Info - New Engine Coolant Fill Procedure

This bulletin is being issued to inform dealers that a new engine coolant fill procedure is necessary for the above listed vehicles, since the engine cooling system no longer uses a pressurized coolant surge tank. Following a condition where the engine coolant has been drained, if engine coolant is only added through the radiator neck and engine coolant overflow reservoir, the engine coolant may not flow beyond the closed thermostat located on the engine at the lower radiator hose connection. Although the engine coolant level may appear full in the radiator neck, the system may be 3.785 to 5.678 liters (4 to 6 quarts) low, and a major engine overheat condition may occur.

To properly fill the entire engine cooling system to capacity, use the following procedure after correcting the source of the coolant drainage.

Tools Required

1. Using the J 38185, reposition the upper radiator hose clamp at the radiator.
2. Remove the upper radiator hose from the radiator.
3. Remove the coolant air bleed hose from the radiator.
4. Place a funnel into the upper radiator hose.

Important: Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL® antifreeze and deionized water.

5. Slowly fill the cooling system through the upper radiator hose with a 50/50 coolant mixture until the coolant comes out the coolant air bleed hose.
6. Connect the upper radiator hose to the radiator.
7. Using the J 38185, position the radiator hose clamp into the original position on the hose.
8. Connect the coolant air bleed hose to the radiator.
9. Fill the radiator with coolant through the filler neck.
10. Install the coolant pressure cap.
11. Fill the coolant overflow bottle to the full line.
12. Start the engine.
13. Run the engine at 2000-2500 RPM until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
14. Allow the engine to idle for 3 minutes.
15. Shut the engine off.
16. Allow the engine to cool.
17. Top off the coolant as necessary.
18. Inspect the concentration of the engine coolant, using the J 26568.
19. Rinse away any excess coolant from the engine and the engine compartment.
20. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.