Engine Cooling System Draining, Vacuum Filling and Bleeding: Draining
NOTE:
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. Using contaminated coolant may result in damage to the engine or cooling system components.
NOTE:
During normal vehicle operation, coolant can change color. As long as the engine coolant is clear and uncontaminated, this color change does not indicate the engine coolant has degraded nor does it require the engine coolant to be drained, the system to be flushed, or the engine coolant to be replaced.
NOTE:
Less than 80% of coolant capacity can be recovered with the engine in the vehicle. Dirty, rusty or contaminated coolant requires replacement.
- WARNING: When releasing the cooling system pressure, cover the coolant expansion tank cap with a thick cloth to prevent the possibility of scalding. Failure to follow this instruction may result in personal injury.
Remove the pressure relief cap.
- With the vehicle in N, position it on a hoist. Refer to: Jacking and Lifting - Overview .
- Remove the retainers and the underbody shield.
- NOTE: Be prepared to collect escaping fluid.
Connect a hose to drain the coolant. Open the radiator drain valve and drain the engine coolant in a suitable, clean container. Use the General Equipment: Fluid Container
- Close the radiator drain valve.
- Install the engine underbody shield and the retainers.