Engine Coolant Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: When removing the radiator cap, use care to avoid contact with hot coolant or steam. Place a shop towel over the cap and turn the cap counterclockwise a little to let the pressure escape through the vinyl tube. After relieving the steam pressure, remove the cap by slowly turning it counterclockwise.

Drain the water from the radiator, heater core and engine after unplugging the radiator drain plug and removing the radiator cap.
Drain the water in the water jacket by unplugging the drain plug of the cylinder block.

Fig 1: Locating Cylinder Block Drain Plug
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Remove the reserve tank and drain the coolant.
Drain the cooling water then clean the path of the cooling water by injecting water into the radiator from the radiator cap area.
Apply the designated sealant to the screw area of the cylinder block drain plug, and then tighten to the standard torque.
Specified sealant: 3MTM Nut Locking Part number 4171 or equivalent

Tightening torque: 44 +/- 5 N.m (33 +/- 3 ft-lb)

Fig 2: Applying Designated Sealant To Screw Area Of Cylinder Block Drain Plug
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Securely tighten the drain plug of the radiator.
Assemble the reservoir tank.
CAUTION: Do not use alcohol or methanol anti-freeze or any engine coolants mixed with alcohol or methanol anti-freeze. The use of an improper anti-freeze can cause corrosion of the aluminum components.
By referring to the section on coolant, select an appropriate concentration for safe operating temperature within the range of 30 to 60 %. Use special tool MB991871 to refill the coolant. A convenient mixture is a 50 % water and 50 % antifreeze solution [freezing point: -31°C (-32.8 °F)].
Recommended antifreeze: MITSUBISHI GENUINE Part number MD970389 or equivalent

Quantity: 7.0 dm ³ (7.4 quarts)

NOTE: For how to use special tool MB991871, refer to its manufacturer's instructions.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool MB991871
Courtesy of MITSUBISHI MOTOR SALES OF AMERICA.
Reinstall the radiator cap.
Start the engine and let it warm up until the thermostat opens.
After repeatedly revving the engine up to 3,000 r/min several times, then stop the engine.
Remove the radiator cap after the engine has become cold, and pour in coolant up to the brim. Reinstall the cap.

CAUTION: Do not overfill the reserve tank.

Add coolant to the reserve tank between the "FULL" and "LOW" mark if necessary.