1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials:
- New coolant (refer to your owner's manual for the recommended type and amount)
- Funnel
- Large bucket or drain pan
- Pliers or wrench
- Screwdriver
- Safety glasses
2. Prepare Your Car:
- Park your car on a level surface and allow the engine to cool down completely.
- Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
- Open the hood of your car.
3. Locate the Radiator Drain Plug:
- The radiator drain plug is usually located at the bottom of the radiator. It may be made of plastic or metal and is usually marked with a "DRAIN" label.
4. Place the Drain Pan:
- Position the large bucket or drain pan under the radiator drain plug to catch the old coolant.
5. Open the Drain Plug:
- Using pliers or a wrench, carefully turn the drain plug counterclockwise to loosen it.
- Allow the old coolant to drain completely into the drain pan. This may take a few minutes.
6. Close the Drain Plug:
- Once the old coolant has drained, firmly tighten the drain plug back into place.
7. Locate the Radiator Cap:
- The radiator cap is usually located at the top of the radiator. It may be black or another color and is typically marked with a "RADIATOR" label.
8. Remove the Radiator Cap:
- Carefully turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to remove it. Since the cooling system is pressurized, be cautious, as removing the cap may cause a small amount of steam or coolant to spray out.
9. Add New Coolant:
- Using a funnel, slowly pour the new coolant into the radiator until it reaches the "FULL" mark on the reservoir.
- Do not overfill the radiator, as this can cause problems with the cooling system.
10. Replace the Radiator Cap:
- Once you've added the new coolant, firmly tighten the radiator cap back into place.
11. Start the Engine:
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new coolant throughout the system.
12. Check the Coolant Level:
- After the engine has run for a few minutes, turn it off and check the coolant level in the reservoir.
- If necessary, add more coolant to bring it up to the "FULL" mark.
That's it! You have successfully flushed the radiator coolant in your 1997 Honda Accord. It's recommended to flush the coolant every few years or according to the maintenance schedule specified in your owner's manual to keep the cooling system in good working condition and prevent overheating issues.
