Draining, Filling and Bleeding

Draining

WARNING: Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, (still with a cloth) turn and remove the pressure relief cap. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: The coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If the coolant is contaminated it must be recycled or disposed of correctly.

Note: About 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.

1. Release the pressure in the cooling system by slowly turning the pressure relief cap one half turn counterclockwise. When the pressure is released, remove the pressure relief cap.
2. Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. If equipped, disconnect the coolant return hose at the oil cooler.
3. Open the radiator draincock.
4. Close the radiator draincock when finished.

Filling
1. Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle.
2. Move the temperature blend selector to the full warm position.
3. Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature.
4. Add the correct engine coolant mixture to the degas bottle until the coolant level is between the "COOLANT FILL LEVEL" marks.
5. Turn off the engine and allow the cooling system to cool.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 5 until the degas bottle level is OK.

Bleeding
1. Select maximum heater temperature and blower motor speed settings. Position control to discharge air at A/C vents in the instrument panel.
2. Start engine and allow to idle. While engine is idling, feel for hot air at A/C vents.

3. CAUTION: If the air discharge remains cool and the engine coolant temperature gauge does not move, the engine coolant level is low in the engine and must be filled. Stop the engine, allow to cool and rill the cooling system as described.

Start the engine and allow to idle until normal operating temperature is reached. Hot air should discharge from the A/C vents. The engine coolant temperature gauge should maintain a stabilized reading in the middle of the NORMAL range and the upper radiator hose should feel hot to the touch.
4. Shut the engine off and allow it to cool.
5. Check the engine for coolant leaks.
6. Check the engine coolant level in the degas bottle and fill as necessary.