Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Cooling System Draining and Filling (LFX, Static Fill)

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 radiator fill cap from the radiator filler neck.

2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.

3. Place a clean drain pan under the radiator drain cock.




4. Remove the radiator drain cock (1).

5. Drain the cooling system.

6. Lower the vehicle.

7. Inspect the coolant.

8. 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.

9. Install and tighten the radiator drain cock (1).

10. Lower the vehicle.

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.

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




1. Slowly fill the radiator with a 50/50 coolant mixture until the coolant level stabilizes at the top of the radiator filler neck. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities [1][2]Maintenance.

2. Install the radiator fill cap.

3. Start the engine and allow to the engine to idle for 2 minutes in PARK or NEUTRAL with the parking brake engaged.

4. Shut the engine OFF.

5. Remove the radiator fill cap and slowly fill the coolant mixture until the level stabilizes just below the top of the radiator filler neck.

6. Install the radiator fill cap.

7. Raise the engine RPM to 2500 rpm for 60 seconds.

8. Shut the engine OFF.

9. Repeat steps 5-8 until the coolant level has completely stabilized within the radiator fill neck.

10. Install the radiator fill cap.

11. Start the engine and raise the engine RPM to 2500 rpm until the engine reaches normal operating temperature and the thermostat opens.

12. Shut off the engine and allow the engine to cool.

13. Remove the radiator fill cap.

14. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant using the J 26568 - Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester

15. Install the radiator fill cap.

16. Inspect and if necessary, fill the coolant reservoir bottle as necessary.

17. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment

18. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.