Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill)

Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill-LNF)

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.


Important: Draining the cooling system with the pressure cap installed will syphon the coolant from the overflow tank.






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 pan under the water pump drain.
7. Remove the water pump drain plug (1).
8. Drain the cooling system.
9. Inspect the appearance of the engine coolant for discoloration:

* Discolored-Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Coolant System 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 (1).

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

3. Lower the vehicle.

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


4. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean, drinkable water to the cooling system until the coolant level reaches the COLD FILL mark. The system will fill slowly and may take up to 10 minutes to fill.
A minimum of 5.5L of DEX-COOL needs to be installed to ensure proper water pump priming during the first thermocycle.
5. Start the engine.
6. Install the surge tank cap.
7. Run the engine at idle for 5 minutes in PARK (P) (Automatic) or NEUTRAL (N) (Manual) with the parking brake on.
8. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool and the system pressure to decrease.




9. Remove the surge tank cap (1).
10. Add coolant to the surge bottle to COLD FILL mark as necessary.
11. Install the surge tank cap.
12. Run the engine at idle for an additional 5 minutes.
13. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool.
14. Repeat as steps 9 through 13 as necessary until the level stabilizes at the COLD FILL mark.
15. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
16. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.