2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe has a total cooling system capacity of approximately 14.3 quarts (13.5 liters).

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 14.3 qt (13.5 L)
• OEM Coolant Specification: ACDelco DEX-COOL (Orange, OAT, GM 6277M)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 with deionized water

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2016 Tahoe was offered with a single engine, simplifying coolant specifications.

Flush Interval

Under normal driving conditions, the factory-fill DEX-COOL coolant has a service life of 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

• Normal Duty: 5 years / 150,000 miles.
• Severe Duty: Consider a shorter interval of 100,000 miles if the vehicle is used for frequent towing, hauling heavy loads, or extensive idling, especially in hot climates.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the air from the cooling system is critical to prevent overheating. While a simple drain and fill of the radiator will only replace about half the total capacity, a full flush requires draining the block as well. After refilling, the system must be bled.

1. Refill: Slowly add a 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and deionized water to the coolant reservoir (deaeration tank) until it reaches the "Full Cold" mark.
2. Start Engine: Leave the reservoir cap off and start the engine. Set the heater to the highest temperature and the fan to a low setting.
3. Bleed Air: Let the engine idle. As it warms up, the thermostat will open, and the coolant level in the reservoir will drop as air is purged from the system. Continue to add coolant to maintain the level at the "Full Cold" mark.
4. Monitor Temperature: Keep a close watch on the engine temperature gauge to ensure it does not overheat. You will see bubbles coming up into the reservoir as air escapes.
5. Secure Cap: Once the engine reaches normal operating temperature and the coolant level stabilizes, replace the reservoir cap securely.

For a more effective and faster bleed, technicians often use a vacuum-fill tool, which removes air from the system before introducing new coolant. This generation of Tahoe does not have a specific, easily accessible bleed screw; the deaeration tank design is meant to purge air automatically during the warm-up cycle.

Common Cooling System Issues

This generation of Chevrolet Tahoe (2015-2020) is generally robust, but some common issues can arise:

• Water Pump Failure: The water pump is a known potential failure point. Symptoms include a coolant leak from the front of the engine, a whining or grinding noise, or engine overheating.
• Thermostat Issues: A thermostat stuck open will cause the engine to be slow to warm up and result in poor heater performance. A thermostat stuck closed will cause rapid overheating.
• Radiator and Hose Leaks: Over time, plastic end-tanks on the radiator can crack, and rubber hoses can degrade. Regular inspection of these components is recommended, especially on higher-mileage vehicles.
• Coolant Reservoir Cracks: The plastic coolant reservoir can become brittle with age and develop cracks, leading to slow leaks.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.