Coolant Change Help.

Hi, I’m looking to change the coolant in my DDIS Vitara, is there a drain plug on the radiator or is it a bottom hose off job?

Thank you.

Only ever worked on one Diesel Vitara and I recall the drain was on the  LH lower edge of the radiator #2 on this diagram...




Karl

As Karl says,  there should be a drain tap on the bottom left hand corner of the rad.

Thank you very much for your replies Karl and imack, it’s appreciated.

On a side note, is there a workshop manual similar to the diagrams above available in pdf format?

Thanks and regards.

Hmmm!
Our Vitara 1.6 petrol / auto/sz5 has just been serviced by dealer and is exhibiting an air-lock in the coolant system.
Returned to dealer and they have attempted correction, but still a slight "gurgle" when started etc.
Their "technician" advised that "it's imposible to remove / replace all of the coolant" explaining that this sometimes happens because there is no bleed valve as in a central heating system radiator!
Reading this thread, his explanation would seem to be incorrect if this procedure is followed correctly.
Would you guys agree?
TIA

The DDIS cooling system highlighted above will be a different replacement to that of a Petrol M16A

I don't at the moment have access to the Vitara manual but this is the coolant replacement procedure for the SX4 M16A that I have used for years on Jimny, SX4, S-Cross, Vitara Petrol engines without any air lock issues









Karl

Thank you Karl, I appreciate the info.
So in your opinion, for the dealer to tell me "just top up with tap water if it gets low" would not seem to be very correct or professional?
Also, if they are charging for the full amount of coolant (6.2L) and not using that much - that's a bit cheeky!!

Unless you are fully stripping the engine/cooling system you will never drain 100% of the coolant
I will often drain and then measure how much has been removed and aim for a similar amount to be replaced

If they are charging you for the coolant they should at least supply you with the amount left over for topping up although using the above method I have never had to top up any expansion bottle.
(I would certainly not be diluting it with tap water especially as winter is approaching)

With the expansion bottle (as the name suggests) the coolant level will fluctuate between high and low depending on outside temperatures and how hard the engine is being worked so as long as the level is between High and Low it should not require any top up after the above procedure

Karl

Admin wrote:The DDIS cooling system highlighted above will be a different replacement to that of a Petrol M16A

I don't at the moment have access to the Vitara manual but this is the coolant replacement procedure for the SX4 M16A that I have used for years on Jimny, SX4, S-Cross, Vitara Petrol engines without any air lock issues

Karl

The Vitara 1.6 M16A petrol cooling drain & refil is basically the same as the SX4 mentioned above.
Interestingly there is an addition of small tube to use - so you don't spill the coolant when draining - nice little touch!