How to Change the Coolant in a Hyundai Elantra

by Jody L. Campbell

Although there is nothing more superior than a coolant flush to your Hyundai Elantra, a drain and fill procedure will still go a long way in restoring the Ph level and temperature of the coolant. The radiator on the Elantra holds approximately two gallons of fluid, while the water table holds another gallon or more. By just draining and filling you're only successfully replacing a little more than half the fluid, but some is better than none at all in the event a coolant flush machine is not available or too expensive for your budget.

Step 1

Allow the Elantra's engine to cool properly if heated or warmed up.

Step 2

Release the hood latch and open the hood.

Step 3

Lift the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and then place jack stand under the front frame rails to support the vehicle.

Step 4

Place the drain bucket beneath the petcock valve of the radiator and then turn the petcock counterclockwise. As the trickle of coolant pours, crawl out from under the Elantra and remove the radiator cap from the radiator. This air pocket will increase the flow of fluid, and checking the position of the drain bucket will be required.

Step 5

Allow the radiator to drain to a trickle. If desired, to release more coolant, remove the upper and lower radiator hoses (from the radiator) by removing the clamps with a screwdriver or a pair of pliers---depending on the style clamp in place. Position the hoses (once they're removed) to pour into the drain bucket.

Step 6

Tighten the petcock, replace the radiator hose and then tighten the clamps when the coolant of the Elantra is thoroughly drained.

Step 7

Lower the Elantra back to the ground.

Step 8

Place a funnel into the radiator neck of the Elantra's radiator and fill it with the new coolant (hold the coolant jug horizontally and flat while pouring to allow minimal spillage). Be sure the coolant is remixed with 50 percent water. Add the coolant until the radiator will allow no more.

Step 9

Start the engine of the Elantra with the radiator cap still off and the drain bucket positioned below the radiator cap. This will allow the Elantra to burp any air bubbles in the coolant system to purge out of the radiator and fall into the bucket.

Step 10

Inspect the temperature gauge of the Elantra during this procedure to assure the gauge does not exceed the "safe" temperature limit. Add more coolant as necessary.

Step 11

Replace the radiator cap and then test drive the Elantra for 10 to 20 minutes while monitoring the temperature gauge. Shut the Elantra down or turn the heat to full and the fan to full if the system overheats.