How do you change radiator coolant in a 1996 ford Crown Victoria?

Answer 1

First, you should flush the system. You may use a rad. flush if you want. Follow directions. Then, with the engine cool, drain the coolant in the rad by removing the lower rad. hose, dispose of accordingly. Then open one of the heater hose cnx. at the fire wall. Stick in your garden hose, and turn on the water. This will flush the heater core and the lines. Then stick the hose in the upper rad. and flush the rad. When done, put back the rad. hose with the clamps, but just put the heater hose on loosely. There will still be water in the engine block so use pure coolant for your car. Check with the auto parts for the best product. With the '96 you cannot just fill the rad, you have to add the coolant in the reserve tank, so fill the reserve to the top, gravity will send it into the rad, start the engine, with your heater on high, and continue to add till full. As the engine warms you will have an air lock in the system. To remove the air lock with engine at operating temp. open the heater hose slightly, and I mean slightly. Be care full, open a few seconds at a time, air and coolant will come out and it will get hot, also the coolant will drop onto the exhaust and smoke, try not to breath the fumes. Do this a few times till both heater hoses get hot, then check the heater, should be good and hot now, if not, bleed the system again. Always be sure to top up the coolant reservoir all the time. When finished, put back the clamps to the heater hose, and check for leaks. This is the only way to bleed the '96 of air.