Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Cooling System: Inspection
- To check the radiator for leakage, fill it with engine coolant, and attach the radiator cap tester to the filler neck, and apply pressure.
Pressure:
Non-turbo model
157 kPa (1.6 kg/cm 2 , 23 psi)
Turbo model
122 kPa (1.2 kg/cm 2 , 18 psi)
- Inspect the items below applying a pressure.
- Leak from radiator
- Hose joints and other connections for leakageCAUTION:
- For turbo model, inspection must be carried out at the side of coolant filler tank, not at the side of radiator.
- Be particularly careful not to deform the filler neck of radiator when installing and removing the tester and after testing.
- When performing this check, be sure to keep the engine stationary and fill radiator with coolant.
- Wipe off check points before applying pressure.
- Be careful not to spill coolant when detaching tester from radiator.
- Do not remove the radiator cap. (turbo model)
- Non-turbo model
- Turbo model
- Check the radiator cap valve open pressure using radiator cap tester.
Raise the pressure until the needle of gauge stops and see if the pressure can be retained for five to six seconds. The radiator cap is normal if a pressure above the limit value has been maintained for this period. If the valve opened at the service limit or less, replace the radiator cap.
NOTE: Rust or dirt on the cap may prevent valve from functioning normally: be sure to clean the cap before testing.Non-turbo model radiator side and turbo model coolant filler tank side
Specification:
93 - 123 kPa (0.95 - 1.25 kg/cm 2 , 14 - 18 psi)
Service limit:
83 kPa (0.85 kg/cm 2 , 12 psi)
Radiator side on turbo models
Specification:
122 - 152 kPa (1.24 - 1.55 kg/cm 2 , 18 - 22 psi)
Service limit:
112 kPa (1.14 kg/cm 2 , 16 psi)
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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