2020 Chevrolet Tahoe: Coolant Capacity & Type

A 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe has a total cooling system capacity of approximately 11.5 to 13.6 quarts (10.9 to 12.9 liters), depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 11.5 - 13.6 quarts (10.9 - 12.9 liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: GM DEX-COOL (Orange, OAT - Organic Acid Technology)
• OEM Part Number: GM Genuine Fluid 12346290 / ACDelco 10-101
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 mix of DEX-COOL concentrate and deionized water, or use a pre-mixed 50/50 solution.

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe was available with two different V8 engines, each with a slightly different cooling system capacity.

Note: These values are for a complete system drain, including the radiator, engine block, and heater core. A simple radiator drain and fill will typically replace about half of this volume.

Flush Interval

General Motors recommends the following replacement schedule for the DEX-COOL coolant in your 2020 Tahoe:

• Normal Service: Replace every 5 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever comes first.
• Severe Service: If the vehicle is used for towing, frequent short trips, or in extreme temperatures, it is recommended to inspect the coolant quality more frequently and consider a shorter interval.

How to Refill & Bleed

Properly refilling and bleeding the cooling system is critical to prevent air pockets, which can cause overheating.

1. Use the Right Coolant: Ensure you are using a 50/50 mixture of GM DEX-COOL and deionized water.
2. Slow Fill: Add the coolant slowly into the coolant reservoir (degas bottle) to allow air to escape as the system fills.
3. Bleeding Process: This generation of Tahoe does not have traditional bleed screws. The system is designed to be self-bleeding. After filling, the process involves running the engine with the heater on high to circulate coolant and purge any trapped air.
4. Vacuum-Fill Recommended: For a guaranteed air-free fill, professional technicians use a vacuum-fill tool. This tool creates a vacuum in the cooling system, and then uses that vacuum to draw coolant in, preventing any chance of air pockets forming.
5. Check Levels: After the initial fill and running the engine up to temperature (allowing the thermostat to open), let the vehicle cool down completely and re-check the coolant level in the reservoir, topping up as necessary to the "Full Cold" line.

Common Cooling System Issues

The 2011-2020 generation of GM trucks and SUVs, including the Tahoe, are generally reliable. However, some cooling system issues to be aware of include:

• Water Pump Failure: The water pump is a common failure point. Symptoms include a coolant leak from the front-center of the engine, a whining or grinding noise, or a sudden increase in engine temperature.
• 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 lead to rapid overheating.
• Radiator and Hose Leaks: Over time, plastic radiator end tanks can crack, and rubber hoses can degrade. Regular inspection of these components for brittleness, swelling, or leaks is recommended.

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