2015 Chevrolet Equinox Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox cooling system holds approximately 7.2 to 7.9 quarts (6.8 to 7.5 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine. Properly maintaining your cooling system is crucial for your vehicle's longevity and performance.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 7.2 - 7.9 quarts (6.8 - 7.5 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: DEX-COOL, Orange, OAT (Organic Acid Technology)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 pre-mixed coolant, or 50/50 concentrate with distilled water

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

Chevrolet recommends a coolant flush interval for the 2015 Equinox as follows:

• Normal Duty: Every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: While not explicitly stated as a different interval for "severe duty" by GM, it's generally good practice to inspect your coolant more frequently (e.g., annually) if you operate under severe conditions such as towing heavy loads, frequent stop-and-go driving in hot weather, or driving in very dusty environments. Consider an earlier flush if the coolant appears discolored or contaminated.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system correctly is essential to prevent air pockets, which can lead to localized overheating. Always perform this procedure on a cool engine.

1. Drain: With the engine cool, place a drain pan under the radiator. Open the radiator drain petcock (or remove the lower radiator hose carefully) to drain the old coolant.
2. Flush (Optional but Recommended): If you are flushing, close the drain, fill with distilled water, run the engine with the heater on until it reaches operating temperature, then cool and drain again. Repeat until the drained water is clear.
3. Refill: Close the radiator drain and fill the system through the coolant reservoir with the specified DEX-COOL 50/50 mix. Fill slowly to help prevent air pockets.
4. Bleed: Start the engine with the heater on high and the reservoir cap off. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature. As the engine warms, the thermostat will open, and the coolant level in the reservoir may drop. Add more coolant as needed to maintain the "COLD FILL" line. You may see air bubbles escaping. Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses gently several times to help dislodge air pockets.
5. Specific Equinox Tip: The 2015 Equinox does not typically have dedicated bleed screws. The self-bleeding design relies on the expansion tank. Continue to idle the vehicle and monitor the coolant level, adding more as necessary until the level stabilizes.
6. Final Check: Once the engine is cool, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary.

Common Cooling System Issues

The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox, particularly models equipped with the 2.4L engine, can sometimes exhibit certain cooling system issues common to the generation:

• Water Pump Leaks: The water pump can be a common failure point, often developing leaks that manifest as a pink or orange residue, especially near the front of the engine.
• Thermostat Housing Leaks: The plastic thermostat housing can become brittle over time, leading to cracks and coolant leaks.
• Radiator Leaks: Over time, the plastic end tanks of the radiator can crack, or the core can develop leaks.
• Hose Leaks: Coolant hoses can degrade, crack, or soften, leading to leaks, especially at connection points. Be sure to inspect all hoses during routine maintenance.
• Coolant Consumption (2.4L Engine): Some 2.4L engines in the Equinox, while more often associated with oil consumption, can sometimes exhibit coolant loss internally, which may not be immediately visible externally. This can be due to head gasket issues or other internal engine problems.
• Overheating due to Air Pockets: Incorrect refilling after service can leave air in the system, leading to hot spots and potential overheating. Proper bleeding is crucial.

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