1. Complete the Drain: Make sure you've thoroughly drained the coolant from the bottom radiator hose. You might also consider removing the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator for a more complete drain.
2. Refill with Flushing Solution: Instead of just refilling with water, use a radiator flush solution. Follow the instructions on the specific product you choose. These solutions usually come in a concentrate that you mix with water. Common types include:
* Acid-based flush: These are effective but can be corrosive if not properly rinsed. Follow directions meticulously.
* Neutral pH flush: These are generally safer and less corrosive.
3. Run the Engine: Add the flush solution to the radiator and refill the overflow tank. Start the engine and let it run for approximately 20-30 minutes, ideally with the heater on full blast. This circulates the solution throughout the system, loosening deposits and scale. Monitor the coolant level and add more if necessary. Let the engine idle; you don't need to drive the car.
4. Drain the Flushing Solution: Once the engine has run for the specified time (consult the flush product instructions), turn off the engine and let it cool down somewhat before draining the flush solution from the bottom radiator hose (and the radiator drain plug if you removed it).
5. Rinse: Repeat steps 2-4, but this time use only clean water instead of the flushing solution. This crucial rinse removes any remaining flush solution. Again, run the engine for about 20 minutes with the heater on.
6. Final Drain and Refill: Drain the system one last time. Inspect the drained fluid – it should be fairly clear after the rinsing process. If it still looks dirty, repeat the rinsing process.
7. Refill with Coolant: Once the system is clean, refill the radiator and overflow tank with the correct 50/50 mixture of coolant (usually a 50% antifreeze/50% distilled water mix – consult your owner's manual for the specific coolant type recommended for your Intrepid's engine). Check the owner's manual to ensure you use the correct type of coolant for your vehicle – some engines need specific types (e.g., Dexcool).
8. Bleed the Air: After refilling, run the engine again for a few minutes, keeping an eye on the coolant level. Air pockets can form in the system, potentially causing overheating. Check the overflow tank; if the level drops, add more coolant. You may need to "burp" the system by carefully opening the radiator cap (when cool!) to release trapped air. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on bleeding the cooling system.
Important Considerations:
* Safety First: Coolant is toxic. Wear gloves and eye protection. Work in a well-ventilated area.
* Owner's Manual: Always refer to your 1995 Dodge Intrepid owner's manual for specific instructions and recommendations on coolant type and flushing procedures.
* Overheating: If your Intrepid has been overheating, address the underlying cause before flushing. A blown head gasket or other problem could cause recurring overheating even with a clean system.
If you're uncomfortable performing this task yourself, it's best to take your Intrepid to a qualified mechanic. They have the expertise and tools to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
