Fix Overheating: Kia Forte & Soul Coolant Bleeding Guide, by World Mechanics on YouTube. 5 min 46 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 46 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground and let the engine cool completely. Never open the radiator cap or pressure cap on a hot engine, because scalding coolant can spray out.
Open the radiator or expansion tank cap and check the coolant level. Top up to the full mark with the correct coolant mix for your Kia.
Fit the spill-free funnel onto the filler neck and pour coolant in until it sits a few inches up the funnel.
Start the engine and set the heater to full hot with the blower on low. This opens the heater core so air can escape from it.
Let the engine idle and watch the funnel. Bubbles rising means trapped air is escaping. Keep the funnel topped up as the level drops.
Wait for the upper radiator hose to get hot and the thermostat to open, usually 10 to 15 minutes of idling. The coolant will start circulating and the level may drop again.
Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses a few times with a gloved hand to push out stubborn air pockets, then top up again.
When no more bubbles appear and the heater blows hot air, stop the engine and let it cool. Remove the funnel and refit the cap.
Top up the expansion tank to the full line, then drive a short loop and check the level again once the engine is cold.
Tips and common mistakes
Use only the coolant type listed in your owner's manual, since mixing types can cause sludge.
Keep the funnel partly filled the whole time so air cannot get sucked back in.
If the heater stays cold or the temperature gauge climbs, stop and repeat the bleed.
Dispose of old coolant at a recycling centre, because it is toxic to pets and people.
Questions
How do I know all the air is out?
The heater blows hot, the upper hose is hot, and no more bubbles rise in the funnel. The level should also stay steady after a short drive.
Can I bleed the system without a spill-free funnel?
Yes, a plain funnel and patience work, but a spill-free kit keeps coolant from spilling on hot parts and lets you see bubbles clearly.
Do I need to jack up the car?
Usually not. Level ground is enough on most Forte and Soul models, but some engines have a bleed screw that is easier to reach from underneath.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
