How to Add Coolant to the CoolantSurge TankIf you have not found a problem yet, check to see ifcoolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visiblebut the coolant level is not at or above the FULL COLDmark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable waterand DEX-COOL® coolant at the coolant surge tank,but be sure the cooling system, including the coolantsurge tank pressure cap, is cool before you do it.See Engine Coolant on page 5-24 for more information.If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolantas follows:{CAUTION:Steam and scalding liquids from a hot coolingsystem can blow out and burn you badly.They are under pressure, and if you turn theradiator pressure cap — even a little — theycan come out at high speed. Never turn thecap when the cooling system, including theradiator pressure cap, is hot. Wait for thecooling system and radiator pressure cap tocool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.{CAUTION:Adding only plain water to the cooling systemcan be dangerous. Plain water, or some otherliquid such as alcohol, can boil before theproper coolant mixture will. The vehicle’scoolant warning system is set for the propercoolant mixture. With plain water or the wrongmixture, the engine could get too hot but youwould not get the overheat warning. Theengine could catch fire and you or otherscould be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,drinkable water and DEX-COOL® coolant.Notice: In cold weather, water can freeze and crackthe engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.Use the recommended coolant and the propercoolant mixture.5-31
