Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Engine Coolant Check and Replacement

ENGINE COOLANT CHECK AND REPLACEMENT

COOLANT LEVEL
The engine coolant level can be checked at engine coolant surge tank. The coolant level should be checked when system is cool and not under pressure. The coolant level should be at the cold line (surge tank seam) on coolant tank. If coolant level is low, check for system leaks, and then slowly open coolant surge tank cap. Add coolant until level reaches the Cold line (surge tank seam).

COOLANT QUALITY
Inspect quality of coolant. There should not be any rust deposits, scale, or oil in surge tank or on coolant cap. If coolant is excessively dirty, cooling system should be flushed and cap replaced.

DRAINING COOLANT

CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN COOLANT CAP WHILE COOLING SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE.





1. Remove coolant cap from coolant surge tank.

CAUTION: MAKE SURE VEHICLE IS PROPERLY SUPPORTED AND SQUARELY POSITIONED. TO HELP AVOID PERSONAL INJURY WHEN A VEHICLE IS ON A HOIST, PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE VEHICLE ON THE OPPOSITE END FROM WHICH COMPONENTS ARE BEING REMOVED.

2. Raise vehicle.





3. Remove lower cradle splash shield fasteners and remove.





IMPORTANT: Failure to use a drain hose will result in uncontrolled coolant flow direction.

4. Slide a pliable piece of hose with an inside diameter of 3/8" over radiator drain tube.

IMPORTANT: A 7.6 L (8 quarts) coolant container will be needed.

5. Route hose rearward and down to an approved coolant container.

NOTICE: Open the drain valve 1 - 2 turns only.

6. Use a flat blade screwdriver or a pliers to open radiator drain valve and drain coolant.
Approximately 3.5 L (4 quarts) of coolant can be drained from radiator. Additional coolant will remain in some cooling system components.
7. When completely drained, close coolant drain valve and remove drain hose.





8. Install lower cradle splash shield and fasteners.
Torque:
Lower Cradle Splash Shield Fasteners: 5 Nm (44 inch lbs.)

COOLANT REPLACEMENT

IMPORTANT: Vehicle must be level when filling cooling system.
1. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL- antifreeze and clean water to coolant surge tank until the level reaches the "Cold" line (surge tank seam).





1. Cooling system volumes including heater core: 7.4 L (7.8 quarts)
2. Start engine and check for leaks.
3. Run engine until thermostat has opened.
3.1. Use a Scan tool to verify ECT is between 87 degrees - 90 degrees C (188 degrees - 196 degrees F).
3.2. Cycle rpm from idle to 3000 in 30 seconds intervals to aid bleeding of cooling system
3.3. Add coolant as necessary to bring level up to coolant surge tank "Cold" line (surge tank seam).
4. Install coolant surge tank coolant cap.