Service Procedures; Adding Additional Coolant; Coolant Level Check-Service; Routine Coolant Level Check - Jeep 1997 Grand Cherokee Service Manual

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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
LOW COOLANT LEVEL-AERATION
If the coolant level in radiator drops below top of
radiator core tubes, air will enter cooling system.
Low coolant level can cause thermostat pellet to be
suspended in air instead of coolant. This will cause
thermostat to open later, which in turn causes higher
coolant temperature. Air trapped in cooling system
also reduces amount of coolant circulating in heater
core resulting in low heat output.
DEAERATION
As the engine operates, any air trapped in cooling
system gathers under the radiator cap. The next time
the engine is operated, thermal expansion of coolant
will push any trapped air past radiator cap into the
coolant reserve/overflow tank. Here it escapes to the
atmosphere into the tank. When the engine cools
down the coolant, it will be drawn from the reserve/
overflow tank into the radiator to replace any
removed air.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

ROUTINE COOLANT LEVEL CHECK

NOTE: Do not remove radiator cap for routine
coolant level inspections. The coolant level can be
checked at coolant reserve/overflow tank.
The coolant reserve/overflow system provides a
quick visual method for determining coolant level
without removing radiator pressure cap. With engine
idling and at normal operating temperature, observe
coolant level in reserve/overflow tank. The coolant
level should be between ADD and FULL marks.

ADDING ADDITIONAL COOLANT

Do not remove radiator cap to add coolant to
system. When adding coolant to maintain correct
level, do so at coolant reserve/overflow tank. Use a
50/50 mixture of ethylene-glycol antifreeze and low
mineral content water. Remove radiator cap only for
testing or when refilling system after service. Remov-
ing cap unnecessarily can cause loss of coolant and
allow air to enter system, which produces corrosion.
COOLANT LEVEL CHECK—SERVICE
The cooling system is closed and designed to main-
tain coolant level to top of radiator.
WARNING: DO NOT OPEN RADIATOR DRAINCOCK
WITH ENGINE RUNNING OR WHILE ENGINE IS HOT
AND COOLING SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE.
When vehicle servicing requires a coolant level
check in radiator, drain several ounces of coolant
from radiator drain cock. Do this while observing
coolant reserve/overflow system tank. The coolant
level in reserve/overflow tank should drop slightly. If
not, inspect for a leak between radiator and coolant
reserve/overflow system connection. Remove radiator
cap. The coolant level should be to top of radiator. If
not and if coolant level in reserve/overflow tank is at
ADD mark, check for:
• An air leak in coolant reserve/overflow tank or
its hose
• An air leak in radiator filler neck
• Leak in pressure cap seal to radiator filler neck
DRAINING AND FILLING COOLING SYSTEM
DRAINING COOLING SYSTEM
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAINCOCK WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If the solution
is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for
reuse.
DRAINING ENTIRE SYSTEM
Use this procedure if the entire cooling system is to
be drained, such as for engine removal.
(1) DO NOT remove radiator cap first. With engine
cold, raise vehicle on a hoist and locate radiator
draincock.
• 4.0L 6-cyl. Engine: Radiator draincock is located
on the right/lower side of radiator facing to rear of
vehicle.
• 5.2/5.9L V-8 Engines: Radiator draincock is
located on the left/lower side of radiator facing to
rear of vehicle.
(2) Attach one end of a hose to the draincock. Put
the other end into a clean container. Open draincock
and drain coolant from radiator. This will empty the
coolant reserve/overflow tank. The coolant does not
have to be removed from the tank unless the system
is being refilled with a fresh mixture. When tank is
empty, remove radiator cap and continue draining
cooling system.
To drain the 4.0L 6-cylinder engine of coolant,
remove the cylinder block drain plug located on the
side of cylinder block (Fig. 21).
To drain the 5.2/5.9L V-8 engines of coolant,
remove the cylinder block drain plugs located on the
sides of cylinder block above the oil pan rail (Fig. 22).
PARTIAL DRAINING
Use this procedure if the coolant is to be partially
drained, such as for engine thermostat removal.
COOLING SYSTEM 7 - 21