How to Replace a Coolant Reservoir

Materials Needed

• Combination wrench set and extensions
• Coolant collection pan
• Flat head screwdriver
• Funnel
• Locking pliers
• New coolant
• Replacement coolant reservoir and clips
• Safety equipment including safety glasses and gloves
• Socket wrench set
• WD-40 or other penetrating oil

• Work light

• Note: The replacement coolant reservoir will vary according to different makes and models.

• Tip: Anytime you work on the coolant system, the potential of being burned is very high. Coolant can maintain a temperature near boiling for a very long time and will burn your skin if exposed. This job should only be completed when the engine is cold and has not been running for a minimum of one hour. Make sure you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your hands from hot coolant if the engine is not cold.

Part 1 of 3: Diagnosing a problem with the coolant reservoir

Noted below are a few of the warning signs that will alert you that the coolant reservoir is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Coolant is leaking under the motor: If you notice that there is coolant or what appears to be colored water under your vehicle, specifically under the passenger side engine compartment, this could be an indication that the coolant reservoir is damaged.

Low coolant or engine overheating: When the radiator coolant level is actually low, air pockets may develop inside the coolant lines. This will typically create an overheating situation. In many cases, the low level of coolant is due to evaporation or a leak in the system. Check the radiator and coolant lines to verify they are not the cause of the leak before you replace the coolant reservoir.

Part 2 of 3: Remove and replace the coolant reservoir

Step 1: Prepare the vehicle. The coolant reservoir is located on top of the engine compartment, and in some cases, may be tucked below.

Step 2: Spray WD-40 on any rusted bolts. There are only a few bolts that secure the coolant reservoir to the engine compartment.

Step 3: Locate the coolant reservoir. The coolant reservoir should be located on the top of the engine compartment, typically on the passenger side.

Step 4: Remove the bolts securing the reservoir to the engine compartment. On most US and foreign vehicles, there will be one or two bolts on the front of the reservoir that attacing it.

Step 5: Remove the two top hoses. There are two hoses on top of the coolant reservoir that need to be removed next.

Step 6: Pry the hoses off the reservoir tank fittings. Once the clamps have been moved back onto the hose, you'll need to use a very thin, flat head screwdriver to pry the hose clamps off the fitting.

Step 7: Remove the bottom coolant hose. On the bottom of the tank , there is a larger circumference coolant hose that runs to the radiator.

Step 8: Pry the hose off the bottom fitting. Do this as instructed above with top fitting.

Step 9: Remove rear clip from coolant reservoir. On most coolant reservoirs, there will be a clip that secures the reservoir to the rear of the engine compartment.

Step 10: Remove the old coolant reservoir from the engine compartment.

Step 11: Clean the area underneath the old coolant reservoir. Since the old reservoir is gone, this is a good opportunity to clean any coolant, debris, dirt or gunk that may be under that area.

Step 12: Reinstall the new tank. Before you reinstall the new coolant reservoir, make sure to visually verify that the new tank is the same shape, size, and has the same fittings as the older tank.

Step 13: Attach bottom hose to coolant reservoir. The bottom hose needs to be installed before trying to secure the tank to the engine compartment.

Step 14: Slide clamps onto the hose and fitting. Using a pair of pliers, close the teeth of the clamp and slide the clamp to the base of the tank and release the pliers to close the clamp securely.

Step 15: Reattach two top hoses. Utilizing the same process as indicated in step 11 and 12, secure the left and right top hoses to the new coolant reservoir.

Step 16: Snap new tank onto rear clamp fitting. This step is for those that have a reservoir tank that has a clamp attachment as displayed in the image above.

Step 17: Secure coolant reservoir. Secure with bolts to the engine compartment.

Step 18: Fill coolant reservoir. Each manufacturer has individual recommendations on the type of coolant that should be used as well as how high to fill the reservoir.

Step 19: Check with manufacturer about priming coolant system. In some cases, your vehicles coolant system will need to be primed to avoid bubbles or air pockets inside the coolant lines. Make sure to check with your vehicle manufacturer if this is the case and prime the system as recommended before starting the vehicle.

Part 3 of 3: Test drive the vehicle

Step 1: Start the vehicle. Let it warm up to operating temperature.

Step 2: Check for any leaks. Look for leaks from the coolant reservoir or coolant lines attached.

Step 3: Check to see if the check engine or low coolant level light is illuminated. If it is, turn off the engine and check the coolant level inside the reservoir.

Step 4: Make sure to drive the vehicle until you hear the radiator fan come on. Once you do, return home while keeping an eye on the thermostat or engine temperature.

Step 5: Check coolant level. Once the vehicle has cooled for a minimum of one hour, check the coolant level inside the reservoir and fill if needed.