Draining And Filling The Cooling System - 2.4L

DRAINING 

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1. When the engine is cold, remove the filler cap (1) from the pressurized coolant bottle.
2. Use the

   (special tool #10288, Pliers, Hose Clamp)

   to loosen the clamp (2) and remove the degas hose (3) from the pressurized coolant bottle.

   NOTE:

   Put the released clamp in a safe place so that it is not lost in the engine compartment, it will be reinstalled.

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3. Place the degas hose (1) into a clean container (2) for coolant reuse.
4. Connect a regulated shop air supply (3) to the degas hose fitting on the pressurized coolant bottle.
5. Install and tighten the filler cap (4) on the pressurized coolant bottle.
6. Hold the degas hose (1) in the reuse container (2) and apply no more than 145 kPa (21 psi) of regulated shop air pressure to the pressurized coolant bottle to force coolant into the container.
7. When the coolant is no longer flowing steadily from the degas hose, turn off the air pressure.

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8. Release the clip (1) and remove the coolant hose (2) from the pressurized coolant bottle.

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9. Taper the end of a 8mm or 5/16" hose (1) and insert it into the removed pressurized coolant bottle hose.

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10. Place the hose (1) into the container (2) for coolant reuse.
11. Connect a regulated shop air supply (3) to the degas hose.
12. Hold the hose (1) in the reuse container (2) and apply no more than 145 kPa (21 psi) of regulated shop air pressure to the degas hose to force the remaining coolant into the container.
13. When the coolant is no longer flowing steadily from the hose, turn off the air pressure.

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14. Reinstall the coolant hose (1) onto the pressurized coolant bottle and engage the clip (2).
15. Reinstall the degas hose (3) onto the pressurized coolant bottle and tighten the clamp (4) with the (special tool #10288, Pliers, Hose Clamp).

FILLING 

If vacuum fill equipment is not available, fill the coolant system as follows:

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1. Add coolant until fluid begins to leak from the bleed valve (1) located on the return line from the heater core, if equipped.
2. Close the bleed screw (1).

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3. Continue to add coolant to the MAX level of the tank.
4. Tighten the cap on the pressurized coolant bottle.
5. Start the engine and run it at idle for about 2 minutes.
6. Bleed the circuit by performing a quick acceleration to an engine speed of 3000 rpm followed by a gradual deceleration (every 30 seconds). The operation must be performed in order to obtain the opening of the thermostat and operation of the electric fan. The upper radiator hose will be warm to the touch.
   NOTE:

   In the course of this operation, keep the air conditioning system switched off to avoid operation of the electric fan that is not due to heating of the coolant. If at this stage there has been a dramatic drop in the level in the tank, return the engine speed to idle and open the cap very carefully, topping up the liquid to the MAX mark; then install the cap and complete deaeration.

7. Pinch off the upper radiator hose for a minimum of 30 seconds and as long as 1 minute while running the engine at 3000 rpm.
   NOTE:

   This forces coolant through the oil cooler and will purge air trapped in the oil cooler lines.

8. Allow the engine to return to idle. Shut the engine off. Allow the cooling system to settle and cool down.
9. After it has cooled check that the fluid level is positioned at the MAX mark on the tank. Add coolant if required. Install the cap. Be sure the quantity of fluid added is at least equal to the quantity of fluid drained.
10. Check for leaks.