Certain Kia Sorento vehicles may overheat due to small cracks found on the bottom of the coolant reservoir due to repetitive temperature and pressure fluctuations. The new and improved coolant tank allows some expansion and contraction found in many pressurized cooling systems.

This bulletin describes the proper service procedure for identifying and replacing the coolant reservoir tank.

Note: The previous design (P/N 25430 3E200) is ribbed; the new design (P/N 25430 3E200QQK) is ­reinforced. Verify that the reservoir has not been previously replaced by reaching underneath and checking the lower surface of the reservoir.

Effective Vehicle Information: 2003-’05 Sorento vehicles produced from June 30, 2002 to Oct. 3, 2004.

Repair Procedure:

1. Raise the hood and locate the coolant reservoir, cover the cap with a cotton shop towel and slowly ­remove the reservoir tank cap. See Fig. 1.

Warning: ­Engine coolant is flammable at certain temperatures. If coolant is spilled during the service procedure, all residual coolant must be removed from all surfaces before releasing the vehicle back to the customer. Make sure that the engine has cooled down to outside temperature before starting the ­repair to avoid being burned by hot coolant.

2. Use a suction pump to remove the coolant or ­install a rubber plug or equivalent to prevent the coolant from leaking completely out of the coolant reservoir tank when the hoses are removed.

a. Remove the two hose clamps and hoses from the coolant reservoir tank. See Fig. 2.

b. Transfer the overflow hose from the old to the new tank

3. Remove the three retaining nuts holding the coolant reservoir tank. See Fig. 3.

a. Drain the remaining coolant into the transfer container.

b. Install the new replacement tank to the vehicle, tighten the retaining nuts to 84-108 in.-lbs. (9.4-12.2 Nm).

c. Connect the rubber hoses and clamps as ­removed.

d. Fill the coolant reservoir to the correct level and  ­install the pressure cap. Coolant should be a 50/50 mixture, unless otherwise specified on the container.

Courtesy of Kia Motors America, Inc.