Engine Cooling System Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Suzuki SX4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: If the radiator cap is removed when the engine and radiator are still hot, extremely hot fluid and steam may spew out under pressure. This can cause severe burns. Wait until the engine coolant temperature has lowered before removing the radiator cap.

Check cooling system for leakage or damage.
Remove radiator cap, see Radiator Cap Removal and Installation .
Check coolant for proper level and freeze protection.
Check coolant leaks from cooling system according to the following procedure.
1. Attach pressure tester (1) to water filler, and then apply specified pressure to cooling system.
  Cooling system holding pressure
  
  110 kPa (1.1 kgf/cm ² , 15.9 psi)
  
  Fig 1: Checking Cooling System Holding Pressure
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
2. Check that cooling system holds the pressure.
  If cooling system does not hold applied pressure, Check cooling system for coolant leaks.
Check radiator cap according to the following procedure.
1. Attach pressure tester (1) to radiator cap (2), and then apply specified pressure.
  Radiator cap holding pressure
  
  108 kPa (1.1 kgf/cm ² , 15.6 psi)
  
  Fig 2: Checking Radiator Cap Holding Pressure
  Courtesy of SUZUKI OF AMERICA CORP.
2. Check that radiator cap holds applied pressure.
  If the pressure at which radiator cap releases air is higher or lower than holding pressure, replace radiator cap.
Detach pressure tester and rinse off spilled coolant.
Install radiator cap on water filler, see Radiator Cap Removal and Installation .