First, my truck is completely stock.

The CEL (Check Engine Light) popped on today. Since, I don't have a scanner...off to the dealership. It was an erroneous "fuel pressure fail" code that had tripped.

It appears that there is/was a "flash" or update to my computer that needed to be completed. Since, I perform my own maintenance I had not thought about the computer. There were actually 2 updates that needed done that I have missed.

The good news is that the update is free and it cleared all the codes...even the CD player fault codes (that do not show up in the dash or CEL).

While I was there...I had them change the coolant...good thing since I don't have the equipment to force the thermostat to open and properly exchange all of the fluid. That wasn't free.

 

Coolant change is easy, no special tools needed.

 

How does one get the fluid out of the block, or the downstream side of the thermostat?

The machine at the dealer allows for one to increase the running engine rpms to open the thermostat and exchange 100% of the coolant.

 

The radiator petcock will get most all of it out with just gravity. You can also do what I do and take the lower hose off to make sure I get it all out. Replace hose and fill according the the service manual.

 

Just get the engine up to temp before you change it. Turn the heater on, get the stuff out of the heater core, too.

 

Thanks for the great information. I always wondered how to get the block and heater core coolant out. Now I know.


Just have to make sure I wear gloves after getting the temps up.