Hi all. I have a 2012 GC that I bought off the lot years ago.
This week, it started throwing a P0128, and I confirmed that the coolant temp isn't getting about maybe 160 degrees, so I'll need to change the thermostat, and this will require me to add some extra coolant.
I know it would have come with a factory HOAT fill. However, back in 2016-ish, I got upsold on a radiator flush at the local Mr Lube. At the time, I had no idea that there was a model year break in the coolant used, so I assumed it was refilled with HOAT.
However, now I'm not so sure anymore. The coolant in the overflow jug is very clean and bright orange - like a melted orange popsicle orange. I want to believe that it's a proper HOAT fill, but I would expect that to be yellow if it's coming aftermarket. I read somewhere that aftermarket Dexcool fills are often also Orange, which makes the think the kid who did the flush was as clueless as I at the time, and filled it with Dexcool.
So, my million dollar questions are such:
1. Is there a definitive way I can tell what kind of coolant is in there?
2. Is it common for Dexcool to be orange in an aftermarket fill?
Unfortunately, paperwork that reflects that coolant flush disappeared when I moved a few years back.
I'd rather not pay for a full rad flush right now, but I need a solution, and I'd appreciate any thoughts!
This week, it started throwing a P0128, and I confirmed that the coolant temp isn't getting about maybe 160 degrees, so I'll need to change the thermostat, and this will require me to add some extra coolant.
I know it would have come with a factory HOAT fill. However, back in 2016-ish, I got upsold on a radiator flush at the local Mr Lube. At the time, I had no idea that there was a model year break in the coolant used, so I assumed it was refilled with HOAT.
However, now I'm not so sure anymore. The coolant in the overflow jug is very clean and bright orange - like a melted orange popsicle orange. I want to believe that it's a proper HOAT fill, but I would expect that to be yellow if it's coming aftermarket. I read somewhere that aftermarket Dexcool fills are often also Orange, which makes the think the kid who did the flush was as clueless as I at the time, and filled it with Dexcool.
So, my million dollar questions are such:
1. Is there a definitive way I can tell what kind of coolant is in there?
2. Is it common for Dexcool to be orange in an aftermarket fill?
Unfortunately, paperwork that reflects that coolant flush disappeared when I moved a few years back.
I'd rather not pay for a full rad flush right now, but I need a solution, and I'd appreciate any thoughts!
