2017 Chevrolet Tahoe: Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe has a total cooling system capacity of approximately 13.5 to 17.4 quarts (12.8 to 16.5 liters), depending on the engine and radiator option.

Quick Answer

• Total Capacity: 13.5 - 17.4 qts (12.8 - 16.5 L)
• OEM Coolant Spec: GM DEX-COOL® (Orange, OAT, GM 6277M)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 with distilled water (pre-mixed is recommended)

Capacity by Engine Option

All 2017 Chevrolet Tahoes are equipped with a 5.3L V8 engine, but cooling system capacity can vary slightly based on the specific radiator and auxiliary coolers installed.

Always start with the lower amount when refilling and add as needed to avoid overfilling.

Flush Interval

Under normal driving conditions, the factory-fill DEX-COOL® coolant in a 2017 Tahoe has a very long service life.

• Normal Duty: Replace every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If the vehicle is used for frequent towing, idling, or in extreme temperatures, consider more frequent inspections and potentially shortening the interval to 100,000 miles.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling the cooling system on this generation of Tahoe requires care to prevent air pockets, which can cause overheating. A vacuum-fill tool is highly recommended for a complete and bubble-free fill.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool before opening the radiator or coolant reservoir cap.
2. Mix Coolant: If using concentrate, mix it 50/50 with distilled water in a clean container. Do not use tap water.
3. Fill Slowly: Pour the 50/50 mix slowly into the coolant reservoir (de-gas bottle). Do not fill via the radiator cap.
4. Bleed Air: While there isn't a traditional bleed screw, the system is designed to self-bleed. To facilitate this, leave the reservoir cap loose, start the engine, and turn the heater on its highest temperature and fan setting. Let the engine idle for 15-20 minutes, watching the temperature gauge. You will see the coolant level in the reservoir drop as air is purged.
5. Top Off: Shut the engine off and let it cool. Once cool, top off the coolant in the reservoir to the "Full Cold" line. Securely tighten the cap.
6. Check Again: After a full drive cycle (a day of normal driving), re-check the coolant level when cold and top off if necessary.

Common Cooling System Issues

While generally reliable, the 2011-2018 generation of GM trucks and SUVs can experience a few specific cooling system problems:

• Water Pump Failure: A weep hole on the water pump will leak coolant when the internal seal begins to fail. This is a common wear item.
• Thermostat Issues: A thermostat stuck open will cause the engine to be slow to warm up and may trigger a check engine light. A thermostat stuck closed will cause rapid overheating.
• Radiator Leaks: Leaks can develop at the seams where the plastic end tanks are crimped onto the aluminum core.
• Heater Core Blockage: Less common, but can result in poor or no heat from the vents on one or both sides of the cabin.

If you're experiencing overheating, coolant leaks, or heating problems, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a professional. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.