Don't assume the repair shop will use the correct coolant >>>>

[G-MAN]

I had to have the A/C evaporator replaced (under warranty) in my 300M last month. Because the heater core has to be removed in order to get at the evaporator, the shop (CarMax) had to drain the coolant. I discovered last week that they had refilled my system with DexCool. My 300M came from the factory with G-05 coolant and Chrysler has warned dealers in a couple of TSBs not to use DexCool in these all-aluminum engines. I guess the ASE certified techs at CarMax just assume that DexCool can be used where any so-called "long life" coolant is specified.

Anyhow, I took my car to my trusted shop yesterday with six gallons of distilled water and two gallons of Zerex G-05. Four gallons of distilled water were used to completely flush the system and rid it of the DexCool. The remaining two gallons of distilled water were mixed with the two gallons of G-05 to refill the system.

Object of the story: If your car requires a type of coolant other than the standard green or DexCool, don't assume the person working on your car will put the correct coolant in if anyting is done to the cooling system. This also applies to complimentary "toping off" of fluids. Most shops will pour the same antifreeze in every car's tank, no matter what's in it.

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

---

Originally posted by medic:
I hope you took the bill to the first shop so they could refund the $$$ that it cost you.

---

I'd planned to have the cooling system flushed anyway, otherwise I would do just that.

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

---

Originally posted by edwardh1:
some/one of the major national radiator repair trade associations says to their members:
You only need two kinds of antifreeze to fit all cars, Merican, Euro, and Japanese.
They tell their memebers to stock:

1. regular green silicate prestone type
and
2. "dexcool". (they do not say to use (Havoline GM) dexcool- the one that caused the problems originally or Prestone Dexcool compatible).

---

Guess what? They are WRONG.

 

[medic]

I hope you took the bill to the first shop so they could refund the $$$ that it cost you.

I have found quite a few shops using Peak Global. It claims to be universal and covers all requirements of any vehicle sold in the US.

 

[edwardh1]

some/one of the major national radiator repair trade associations says to their members:
You only need two kinds of antifreeze to fit all cars, Merican, Euro, and Japanese.
They tell their memebers to stock:

1. regular green silicate prestone type
and
2. "dexcool". (they do not say to use (Havoline GM) dexcool- the one that caused the problems originally or Prestone Dexcool compatible).

 

[Michael SR]

are you sure it was actually dexcool? or just orange? some of the orange coolants specifically say they're for use in applications calling for G-05.

-michael

 

[edwardh1]

the havoline dexcool and the prestone dexcool jugs say you can use it anywhere

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

---

Originally posted by edwardh1:
the havoline dexcool and the prestone dexcool jugs say you can use it anywhere

---

Of course they do! They don't make a G-05 coolant, so they want you to use theirs. G-05 uses a different OAT package than DexCool, and unlike DexCool it does contain silicates for extra aluminum protection. Bottom line: if your car calls for G-05, THAT is the only safe coolant you can use. Peroid.

[ February 09, 2004, 11:15 PM: Message edited by: G-Man II ]

 

[G-MAN]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Michael SR:
are you sure it was actually dexcool? or just orange? some of the orange coolants specifically say they're for use in applications calling for G-05.

---

See my post above. Zerex makes the only aftermarket G-05 coolant, and it's gold, not orange. I think the Mopar service fill is gold as well. Only the factory fill G-05 is orange (though a different tint from DexCool) and God only knows why Chrysler chose orange for the color. That's guaranteed to confuse people about the type coolant that is in their radiator.

 

[edwardh1]

they probably are, but I think they do not want to stock VW blue,
nissan green, toyota red etc.
they say the Japanese cars "get along fine" on regular green prestone.
Dexcool/ OAT clone for everyone else

 

[Spector]

I wish that companies could provide consistent and reliable info. A year ago my radiator was replaced and dealer put in Toyota Red (OEM was green ethelene glycol) The service rep (later I confirmed this with Toyota Corp) said that it was not compatibile with any other coolant, had to use the Red for top offs etc.

Yesterday, speaking to a service rep at dealer he stated, we have updated info on that and it is compatable with the ethelene glycol green coolant.

Just love it!