Filling Cooling System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Viper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Do not use well water or suspect water supply in cooling system. Use only a 50/50 mixture of the specified ethylene glycol type antifreeze/coolant and distilled water. (Refer to LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE/FLUID TYPES - DESCRIPTION) .

NOTE: Cooling system fill procedure is critical to overall cooling system performance.

For cooling system capacity, refer to FLUID CAPACITIES .

Close radiator draincock.
Install engine block drain plugs.
Attach one end of a 6.35 mm (0.250 in.) ID clear hose that is approximately 1200 mm (48 in.) long, to the bleed screw. See Fig 1.
Route hose away from the accessory drive belt, drive pulleys and cooling fan. Place the other end of hose into a clean container. The hose will prevent coolant from contacting the accessory drive belt when bleeding the system during the refilling operation.
NOTE: It is imperative that the cooling system air bleed screw be opened before any coolant is added to the cooling system. Failure to open the bleed screw first will result in an incomplete fill of the system.
Open the cooling system bleed screw. See Fig 1.
Pour a 50/50 mix of Mopar® Antifreeze/Coolant, 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula and distilled water into the coolant pressure bottle. See Fig 2.
Slowly fill the cooling system until a steady stream of coolant flows from the hose attached to the bleed screw. See Fig 1.
Close the bleed screw and continue filling system to the top of the COLD FILL RANGE. See Fig 3.
Remove hose from bleed screw.
Install cap on coolant pressure bottle.
Start engine and run until it reaches operating temperature.
If removed, install front belly pan. (Refer to BODY/EXTERIOR/BELLY PAN - INSTALLATION) .

NOTE: The engine cooling system will push any remaining air into the coolant bottle within about an hour of normal driving. As a result, a drop in coolant level in the pressure bottle may occur.

Fig 1: Cooling System Bleed Screw

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT) SENSOR

2 - COOLING SYSTEM BLEED SCREW

3 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

Fig 2: Coolant Pressure Bottle & Cap

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - PRESSURE CAP

2 - COOLANT PRESSURE BOTTLE

Fig 3: Cold Fill Range

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.