Coolant low, cannot refill
 

Hi everyone,
I have a 2003 V6 and looking at the coolant it almost to the min level, so I took off the radiator cap and it looks like its already filled to the top and I can't put in more coolant else it will overflow.

I suspect its air trapped, so could I just leave it uncapped and turn on the engine? Do I have to turn on the A/C to blow hot/cold air while running?

Hi Member
 

Have you squeezed the radiator hose while its running.? Make sure if and when you do that the water is not boiling..Also have you just changed the thermostat by any chance.?

WheelBrokerAng :)

When the cooling system is pressurized, coolant levels in the reservoir may go up or down depending on the state the cooling system is at. The reservoir should be checked and filled to the proper level when it is cool and not pressurized.

Instructions for air bleeding/purging are part of the owner's manual. You would turn the ignition to ON (II) and then turn the temperature control to the high setting to open up the heater valve. The heater valve is electronically controlled.

You could leave the radiator cap off or put it on loosely; but, do not fully tighten when purging.

The instructions are to bleed/purge until the cooling fans come on twice. Keep the coolant level to the base of the neck of the radiator.

Generally, the thermostat would be open about the time the fans come on. Most of the air purging occurs after the thermostat opens.

If only the reserve/overflow tank is low, add coolant to it. The radiator will stay full, until the reserve tank runs out. The level will rise, as the engine heats up, so don't add too much.

This assumes you haven't drained the coolant, and are now refilling the system.

Ugh, I was so stupid. First time ever changing coolant, the resevoir cap was blended so well with the plastic body, didn't see it. I though the cap below it, no w I know is the radiator cap, was the place to pour coolant into to fill the reservoir :(