Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Cooling System Draining and Filling (LEA) Engine Cooling

Special Tools

J 26568Coolant and Battery Fluid Tester

Draining Procedure

Warning:To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap orsurge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system willrelease scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap orsurge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are stillhot.

Remove the coolant pressure cap from the radiator surgetank.Raise and support the vehicle. Refer toLifting and Jacking the Vehicle.Place a drain pan under the drain cock.

Loosen the radiator drain cock.Drain the cooling system.If a complete block drain is required, place a drain panunder the water pump drain.

Remove the water pump drain plug.Drain the cooling system.Inspect the coolant.Follow the appropriate procedure based on the condition ofthe coolant.Normal in appearance—Follow the fillingprocedure.Discolored—Follow the flush procedure. Refer toFlushing.Filling Procedure

Caution:The procedure below must be followed. Improper coolant levelcould result in a low or high coolant level condition, causingengine damage.

Caution:Refer toFastener Caution.

Tighten the radiator drain cock to2-Y(18-lb-in).

Install the water pump drain plugand tighten to10-Y(89-lb-in)if removed during thedraining process.Lower the vehicle.Remove radiator inlet hose at the engine. Refer toRadiator Inlet Hose Replacement

Note:Use a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL antifreeze and cleandrinkable water.

Slowly add mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean,drinkable water to the engine and radiator. Fill the cooling systemas indicated below:When the engine block is not drained, add 1.75 liters (1.85qts) to the radiator through the radiator inlet hose.When the engine block is drained, add 2.0 liters (2.1 qts) tothe engine, then add 1.75 liters (1.85 qts) to the radiator throughthe radiator inlet hose.Install the radiator inlet hose at the engine. Refer toRadiator Inlet Hose ReplacementSlowly add mixture of 50/50 DEX-COOL antifreeze and clean,drinkable water to the surge tank until the coolant level reachesthe base of the radiator surge tank. Refer toApproximate Fluid CapacitiesStart the engine and check for leaks.Run the engine and cycle the vehicle from idle to 3,000 RPMin 30 second intervals until the engine cooling fan comes ON, theengine cooling fan turns ON at approximately 102°C(216°F). Repeat this process twice before the engine isturned OFF.Return the engine to idle, and idle for 30 seconds, then turnthe engine OFF.Allow the vehicle to cool, before adding additionalcoolant.

Note:The level in the surge tank will return into the cold fillrange once the vehicle cools.

Add additional coolant to the surge tank until the level isapproximately 13 mm (0.5 in) above the surge tank seam.Install the coolant surge tank cap.