2022 Chevrolet Equinox Coolant Capacity & Type Guide

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox holds approximately 7.2 quarts (6.8 liters) of coolant in its standard 1.5L turbocharged cooling system. Keeping your engine at the correct operating temperature is crucial for the longevity and performance of your crossover. Whether you are performing routine maintenance or topping off after a repair, using the correct coolant type and knowing the exact capacity is essential to prevent internal engine corrosion and overheating.

Quick answer

When servicing the cooling system on your 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, keep these essential specifications in mind:

• Total cooling system capacity: Approximately 7.2 quarts (6.8 liters).
• OEM coolant specification: GM Dex-Cool. This is an Orange, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant meeting the GM spec GMW3420 (formerly GM6277M).
• Mix ratio: A 50/50 mixture of Dex-Cool concentrate and clean, drinkable water (preferably distilled or deionized), or you can use pre-diluted 50/50 Dex-Cool directly from the bottle. Do not mix Dex-Cool with conventional green or blue coolants.

Capacity by engine option

For the 2022 model year, Chevrolet streamlined the Equinox powertrain options, dropping the previously available 2.0L engine. Therefore, there is only one standard engine configuration to worry about for this model year.

Note: Capacities are approximate. Always fill to the "Cold Fill" line on the surge tank and verify levels after the engine reaches operating temperature.

Flush interval

Coolant degrades over time, losing its anti-corrosive properties and its ability to effectively transfer heat. General Motors provides specific guidelines for replacing the Dex-Cool in your Equinox:

• Normal driving conditions: Flush and replace the coolant every 150,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
• Severe duty conditions: If you frequently idle in heavy traffic, tow (though limited on the 1.5L), or drive in extremely dusty or extreme temperature environments, it is recommended to inspect the coolant regularly and consider flushing it closer to the 100,000-mile mark or every 3 to 4 years.

How to refill & bleed

Properly bleeding the cooling system is critical. The 1.5L turbo engine in the Equinox can trap air pockets in the cylinder head and heater core, which will lead to overheating and poor heater performance.

1. Preparation: Ensure the engine is completely cold. Place a drain pan under the radiator drain petcock and drain the old coolant.
2. Vacuum Fill (Highly Recommended): As an ASE master tech, I strongly advise using a pneumatic cooling system vacuum fill tool. This tool pulls a vacuum on the entire system, checking for leaks, and then draws the new 50/50 Dex-Cool mixture into the engine without introducing any air pockets.
3. Manual Refill (If vacuum tool is unavailable): Slowly pour the 50/50 mixed coolant into the surge tank until it reaches the cold fill line.
4. Bleeding process: Leave the surge tank cap off. Start the engine and turn the climate control heater settings to maximum heat and low fan speed.
5. Burping the system: Allow the engine to idle until it reaches normal operating temperature and the upper radiator hose gets hot (indicating the thermostat has opened). As air bubbles burp out of the surge tank, the fluid level will drop. Continuously add coolant to keep it at the cold fill line.
6. Final check: Once the level stabilizes and hot air is blowing from the cabin vents, reinstall the surge tank cap securely. Test drive the vehicle and recheck the level after the engine has completely cooled down.

Common cooling system issues

The third-generation Chevrolet Equinox (including the 2022 model) is generally reliable, but there are a few cooling system quirks you should watch out for as the miles add up:

• Water Pump Weep Hole Leaks: The mechanical water pump on the 1.5L engine can sometimes develop a slow leak from the weep hole as the internal seal wears out. If you notice a faint sweet smell or orange crusty buildup on the passenger side of the engine block, inspect the water pump.
• Dex-Cool Sludge: Dex-Cool is an excellent long-life coolant, but if the system runs low and introduces excessive air, or if it is mixed with conventional IAT (green) coolant, it can gel and turn into a thick brown sludge. This will clog the heater core and radiator.
• Thermostat Failures: Occasional thermostat failures (usually failing in the open position) can cause the engine to take too long to reach operating temperature, triggering a Check Engine Light and a P0128 diagnostic trouble code.

If you are experiencing any of these issues or prefer to have a professional handle your 5-year coolant flush, do not hesitate to seek expert help. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.