Draining and Filling Cooling Systems

Draining and Filling Cooling System

^ Tools Required
- J 26568 Coolant and Battery Tester

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 coolant pressure cap.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting
3. Remove the front air deflector.
4. Place a drain pan under the drain cock.
5. Open the radiator drain cock.
6. Drain the cooling system.
7. Remove the surge tank.
1. Clean the outside of the surge tank.
2. Pour out any fluid.
3. Thoroughly clean the inside of the surge tank using soap and water.
4. Thoroughly flush the surge tank with clean water and drain.
8. Install the surge tank.
9. Inspect the coolant condition. Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition of the coolant.
^ Normal in appearance-Follow the filling procedure.
^ Discolored-Follow the flush procedure.

Filling Procedure





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

Close the radiator drain cock.
2. Install the front air deflector.
3. Lower the vehicle.

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

Slowly fill the cooling system with a 50/50 coolant mixture.
5. Install the coolant pressure cap.
6. Start the engine.
7. Run the engine at 2,000 - 2,500 RPM until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
8. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes.
9. Shut the engine OFF.
10. Allow the engine to cool.
11. Top off the coolant (1) as necessary.
12. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant, using the J 26568.
13. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.