filling and Bleeding

Special Tools:

Draining

WARNING: Do not open the cooling system while it is hot or engine is running.

CAUTION: The coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If the coolant is contaminated it must be recycled or disposed of correctly.

Note: About 80% of the coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.

1. Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the radiator cap one half to one turn counterclockwise to the first stop on the filler neck. When the pressure has been released, remove the radiator cap.
2. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. Drain the coolant.
3. Close the radiator draincock when finished.

Filling
1. Install the radiator and reconnect all radiator hoses and transmission oil cooler lines (if equipped).
2. Fill the radiator through the radiator cap opening. Close the cap when full.
3. Fill the radiator coolant recovery reservoir to the cold fill line.
4. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
5. Turn off the engine and allow the cooling system to cool. Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the radiator cap one half to one turn counterclockwise to the first stop on the filler neck. When the pressure has been released, remove the radiator cap. Add more coolant mixture (with the correct 50/50 ethylene glycol and water mixture) to the radiator until full.
6. Add more coolant mixture to the radiator coolant recovery reservoir until the level reaches the cold fill line.
7. Repeat Steps 2 through 6 as necessary.

Bleeding
1. Bleed the cooling system as follows:
- Select the maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position the control to discharge air from the A/C vents to the instrument panel.

WARNING: Do not stand in line with or near the engine cooling fan blade when revving the engine.

Start the engine and allow it to idle. While the engine is idling, feel for hot air from the A/C vents.

CAUTION: If the air discharge remains cool and the engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, the engine coolant level is low in the engine and must be filled. Stop the engine, allow it to cool and fill the cooling system.

Start the engine and allow it to, idle until the normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from the A/C vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose should feel hot to the touch.
- Shut the engine off and allow it to cool.
- Check the engine for coolant leaks.
- Check the engine coolant level in the radiator coolant recovery reservoir and fill it as necessary.