2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 cooling system typically holds around 16.3-17.0 quarts (15.4-16.1 liters) of coolant, though this can vary slightly by engine. Keep your engine running efficiently and prevent overheating by selecting the correct coolant and following proper maintenance procedures.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 16.3 - 17.0 quarts (15.4 - 16.1 liters) depending on engine.
• OEM Coolant Spec: DEX-COOL (Orange/Reddish-Orange, OAT, GM Standard GMW3420).
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mix or 50/50 concentrate with distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

For the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GM recommends the following coolant flush intervals using DEX-COOL coolant:

• Normal Duty: Every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: While GM doesn't explicitly define a "severe duty" interval for coolant, it's wise to consider changing it more frequently (e.g., every 3 years or 50,000-75,000 miles) if your truck routinely experiences:
  • Frequent towing or hauling heavy loads.
  • Extended idling or stop-and-go driving in hot weather.
  • Driving in extremely cold climates.
  • Off-road driving.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system is crucial to prevent air pockets, which can lead to overheating. Always perform this procedure on a cool engine.

1. Drain: With the engine off and cool, place a drain pan under the radiator. Open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator to drain the old coolant. For a more thorough drain, you can also remove the lower radiator hose (be prepared for more coolant to come out).
2. Close & Fill: Once drained, close the petcock or reattach the hose. Slowly fill the coolant reservoir with the correct DEX-COOL 50/50 mixture to the "cold fill" line.
3. Start Engine & Bleed: Start the engine and let it run with the heater on full blast and the fan on low. This helps open the heater core and circulate coolant through the entire system. As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open, allowing coolant to flow through the radiator.
4. Monitor Level: Keep an eye on the coolant level in the reservoir. As air escapes the system, the level will drop. Add more coolant as needed to maintain the "cold fill" line.
5. Burp System (if applicable): Some Silverado models may have a bleeder screw (often on the thermostat housing or an upper radiator hose). If present, slowly open it until a steady stream of coolant (without air bubbles) emerges, then close it. Be cautious, as hot coolant and steam can come out.
6. Drive & Recheck: Once the engine reaches operating temperature and the fan cycles on and off a few times, drive the vehicle for a short period. After the engine has cooled completely, recheck the coolant level and top off if necessary.
7. Final Check: Over the next few days, periodically check the coolant level in the reservoir and top off as needed until the level stabilizes.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation

The 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (K2XX generation) can experience a few common cooling system issues:

• Water Pump Leaks: The water pump is a known failure point. Look for coolant puddles under the front of the vehicle, a squealing noise from the belt area, or a fluctuating temperature gauge.
• Radiator Leaks: Radiators can develop leaks over time, often due to corrosion or damage from road debris. Check for visible coolant stains on the radiator fins or along the plastic end tanks.
• Thermostat Failure: A failing thermostat can cause the engine to overheat (if stuck closed) or run too cool (if stuck open). Symptoms include the engine taking a long time to warm up or the temperature gauge fluctuating erratically.
• Degas Bottle/Reservoir Leaks: The plastic coolant reservoir can crack or its seams can fail, leading to slow coolant loss. Inspect the reservoir for any hairline cracks or damp spots.
• Heater Core Issues: While less common, a clogged or leaking heater core can lead to a lack of cabin heat or a sweet smell inside the vehicle, along with potential coolant loss. This generation is also known for blend door actuator failures which can mimic heater core issues.

Regular maintenance and using the correct DEX-COOL coolant will help extend the life of your cooling system components.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.