Kia Rio: Cooling System / Coolant

Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious scalding could be caused by hot fluid under high pressure escaping from the radiator.

When pouring engine coolant, be sure to shut the relay box lid and not to let coolant spill on the electrical parts or the paint. If any coolant spills, rinse it off immediately.

Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch.

Remove the radiator cap (A).

Remove the engine room under.

(Refer to Engine and Transaxle Assembly - "Engine Room Under Cover")

Loosen the drain plug (A), and drain the coolant.

Tighten the radiator drain plug securely.

After draining engine coolant in the reservoir tank, clean the tank.

Fill the radiator with water through the radiator cap and tighten the cap.

To most effectively bleed the air, pour the water slowly and press on the upper/lower radiator hoses.

Start the engine and allow to come to normal operating temperature. Wait for the cooling fans to turn on several times.

Accelerate the engine to aid in purging trapped air. Shut engine off.

Wait until the engine is cool.

Repeat steps 1 to 8 until the drained water runs clear.

Coolant and water 45 - 50% slowly through the radiator cap.

Use only genuine antifreeze/coolant.

• Do not mix different brands of antifreeze / coolants. • Do not use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products; they may not be compatible with the coolant.

Start the engine and run until coolant circulates.

When the cooling fan operates and coolant circulates, refill coolant through the radiator cap.

Repeat 11 until the cooling fan 3 - 5 times and bleed air sufficiently out of the cooling system.

Install the radiator cap and fill the reservoir tank to the "MAX" (or "F") line with coolant.

Run the vehicle under idle until the cooling fan operates 2 - 3 times.

Stop the engine and wait coolant gets cool.

Repeat 10 to 15 until the coolant level doesn't fall any more, bleed air out of the cooling system.

It takes time to bleed out all the air in the cooling system. Refill coolant when coolant gets cool completely, when recheck the coolant level in the reservoir tank for 2-3 days after replacing coolant.

Check radiator hoses for the following:

Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. Make sure it is between the "F" mark and "L" mark.

If the coolant level in the coolant reservoir is at or below the "L" mark, add coolant to bring it between the "L" and "F" marks, then inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Remove the radiator cap.

Check if there are any excessive deposits of rust or scale around the radiator cap sub-assembly and radiator filler hole. Also, the coolant should be free of oil.If excessively dirty, clean the coolant passage and replace the coolant.

Install the radiator cap.