Cooling System Flush and Refill
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Suzuki Aerio and 2003 Suzuki Aerio. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove radiator cap when engine is cool.
- Turn cap counterclockwise slowly until it reaches a "stop". (Do not press down while turning it).
- Wait until pressure is relieved (indicated by a hissing sound) then press down on cap and continue to turn it counterclockwise.
WARNING: To help avoid danger of being burned, do not remove radiator cap while engine and radiator are still hot.
Scalding fluid and steam can be blown out under pressure if cap is taken off too soon. - With radiator cap removed, run engine until upper radiator hose is hot (this shows that thermostat is open and coolant is flowing through system).
- Stop engine and drain coolant.
- Close drain plug. Add water until system is filled and run engine until upper radiator hose is hot again.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 several times until drained liquid is nearly colorless.
- Drain system and then close radiator drain plug (1) tightly.
- Remove reservoir (1) and remove cap (2) from reservoir and pour out any fluid, scrub and clean inside of reservoir with soap and water.
Flush it well with clean water and drain. Reinstall reservoir.
- Add coolant that is a mixture of good quality ethylene glycol antifreeze and water to radiator and reservoir. For coolant specification, refer to Coolant Description . Fill radiator to the bottom of filler neck and reservoir to FULL level mark (3).
- Reinstall reservoir cap and align match marks (4) on reservoir and cap.
- Run engine with radiator cap removed, until radiator inlet hose is hot.
- With engine idling, add coolant to radiator until level reaches the bottom of filler neck. Install radiator cap, making sure that the ear of cap lines is parallel to radiator.