2017 GMC Acadia Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2017 GMC Acadia holds approximately 10.4 quarts (9.8 liters) of coolant in its cooling system.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 10.4 quarts (9.8 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: DEX-COOL, orange, long-life Organic Acid Technology (OAT).
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 pre-mixed or 50/50 concentrate with distilled water.

Capacity by Engine Option

Both engine options for the 2017 GMC Acadia utilize the same cooling system capacity.

Flush Interval

The recommended coolant flush interval for the 2017 GMC Acadia is:

• Normal Duty: Every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Consider shortening the interval to 3 years or 45,000 miles, especially if towing frequently, driving in extreme temperatures, or in dusty conditions.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system on your 2017 GMC Acadia is important to prevent air pockets that can lead to overheating. Always perform this when the engine is cool.

1. Drain Old Coolant: With the engine cool, locate and open the radiator drain petcock (usually on the bottom of the radiator). Remove the radiator cap to allow the system to drain completely.
2. Close Drain & Refill: Close the drain petcock. Fill the cooling system with the specified DEX-COOL 50/50 mix through the radiator fill neck until full. Fill the coolant reservoir to the "COLD FILL" line.
3. Bleed Air (Heat Cycling): Install the radiator cap loosely or leave it off. Start the engine and let it run until it reaches operating temperature. As the engine warms, the thermostat will open, and coolant will circulate. Turn the heater on full blast (hot) and fan on low to help circulate coolant through the heater core. Watch for air bubbles coming out of the radiator fill neck. You may need to gently squeeze the upper radiator hose to help dislodge air pockets.
4. Top Off: Once the engine is at operating temperature and no more bubbles are visible, turn off the engine. Allow it to cool completely. Recheck the coolant level in the radiator and reservoir and top off as necessary. Repeat the bleed process if needed.
5. Final Check: Install the radiator cap securely. Drive the vehicle and monitor the temperature gauge. Recheck the coolant level in the reservoir after the first few drives.

Note: The 2017 GMC Acadia generally does not have a specific air bleed screw; the system is designed to self-bleed through heat cycling.

Common Cooling System Issues

Owners of the 2017 GMC Acadia (and the generation it belongs to) may encounter a few common cooling system issues:

• Water Pump Leaks: The water pump is a common failure point, often exhibiting a coolant leak from the weep hole or around the pump housing. This can lead to overheating if not addressed promptly.
• Thermostat Issues: A failing thermostat can cause the engine to either run too hot (stuck closed) or not reach operating temperature (stuck open), impacting fuel efficiency and potentially leading to engine damage.
• Radiator Leaks: Over time, the plastic end tanks of the radiator can become brittle and crack, leading to coolant leaks. Road debris can also damage the radiator core.
• Hose Leaks: Coolant hoses can degrade over time, leading to cracks, bulges, and leaks. Regular inspection of hoses is recommended.
• Coolant Reservoir Leaks: The plastic coolant reservoir can also develop cracks, especially around the seams or where hoses connect, leading to slow coolant loss.

Regular maintenance, including coolant flushes and inspections, can help prevent these issues.

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