2019 Chevrolet Tahoe: Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe holds between 13.5 and 14.5 quarts (12.8 to 13.7 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine option.

Quick answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 13.5 - 14.5 qts (12.8 - 13.7 L)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Orange Antifreeze/Coolant, OAT (Organic Acid Technology), GM DEX-COOL® (GM 6277M).
• Mix Ratio: Use a 50/50 mix of DEX-COOL® concentrate and deionized water, or purchase a pre-mixed 50/50 formula.

Capacity by engine option

The specific capacity of your Tahoe's cooling system depends on the V8 engine it's equipped with.

Note: These values are approximate for a complete system drain and refill, including the engine block, radiator, and heater core. A simple radiator drain and fill will require less coolant.

Flush interval

Proper coolant maintenance is vital for the health of your Tahoe's engine. Following the correct service interval prevents corrosion and ensures optimal cooling performance.

• Normal Service: General Motors recommends a coolant flush every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Service: If the vehicle is used for towing, frequent short trips, extensive idling (such as police or service use), or driven in extreme temperatures, it's wise to consider a more frequent interval, such as every 60,000 to 80,000 miles.

How to refill & bleed

Air trapped in the cooling system can cause overheating and poor heater performance. While a professional will use a vacuum-fill tool for a perfect, bubble-free fill, you can perform a traditional refill and bleed with care.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool before opening the cooling system.
2. Open High-Point Bleeders: This generation Tahoe does not have traditional bleed screws. The surge tank (coolant reservoir) is the high point of the system.
3. Slow Fill: With the engine off, slowly pour the 50/50 coolant mixture into the coolant surge tank until the level reaches the "Full Cold" mark.
4. Initial Run: Leave the surge tank cap off. Start the engine and turn the heater to its highest temperature setting and the fan to a low speed. This ensures coolant circulates through the heater core.
5. Monitor & Top Off: As the engine warms up and the thermostat opens, the coolant level in the surge tank will drop. Continue to add coolant to maintain the level. You may see bubbles coming up in the tank; this is normal as air escapes.
6. Reach Operating Temp: Let the engine run until it reaches normal operating temperature (the cooling fans should cycle on).
7. Secure & Test: Once the level is stable and no more bubbles appear, reinstall the surge tank cap. Shut off the engine and let it cool completely.
8. Final Check: After the engine is cold, re-check the level in the surge tank and top off to the "Full Cold" line if necessary.

Pro Tip: Using a spill-proof funnel kit that attaches to the surge tank can make this process much cleaner and more effective at purging air.

Common cooling system issues

The 2014-2020 Tahoe generation (GMT K2XX platform) is generally reliable, but some cooling system components are known to fail over time.

• Water Pump Failure: A weep hole on the water pump will leak coolant when the internal seal fails. Look for orange coolant stains on the front of the engine block.
• Thermostat Housing Leaks: The plastic thermostat housing can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks.
• Radiator Leaks: Leaks often develop where the plastic side tanks are crimped to the aluminum core of the radiator.
• Coolant Surge Tank Cracks: The plastic reservoir can develop hairline cracks over time, causing slow leaks and a loss of pressure.
• Heater Core Issues: While less common, a clogged or leaking heater core can result in a lack of heat in the cabin or a wet passenger-side floorboard.

Addressing cooling system leaks promptly is crucial to prevent engine overheating and catastrophic damage.

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