Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding: Draining
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
WARNING:
Never remove the pressure relief cap while the engine is operating or when the cooling system is hot. Failure to follow these instructions can result in damage to the cooling system or engine or result in personal injury. To avoid having scalding hot coolant or steam blow out of the degas bottle when removing the pressure relief cap, wait until the engine has cooled, then wrap a thick cloth around the pressure relief cap and turn it slowly. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When certain all the pressure has been released, (still with a cloth) turn and remove the pressure relief cap. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.
CAUTION:
The coolant must be recovered in a suitable, clean container for reuse. If the coolant is contaminated, it must be recycled or disposed of correctly and the system filled with new coolant.
CAUTION:
Always fill the cooling system with the same type of coolant that was drained from the system. Do not mix coolant types.
NOTE:
Less than 80 percent of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty, or contaminated coolant requires replacement.
- Place a suitable container below the radiator draincock. If equipped, disconnect the coolant return hose at the fluid cooler.
- Remove the pressure relief cap from the degas bottle.
- Open the radiator draincock and drain the coolant into a suitable container.
- Close the radiator draincock when finished.