What type of coolant should I use for my TJ?

[Aidynl]

Hello, I've been browsing these forums for awhile and still cant seem to find what type of coolant I should use.

I have an orange color type in right now so I'm thinking of going with either
Zerex GO5 or prestone - dex-cool 50/50 antifreeze / coolant
But I cant seem to find which one would be better and more suitable for my engine.

Thank you for the help!

 

[TJ4Jim]

Hello, I've been browsing these forums for awhile and still cant seem to find what type of coolant I should use.

I have an orange color type in right now so I'm thinking of going with either
Zerex GO5 or prestone - dex-cool 50/50 antifreeze / coolant
But I cant seem to find which one would be better and more suitable for my engine.

Thank you for the help!

Zerex GO5 is the preferred coolant for our TJ's

 

[IOwnCalculus]

Zerex G05 is indeed the correct factory fill for later TJs, but I can't stand how it's almost completely clear and makes it extremely difficult to visually distinguish what fluid it is. When I bought my TJ it had a leaking radiator anyway so I flushed the system and switched to regular green antifreeze.

Earlier TJs would have had green antifreeze since Mopar didn't switch to HOAT until 2001.

 

[C.J. Roberts]

Either one will work. Just don't mix them.

 

[TheBoogieman]

Makes absolutely no difference if you don't mix them. I use Prestone "all makes and models" coolant in all of my Jeeps.
p.s. The green color doesn't make it look like rust either.

 

[jeepguy03]

Most 4.0L Jeeps left the factory with regular green coolant, the later ones had GO5. I prefer the Valvoline Zerex GO5, but have used regular Supertech and Napa green coolant in the past.

Don't use Dexcool.

 

[Smurgel]

Either one will work. Just don't mix them.

Is there a reason you can't or shouldn't mix them?
I just want to get mine back on the road (been static since the beginning of lockdown) and the reservoir looks almost empty.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Not all coolants are compatible with each other, mixing some together can turn them into a sludge. You can instead safely add distilled (not tap) water to bring it up to the full mark until you can change it completely.

 

[annihil8ted]

Not all coolants are compatible with each other, mixing some together can turn them into a sludge. You can instead safely add distilled (not tap) water to bring it up to the full mark until you can change it completely.

For clarity, which coolants or types of coolants should not be mixed?

 

[C.J. Roberts]

For clarity, which coolants or types of coolants should not be mixed?

Basically don't mix Green and Orange. If you already have Green, add Green. If Orange, add Orange. There does exist "All Vehicle" coolant which is supposed to work for anything, but if possible I'd stick to same color mixing.

 

[TNHEADDUCK]

I run Shell Rotella ELC in everything I own, this is after I do a complete flush and block drain. Np problems in any of my vehicles or equipment so far.

 

[JB '98 Sahara]

Ok, someone accidentally put rain x wiper fluid in the coolant reservoir of my 98 TJ. I didn’t know until I asked them where they put it since the washers still weren’t working. Yeah I know want something done…. So suggestions on best thing to do, just flush and fill w fresh coolant or has anyone had this happen before? Yes, it was driven after it had been added, no issues of over heating or anything but what’s the best fix?

 

[C.J. Roberts]

Ok, someone accidentally put rain x wiper fluid in the coolant reservoir of my 98 TJ. I didn’t know until I asked them where they put it since the washers still weren’t working. Yeah I know want something done…. So suggestions on best thing to do, just flush and fill w fresh coolant or has anyone had this happen before? Yes, it was driven after it had been added, no issues of over heating or anything but what’s the best fix?

If the engine didn't get hot enough to vent any coolant into the reservoir and then suck it back into the radiator, emptying and refilling the reservoir should be okay. If you think that some washier fluid DID get into the cooling system, then a flush and fill would be in order.

 

[JB '98 Sahara]

If the engine didn't get hot enough to vent any coolant into the reservoir and then suck it back into the radiator, emptying and refilling the reservoir should be okay. If you think that some washier fluid DID get into the cooling system, then a flush and fill would be in order.

 

[JB '98 Sahara]

Do you recommend what type to refill with? Not sure what was in there before the wash was mixed w it.

 

[C.J. Roberts]

Do you recommend what type to refill with? Not sure what was in there before the wash was mixed w it.

The orange coolant was OEM, but the yellow will work as well. Just don't mix them. I usually get the All Vehicle, ready to use type.

 

[JB '98 Sahara]

Thanks. I have that at home already for my truck. Just wasn’t sure if tj’s are finicky w that too.

 

[LONGJP2]

Do you recommend what type to refill with? Not sure what was in there before the wash was mixed w it.

Zerex G05 is most commonly recommended.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Zerex G05 here too. But you absolutely cannot go by the color of the coolant on what's compatible vs. what's incompatible. Coolant manufacturers have not standardized on colors, the colors mean nothing and do not indicate the type of coolant it is.

 

[Hennep87]

looking for some answers and this tread can maybe help me.

I recently bought a 2006 TJ 2.4L 4 cilinder.

I want to flush out the old coolant and put some new one in. I can read everywhere I need Zerex G05, the only issue is that I can’t get that here in Europe.

The old coolant that is in there looks like it’s orange. But I really want to take it all out. I just changed the oil and filter, and the date on that oil filter said 2014. I guess the current coolant is also in there for more than 10 years.

I’m trying to find a HOAT coolant and I don’t know why but I just can’t find it here.

This is the only orange coolant I can find but it’s OAT.

Translation:

“Ready to use cooling liquid, based on monoethyleneglycol, using organic additives (OAT – Organic Acid Technology).
Strongly recommended for all cooling systems: passenger cars, heavy duty, construction and agriculture vehicles, gardening, ships, stationary engines”

Should I order this? Or is there a better alternative?