Cooling System Draining and Filling

Cooling System Draining and Filling

Special Tools
* J 26568 Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester
* J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

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.

Note: Do not use coolant system sealers in this cooling system.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Remove the surge tank cap.
3. Remove the air box. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair).
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
5. Remove the air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement (Front Air Deflector Replacement).
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Place a drain pan under the lower radiator hose connection.
8. Using the J 38185 reposition the lower radiator hose clamp away from the radiator.
9. Slowly remove the lower radiator hose. Drain the coolant into the drain pan.
10. Inspect the engine coolant for the following conditions:

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

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.

1. Install the lower radiator hose.
2. Using the J 38185 reposition the lower radiator hose clamp to the radiator.
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and deionized water to the cooling system through the top of the surge tank opening. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities ([1][2]Capacity Specifications).
5. Fill the surge tank to the FULL COLD level.
6. Install the surge tank cap.
7. Idle the engine for 2 minutes and occasionally raise the throttle to 3,000-3,500 RPM.
8. Turn off the engine and allow the engine to cool.
9. Repeat the steps 3-7.
10. Install the air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement (Front Air Deflector Replacement).
11. Install the air box. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair).
12. Allow the engine to cool.
13. Remove the surge tank cap and fill to the FULL COLD level.
14. Use the J 26568 to inspect the concentration of the engine coolant.
15. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.