This procedure covers removal and replacement of the coolant reservoir on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including coolant drainage and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Coolant reservoir × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant reservoir cap (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock location
4. Verify you have correct replacement reservoir and sufficient coolant

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly remove the coolant reservoir cap to release any residual pressure. Locate the radiator drain petcock at the bottom driver's side of the radiator. Open the petcock and allow coolant to drain into the pan. Once drained, close the petcock hand-tight.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock6 Nm (5 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect coolant hose
   Locate the coolant hose connecting the bottom of the reservoir to the radiator. Use pliers to compress and slide the hose clamp away from the reservoir connection point. Gently twist and pull the hose off the reservoir nipple. Be prepared for residual coolant to drain.
3. 3

   Disconnect overflow hose
   Locate the small overflow hose connected to the top or side of the reservoir. Slide the clamp back and remove the hose from the reservoir. This hose typically runs down toward the ground.
4. 4

   Remove reservoir mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the two mounting bolts securing the coolant reservoir to the body. These are typically located at the top and bottom of the reservoir bracket. Support the reservoir while removing the second bolt.
   Torque spec

   Reservoir Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove reservoir
   Lift the reservoir straight up and out of the engine bay. Inspect the mounting bracket for damage or cracks. Empty any remaining coolant from the old reservoir into the drain pan.
6. 6

   Install new reservoir
   Position the new reservoir into the mounting bracket, aligning the bolt holes. Thread in both mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification in a criss-cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Reservoir Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reconnect hoses
   Push the overflow hose onto its connection point on the new reservoir and slide the clamp into position. Connect the main coolant hose to the reservoir nipple, ensuring it seats fully. Position the hose clamp over the connection and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Refill cooling system
   Using a funnel, pour Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) into the reservoir until it reaches the MAX line. Do not overfill. Install the reservoir cap securely.
9. 9

   Bleed air from system
   Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature with the heater on MAX. Monitor the coolant level in the reservoir and add coolant as needed as air purges from the system. Squeeze the upper radiator hose several times to help release trapped air.
10. 10

    Final check and top-off
    Turn off the engine and allow it to cool for 15 minutes. Check the coolant level in the reservoir once more and top off to the MAX line if needed. Inspect all connections for leaks.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hose clamps are properly positioned and tightened
2. Verify reservoir cap is installed correctly and seals properly
3. Double-check that drain petcock is fully closed

Verification

• Start engine and bring to operating temperature, watching for leaks around reservoir connections
• Verify coolant level remains stable between MIN and MAX lines on reservoir
• Check that heater blows hot air, indicating proper coolant circulation
• Inspect ground under vehicle after test drive for any coolant drips
• Recheck coolant level after 24 hours of normal driving

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