Periodically, your cooling system should be checked and the system should be flushed to prevent corrosion. If you fail to check the radiator from time to time, it can impair the performance of the cooling system, make your vehicle run hotter than normal, and potentially cause engine damage. Part of this job involves filling the radiator.
Check to make sure that the radiator drain is closed and tight. If you have removed the block drain plug during a cooling system check, you must replace it now and tighten it to prevent fluid leaks while you fill the system.
Place the heater temperature control in the "maximum" heat position. The heater controls are in the center console inside the vehicle on the dash on most vehicles.
Loosen the coolant bleeder screw. This will be located on the thermostat/inlet housing. Loosen this screw now so that when you fill the radiator, air will be purged from the system.
Remove the cap on the coolant reservoir and add coolant slowly to the radiator. Continue filling the radiator until bubble-free coolant stops leaking out of the bleeder screw.
Tighten the bleeder screw and continue filling the radiator until the reservoir is full. There is an upper mark on your coolant reservoir, sometimes labeled "max". Fill coolant to this line.
Remove the radiator cap on the radiator and start the engine. This will start the coolant running through the radiator and begin to heat the upper radiator hose.
Turn the engine off and let it cool down after the coolant has been pumped through the radiator. At this point, add more coolant to the reservoir until the fluid reached the "max" or upper mark on the reservoir.
Squeeze the upper radiator hose to expel any trapped air and add more coolant mixture if necessary.
Put the radiator cap back on and tighten.
Start the vehicle again, wait for it to warm up and check for any coolant leaks.
