2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Coolant Capacity & Type Guide

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD holds approximately 17-21 quarts (16-20 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine. This guide provides detailed information on coolant capacity, type, maintenance, and common issues for your Silverado 2500HD.

Quick answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 17-21 quarts (16-20 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Dex-Cool (Orange, Organic Acid Technology - OAT, GM Specification DEX-COOL®)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mixed or concentrate to be mixed with distilled water

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was available with two primary engine options, each with a slightly different cooling system capacity:

Flush Interval

Maintaining your coolant is crucial for the longevity of your engine. Adhering to the recommended flush intervals will help prevent corrosion, overheating, and other cooling system failures.

• Normal Duty: Every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow heavy loads, drive in extreme temperatures, or operate your vehicle in dusty conditions, it's advisable to inspect your coolant more frequently and consider a flush every 3 years or 50,000 miles.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding your cooling system is essential to prevent air pockets that can lead to overheating. Always perform this procedure on a cool engine.

1. Drain the old coolant: Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator and open it to drain the coolant into a suitable container. Some models may also have engine block drain plugs.
2. Flush (Optional but Recommended): After draining the old coolant, you can flush the system with distilled water until it runs clear. Do not use tap water as it can introduce minerals.
3. Close drain plugs: Ensure all drain plugs are securely closed.
4. Refill with new coolant: Slowly fill the recovery tank with the specified 50/50 Dex-Cool mixture. Fill it to the "COLD FILL" line.
5. Bleed the system: Start the engine and let it run with the heater on full blast (fan speed low) to open the thermostat. As the engine warms up, the coolant level in the recovery tank may drop as air purges from the system. Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge air bubbles. Continue to add coolant as needed to maintain the proper level. For the 6.6L Duramax, there is often a bleed screw located on top of the thermostat housing or near the upper radiator hose connection to aid in air removal. Open this screw until a steady stream of coolant emerges, then close it.
6. Check for leaks: After the engine has reached operating temperature and the thermostat has opened, turn off the engine and let it cool completely. Recheck the coolant level and top off if necessary. Inspect all hose connections and the radiator for any leaks.
7. Monitor: Over the next few days, periodically check the coolant level as any remaining air pockets may work their way out.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation (2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD)

Owners of the 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD may encounter several common cooling system issues:

• Water Pump Failure: The water pump is a known common failure point on these trucks, particularly on the 6.0L Vortec engine. Symptoms include coolant leaks from the pump itself, a whining noise from the front of the engine, or overheating.
• Radiator Leaks: Radiators can develop leaks over time due to wear and tear, corrosion, or damage from road debris. Check for visible coolant puddles under the truck or white/pink crusty residue on the radiator fins.
• Thermostat Issues: A failing thermostat can cause the engine to overheat (if stuck closed) or run too cool (if stuck open). Symptoms include fluctuating temperature gauges or the engine taking a long time to warm up.
• Hose Leaks: Coolant hoses can degrade and crack over time, leading to leaks. Inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, or softness.
• Degraded Dex-Cool: While Dex-Cool is a long-life coolant, if it's not maintained or if it becomes contaminated (e.g., mixed with conventional green coolant), it can break down and lead to sludge formation, potentially clogging the cooling system.

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