Coolant replacement

The coolant should only be changed during repairs to the cooling system in which the coolant is drained. Fluid replacement is not included as part of the annual service. If the cylinder head, cylinder block, cylinder head gasket, radiator, heat exchanger or engine are replaced during the repair, the coolant must be replaced each time. This is necessary because during the circulation process, anti-corrosion additives are deposited on new light metal parts and thus form a durable corrosion layer. The anti-corrosion additive in the used coolant is usually no longer sufficient to form a sufficient protective layer on new parts. Caution: Drained coolant must not be reused. Coolant is poisonous and should not be simply discarded or disposed of with household waste. The administrations of districts and cities inform about the location of the nearest collection points for special waste.

Drain

Set the interior heating switch to maximum power.

Raise the car.

Open the cover of the expansion tank.

Attention: When the engine is hot, apply a thick rag before removing the cover to avoid scalding from hot liquid or steam. Remove the cover only at temperatures below +90°C.

Place a clean container under the radiator drain hole to drain the coolant.



4-cylinder engine: Compress clamps -1- at lugs with pliers and unclip. Remove the hoses and drain the coolant completely.


6-cylinder engine: Remove drain plug -25- (drawing N 19-0014) from the coolant line.

Attention: For directional draining, turn the pipeline slightly.

Filling

Put on the coolant hoses, tighten the clamps.

Lower the car, see section «Vehicle lifting».



Fill with new coolant up to the mark on the expansion tank.

6-cylinder engine: Press the coolant hose at the top of the radiator down.

Close the expansion tank.

Start the engine and bring it up to operating temperature until the electric fan turns on.

Check the coolant level and add just above the MAX mark if necessary. At engine operating temperature, the coolant level should be slightly above the MAX mark, and when the engine is cold, it should be between the MAX and MIN·marks.