How to Bleed the Coolant System on a PT Cruiser
by Kyle McBrideChrysler PT Cruisers are equipped with a coolant system bleeding valve to aid in the removal of air from the coolant system after topping off or draining and refilling the radiator. Air can be trapped within the engine water jacket, displacing coolant and giving a false "Full" indication in the radiator and overflow reservoir. Removal of this air is important to maintain the full coolant capacity of the system and prevent overheating because of low coolant level.
Filling the Cooling System
Step 1
Open the coolant system bleeder valve located below the radiator pressure cap using a wrench.
Step 2
Install a clear, 4-foot long, 1/4-inch inside-diameter hose on the bleeder valve nipple. Route the hose down through the engine compartment and away from the radiator fan and accessory drive belts. Place the loose end of the hose into a clean container.
Step 3
Remove the radiator pressure cap. Install the filling-aid funnel on the radiator pressure cap neck. Pinch the overflow hose using the attached clip.
Step 4
Slowly add a 50 percent mix of coolant and distilled water to the larger section of the filling-aid funnel until a steady stream of coolant comes through the bleeder valve. Tighten the bleeder valve using a wrench and then remove the hose.
Step 5
Remove the clip from the overflow hose and remove the funnel from the pressure cap neck.
Step 6
Fill the radiator up to the top of the pressure cap neck. Install the pressure cap.
Step 7
Fill the coolant overflow bottle to the “Full Hot” mark.
Bleeding the System
Step 1
Start the engine and allow the vehicle to achieve full operating temperature.
Step 2
Shut the engine off and allow it to cool completely.
Step 3
Check the coolant level in the overflow bottle and add coolant up to the “Full Hot” mark.
Step 4
Perform Steps 1 through 3 until the coolant level stabilizes at the “Full Hot” mark and no more coolant needs to be added. This may take three or four cycles.
References
- PT Cruiser Service Manual 2001-2004; DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- 1/4-inch inside-diameter clear hose, 4-feet long
- Clean container
- Chrysler special tool 8195 filling-aid funnel
- Mopar Antifreeze and Coolant, 5-year/100,000 Mile Formula or equivalent
- Distilled water
Warnings
- Make sure that the engine is cool before removing the pressure cap from the radiator.
- Use of propylene glycol based coolants is not recommended in your PT Cruiser.
- Swallowing or inhaling ethylene glycol-based coolants can be hazardous to your health. Seek immediate medial assistance in case of inhalation or swallowing of coolant.
- Check regulations for proper coolant disposal in your area.
