This procedure drains, flushes, and refills the cooling system on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbocharged engine using Honda Type 2 coolant.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator drain plug washer × 1 — 19044-P2A-000 or equivalent

Fluids

• Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands
4. Remove engine splash shield using 10mm socket and Phillips screwdriver
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain plug location on passenger side of radiator

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove radiator cap and bleed screw
   Slowly turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to release any residual pressure, then remove completely. Locate the bleed screw on top of the thermostat housing near the upper radiator hose connection and loosen it 2-3 turns using a Phillips screwdriver.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Locate the radiator drain plug on the lower passenger side of the radiator. Remove the drain plug completely and allow coolant to drain into the pan. Once drained, inspect the drain plug washer for damage and replace if compressed or cracked.
   ℹ️Expect approximately 5-6 quarts to drain. The drain may be slow; allow 10-15 minutes for complete drainage.
   Torque spec

   Block Drain Plug25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Drain engine block coolant
   If performing a complete flush, locate the engine block drain bolt on the rear of the engine block (accessed from underneath). Remove bolt and allow coolant to drain. This is optional for routine coolant changes but recommended every 60,000 miles.
4. 4

   Reinstall drain plug
   Install a new drain plug washer onto the drain plug. Thread the drain plug into the radiator by hand, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Block Drain Plug25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Fill cooling system with coolant
   Mix Honda Type 2 coolant with distilled water at 50/50 ratio if using concentrated coolant, or use pre-mixed coolant. Pour coolant slowly into the radiator fill neck until coolant begins to flow from the bleed screw. Keep the bleed screw open during filling.
   ℹ️Pour slowly to avoid air pockets. The 1.5L turbo cooling system has multiple circuit paths that must fill properly.
6. 6

   Close bleed screw and top off
   Once coolant flows steadily from the bleed screw without air bubbles, close and torque the bleed screw to specification. Continue filling radiator to the base of the filler neck. Install radiator cap.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Fill coolant reservoir
   Fill the coolant reservoir tank to the MAX line with the same 50/50 coolant mixture. The reservoir is located on the passenger side of the engine bay.
8. 8

   Burp cooling system
   Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature with the heater on maximum heat and fan on low. Watch the temperature gauge to ensure it reaches normal operating range (about halfway). The radiator fan should cycle on at approximately 220°F.
   ⚠Monitor temperature gauge closely. If gauge exceeds normal range, shut off engine immediately and recheck coolant level.
9. 9

   Recheck coolant level after warm-up
   After engine reaches operating temperature and fan cycles, shut off engine and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Carefully remove radiator cap and check coolant level. Add coolant if necessary to bring to proper level. Check reservoir level and adjust to MAX line.
10. 10

    Final inspection
    Inspect all connections, drain plug, and bleed screw for leaks. Wipe down any spilled coolant. Reinstall engine splash shield and torque fasteners appropriately.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all drain plugs and bleed screws are properly torqued
2. Verify radiator cap is fully seated and locked
3. Reinstall engine splash shield
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks from drain plug, bleed screw, or hose connections
• Confirm heater produces hot air at idle and during driving
• Check coolant reservoir level is at MAX line when engine is cold
• Verify temperature gauge reads in normal range during operation
• Recheck coolant level after first drive cycle (50-100 miles) and top off if necessary

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