Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Cooling System Flushing

Cooling System Flushing





All vehicles

1. WARNING: Always allow the engine to cool before opening the cooling system. Do not unscrew the coolant pressure relief cap when the engine is operating or the cooling system is hot. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

Drain the cooling system.

Vehicles equipped with a 4.0L SOHC engine
2. Remove the bolts, thermostat housing cover and thermostat. Install the thermostat housing cover and bolts without the thermostat.
^ Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).





Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (3V) engine
3. Remove the throttle body (TB). For additional information, refer to Fuel Delivery and Air Induction.
4. Disconnect the fuel vapor hose.





5. Remove the bolts, thermostat housing cover and thermostat. Install the thermostat housing cover, the O-ring seal and the bolts without the thermostat.
^ Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).





All vehicles
6. Using a suitable cooling system flushing tool, flush the engine and radiator.
^ Use cooling system flush.

Vehicles equipped with a 4.0L SOHC engine

7. NOTE: Prior to installing the thermostat, inspect the thermostat housing cover O-ring seal and install a new O-ring seal if necessary.

Install the thermostat, O-ring seal, thermostat housing cover and bolts.
^ Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).





Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (3V) engine

8. NOTE: Prior to installing the thermostat, inspect the thermostat housing cover O-ring seal and install a new O-ring seal if necessary.

Install the thermostat, O-ring seal, thermostat housing cover and bolts.
^ Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).





9. Connect the fuel vapor hose.





10. Install the TB.

All vehicles
11. Fill and bleed the cooling system.