This procedure drains the old coolant from the engine and cooling system, flushes with clean water if necessary, and refills with fresh Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant to maintain proper engine temperature regulation and prevent corrosion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator drain plug gasket/O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch (minimum 2 hours since last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Remove engine splash shield if equipped for better access to radiator drain plug
4. Locate radiator drain plug on driver's side lower corner of radiator
5. Locate coolant reservoir and bleed screw on top of radiator or thermostat housing
6. Position large drain pan under radiator drain plug area

Procedure

1. 1

   Release cooling system pressure
   Slowly turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first detent and allow any residual pressure to escape. Wait until hissing stops completely, then continue turning to remove the cap fully. Set cap aside in clean location.
2. 2

   Open coolant reservoir cap
   Remove the coolant reservoir cap to allow air to enter the system during draining. This prevents vacuum formation and allows coolant to drain completely.
3. 3

   Drain radiator coolant
   Position drain pan directly under radiator drain plug. Remove the radiator drain plug at the lower driver's side corner of the radiator. Allow coolant to drain completely into the pan. Inspect drain plug O-ring/gasket for damage and replace if cracked or deformed.
   ⚠Coolant will flow quickly once plug is removed. Ensure drain pan is properly positioned to catch all fluid.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Drain engine block coolant
   Locate the engine block drain plug (if equipped) on the driver's side of the engine block below the exhaust manifold. Remove drain plug and allow coolant to drain completely. If no block drain is present, this step can be skipped.
   ℹ️Not all 2.5L engines have an accessible block drain plug. Skip this step if drain plug is not present or accessible.
5. 5

   Flush system (optional)
   If coolant is heavily contaminated or rusty, reinstall drain plugs hand-tight, fill system with clean water through radiator opening, start engine and run for 5 minutes, then shut off and allow to cool. Drain water completely and repeat if necessary until water runs clear.
6. 6

   Reinstall drain plugs
   Install new O-ring or gasket on radiator drain plug if applicable. Thread drain plug into radiator by hand until seated, then torque to specification. If engine block drain was removed, reinstall and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Open bleed screw
   Locate the coolant bleed screw on top of the radiator or thermostat housing. Loosen the bleed screw 2-3 turns to allow air to escape during filling. Leave open during the entire filling process.
   ℹ️Bleed screw location varies by production date. Check both radiator top tank and thermostat housing area.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Fill cooling system
   Using a funnel, slowly pour fresh Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) into the radiator opening. Fill slowly to allow air to escape through the bleed screw. Continue until coolant flows from the bleed screw without bubbles. System capacity is approximately 10 quarts total.
9. 9

   Close bleed screw
   Once coolant flows steadily from bleed screw without air bubbles, close the bleed screw by torquing to specification. Wipe away any spilled coolant.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Complete radiator fill
    Continue filling radiator to just below the filler neck (approximately 1 inch from top). Fill coolant reservoir to the MAX or FULL line marked on the side of the tank. Install radiator cap securely.
11. 11

    Burp cooling system
    Start engine and allow to idle with heater set to maximum temperature and fan on high. Monitor temperature gauge and watch for coolant flow in reservoir. Run until engine reaches normal operating temperature (thermostat opens, typically 5-10 minutes). Observe coolant level in reservoir and add as needed.
    ⚠Monitor temperature gauge closely. If gauge approaches red zone, shut off engine immediately and allow to cool. This may indicate air pocket or other cooling system issue.
12. 12

    Final level check and bleed
    With engine at operating temperature, shut off engine and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Carefully remove radiator cap (system will still be warm) and check coolant level. Top off radiator to proper level if needed. Check reservoir level and adjust to MAX line. Reinstall radiator cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine splash shield if it was removed during procedure
2. Wipe down any coolant spills on engine or frame components with clean water
3. Double-check that radiator cap and reservoir cap are properly secured
4. Verify no tools or materials were left in engine bay

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks from drain plug, bleed screw, or hose connections
• Monitor temperature gauge during a short test drive to confirm normal operating temperature
• Check coolant reservoir level after vehicle cools completely - level should remain at MAX line
• Inspect under vehicle for any coolant drips or puddles after overnight parking
• After 2-3 days of normal driving, recheck coolant level and top off if necessary as air pockets settle out

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