Cooling System Draining and Filling Static Fill

Tools Required

J 26568 Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester

Caution: With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the radiator can be considerably higher than the boiling point of the solution at atmospheric pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and under high pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, the fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Remove the surge tank cap.
3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
4. Remove the air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement .
5. Place a drain pan under the radiator.
6. Insert a piece of clean flexible hose through the access hole in the cradle onto the radiator mounting pin.
7. Slowly loosen the drain cock and drain the coolant into the drain pan. Do not completely remove the drain cock.
8. Inspect the engine coolant for the following conditions:

•	Discolored appearance--Follow the flush procedure. Refer to Flushing .

•	Normal in appearance--Follow the Fill Procedure below.

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

1. Close the radiator drain cock.
2. Install the air deflector. Refer to Front Air Deflector Replacement .
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Slowly add a mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean drinkable water to the cooling system through the top of the surge tank opening. Refer to Approximate Fluid Capacities .
5. Slowly fill the cooling system until the coolant stabilizes at 25 mm (1 inch) above the FULL COLD mark on the surge tank.
6. Install the surge tank cap.
7. Start the engine.
8. Run the engine at 2,000-2,500 RPM until engine reaches normal operating temperature.
9. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes.
10. Shut the engine OFF.
11. Allow the engine to cool.
12. Add or remove coolant as necessary from the surge tank until the level is stabilized at the FULL COLD mark.
13. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
14. Using J 26568 inspect the concentration of the engine coolant.