Cooling System - Draining and Filling

DRAINING

WARNING: Do not remove the cylinder block drain plugs or loosen the radiator drain plug with system hot and under pressure. Serious burns from coolant can occur.

DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If the solution is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for reuse.
1. Start the engine and place the heater control temperature selector in the Full-On position. Engine vacuum is needed to actuate the heater controls.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Do not remove radiator cap when draining coolant from reserve/overflow tank. Open radiator drain plug and when tank is empty, remove radiator cap. If the coolant reserve/overflow tank does not drain, refer to the Testing Cooling System for Leaks. The coolant need not be removed from tank unless the system is being refilled with fresh mixture.

Drain Plugs-Gas Powered Engines-Typical:

4. On vehicles equipped with gas powered engines, remove the cylinder block drain plugs. These are located on the sides of the block just above the oil pan.
5. Remove radiator pressure cap.

REFILLING
Clean cooling system prior to refilling.
1. Install the cylinder block drain plugs.
2. Close radiator drain plug.
3. Fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze. 5.9L Diesel Engine Only: The diesel engine is equipped with a one-way check valve (jiggle pinch). The check valve is used as a servicing feature and will vent air when the system is being filled. Water pressure (or flow) will hold the valve closed. Due to the use of this valve, the engine must not be operating when refilling the cooling system.
4. Fill coolant reserve/overflow tank to the FULL mark.
5. Start and operate engine until thermostat opens. Upper radiator hose should be warm to touch.
6. If necessary, add 50/50 water and antifreeze mixture to the coolant reserve/overflow tank to maintain coolant level. This level should be between the ADD and FULL marks. The level in the reserve/overflow tank may drop below the ADD mark after three or four warm-up and cool-down cycles.