Changing Coolant 2004 Forrester

gretsch1943

How much trouble is it for DIY to change coolant on a 2004 Forrester?

ateixeira

On my 1998 model it was fairly simple. There is a drain bolt you loosen near the bottom, but be very careful as it's plastic and you don't want to strip the threads. Loosen it slowly and don't overtighten.

aatherton

Draining is easy. Filling is more complicated. Here is an exchange from another forum:

Q: We don't have bleed openings on our Foresters either. What's the best way to get all the air out? Squeeze all the tubing a few times? Run very briefly and let it cool down; repeat many times? Other?
A: I ran it about 5 miles then let it cool. Removed radiator cap and refilled. I repeated it a couple more times I believe.
http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f88/engine-overheating-badly-wheres-ther- mostat-53935/#post601044

gretsch1943

Thanks to all replies. I will give it a shot. Dealer wants $139 to do this.