2019 Chevrolet Equinox: Coolant Capacity & Type

A 2019 Chevrolet Equinox holds between 7.4 and 8.3 quarts (7.0 to 7.9 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine option.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 7.4 to 8.3 quarts (7.0 to 7.9 liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: ACDelco DEX-COOL Coolant/Antifreeze (Orange)
• Chemistry: OAT (Organic Acid Technology)
• GM Specification Number: GM 6277M
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mixed with deionized water

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2019 Equinox was available with three different engines, each having a slightly different cooling system capacity. It is crucial to know which engine your vehicle has before purchasing coolant to ensure you buy enough to complete the service.

Flush Interval

General Motors specifies a long-life service interval for the factory-fill DEX-COOL coolant. Under normal driving conditions, the coolant should be replaced every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

For vehicles operating under severe duty conditions, GM recommends more frequent inspections of the cooling system. Severe duty includes:

• Extensive idling
• Towing trailers
• Operating in extreme temperatures
• Driving in dusty or mountainous regions

While the 150,000-mile interval is robust, technicians at Repairius.com often recommend a drain and fill every 60,000 to 80,000 miles for proactive maintenance, especially if the vehicle is operated under severe conditions. This helps ensure the corrosion inhibitors remain effective and prevents the buildup of scale and deposits that can harm the radiator, heater core, and water pump.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system on a 2019 Equinox requires care to avoid air pockets, which can lead to overheating and poor heater performance. While the system is designed to be self-bleeding, airlocks are still possible.

For a professional result, using a vacuum-fill tool is highly recommended. This tool evacuates all air from the system before introducing new coolant, guaranteeing an air-free fill.

If you are refilling manually:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool before opening the coolant reservoir cap.
2. Drain: Open the radiator drain petcock (if equipped) or disconnect the lower radiator hose to drain the old coolant into a catch pan.
3. Fill: Use a spill-proof funnel that seals onto the coolant reservoir opening. This special funnel is essential for this procedure.
4. Slowly pour the 50/50 pre-mixed DEX-COOL into the funnel until the system appears full. The funnel itself should be about one-third full.
5. Start Engine: With the funnel still in place, start the engine. Turn the cabin heater to the highest temperature setting and the fan speed to low. This opens the heater core and allows coolant to circulate through it.
6. Bleed: Let the engine idle. You will see air bubbles coming up into the funnel as the thermostat opens and air is purged from the system. Continue to add coolant to the funnel as the level drops.
7. Run to Temperature: Allow the engine to run until it reaches operating temperature and the cooling fans cycle on and off. The bubbling should stop.
8. Finalize: Shut off the engine and let it cool completely. Use the stopper provided with the spill-proof funnel to transfer the excess coolant from the funnel back into your bottle. Remove the funnel and install the reservoir cap.
9. Check Level: After a few drive cycles, re-check the coolant level in the reservoir when the engine is cold and top off as needed.

Common Cooling System Issues

The generation of Equinox starting in 2018 is generally reliable, but some cooling system issues can arise:

• Water Pump Weepage/Leaks: The water pump is a known potential failure point on many modern GM engines. Look for signs of orange crusting around the pump pulley or drips from the weep hole.
• Thermostat Malfunction: A thermostat stuck open will cause slow engine warm-up and a "check engine" light. A thermostat stuck closed will lead to rapid overheating.
• Heater Core Clogging: Although less common, restricted or clogged heater cores can cause a lack of heat in the cabin, even when the engine is at full temperature. This can sometimes be caused by using the wrong type of coolant or not servicing it on time.
• Coolant Level Sensor: A faulty sensor in the coolant reservoir can trigger a "Low Coolant" warning on the dash, even when the level is correct.

Properly maintaining your Equinox's cooling system with the correct DEX-COOL coolant and service procedures is key to long-term engine health.

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