Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill VIN L)

Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill LGH)

Special Tools

J 26568 - Coolant and Battery 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. Follow the steps below in order to remove the surge tank fill cap:

1. Slowly rotate the cap counterclockwise.
2. Stop rotating and allow the hissing to stop.
3. After all the hissing stops, continue turning counterclockwise in order to remove the cap.

2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
3. Place a drain pan under the lower radiator hose and/or drain cock.
4. Remove quick connect snap ring.
5. Reposition the lower radiator hose and/or drain cock from the radiator.
6. Drain the cooling system.




7. If a complete engine block drain is required, remove the left and right engine block coolant drain plugs.
8. Remove the engine block coolant heater, if equipped. Refer to Coolant Heater Replacement (V6) (Coolant Heater Replacement) Coolant Heater Replacement (Diesel) (Coolant Heater Replacement) Coolant Heater Replacement (V8) (Coolant Heater Replacement).
9. Inspect the coolant.
10. 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).

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: If a complete engine block was drained, the recommended fill is by (Vac-N-Fill).

1. Install the lower radiator hose and/or drain cock to the radiator.
2. Reposition the lower radiator hose and install quick connect snap ring.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

3. If the left and right engine block coolant drain plugs were removed, perform the following:

1. Apply pipe sealer to the drain plugs.
2. Install the drain plugs and tighten to 60 Nm (44 lb ft).

4. Install the engine block coolant heater, if equipped. Refer to Coolant Heater Replacement (V6) (Coolant Heater Replacement) Coolant Heater Replacement (Diesel) (Coolant Heater Replacement) Coolant Heater Replacement (V8) (Coolant Heater Replacement).
5. Lower the vehicle.

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

6. Slowly fill the cooling system with a 50/50 coolant mixture. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities ([1][2]Maintenance).
7. Slowly continue filling as the level goes down.
8. Start the engine.
9. Run the engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
Engine should reach an operating temperature of 90°C (194°F) and the upper radiator hose should be HOT.
10. Continue to run the engine at 2,000-2,500 for 5 more minutes.
11. Slowly add more coolant to the cooling system.
12. Allow the engine to idle for 5 minutes.
13. Slowly add more coolant to the cooling system.
14. Repeat steps #10 & 11.
15. Install radiator cap.
16. Shut the engine OFF.
17. Allow the engine to cool.
18. Top off the coolant as necessary.
19. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant using the J 26568 - Coolant and Battery Tester.
20. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.