Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Cooling System Draining and Filling (2.4L LE5 Only)

Important: The 2.0L LNF MUST only use the GE-47716 method.




Draining Procedure






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 surge tank cap (1).
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair) .
3. Place a drain pan under the right side lower radiator mount.




4. Open 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 appearance of the engine coolant for discoloration:

* Discolored-Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Flushing (Service and Repair) .
* Normal in appearance-Follow the filling procedure.




Filling Procedure


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





1. Close the radiator drain cock by hand.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice (Fastener Notice) .

2. Install the water pump drain plug if removed during the draining process.

Tighten the plug to 22 N.m (16 lb ft).

3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Disconnect the coolant level sensor electrical connector.




5. Remove and discard the surge tank retainer (2).
6. Loosen surge tank nut (3).
7. Raise and support surge tank approximately 350 mm (13.75 in) above the surge tank bracket.

Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water. It is necessary to maintain the coolant level near the cold fill line on the surge tank to ensure all the air has been purged from the cooling system.


8. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and deionized water to the cooling system until the coolant level reaches and maintains slightly above the cold fill line on the surge tank. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities (Capacity Specifications) .
9. Position the surge tank back on the surge tank bracket.
10. Install a new surge tank retainer (2).
11. Install the surge tank nut (3).

Tighten the nut to 9 N.m (80 lb in).

12. Connect the coolant level sensor electrical connector.

Important: If the coolant level falls below the "Full Cold" mark within 10 minutes of starting the engine, add coolant to "Full Cold" mark.


13. Start the engine and idle.
14. Install surge tank cap (1).
15. Run the engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM for 3 minutes.
16. Allow the engine to idle for 30 seconds.
17. Shut the engine off.
18. Top off the coolant as necessary.
19. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
20. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.