How much coolant does a WM Caprice hold?
The WM Caprice’s cooling system capacity varies by engine and year, but it generally sits in the single-digit to low-double-digit liters range. This article outlines typical figures, factors that influence the exact amount, and how to determine the precise capacity for your vehicle.
In most configurations, the WM Caprice holds about 9.5 to 12 liters of coolant when the system is full. The exact figure depends on the engine variant (for example, V6 versus V8), model year, and whether capacity is counted for the entire cooling system (engine block, radiator, heater core, hoses, and overflow reservoir) or just part of it. For an exact specification, consult the owner's manual or a GM service data sheet for your VIN.
Estimated capacity by configuration
The following estimates reflect common WM Caprice configurations and what many owners and service manuals report. They are intended as guidance rather than a universal spec for every vehicle.
- Total cooling system capacity (engine block, radiator, heater core, hoses, and overflow reservoir): typically about 9.5–12 liters (2.5–3.2 gallons).
- Note: If you measure only part of the system (for example, the radiator core alone or the engine block cooling passages), the figure will be lower. Always refer to the exact service data for your engine and year to confirm.
- When refilling after a drain, plan for roughly 9.5–12 liters to achieve a full, properly filled system with the recommended 50/50 coolant mix.
In practice, the exact number can vary by engine variant and how the capacity is reported in manuals or dealership data. If you are planning a drain-and-fill, err on the high side within the published range to ensure the system reaches the correct level on the first fill.
How to verify the exact capacity for your WM Caprice
To ensure you’re using the correct specification for your vehicle, follow these steps. The goal is to confirm the precise capacity for your exact engine and year, as these figures can differ between configurations.
- Consult the owner's manual for the published cooling system capacity for your specific model and engine code.
- Check under-hood labels or radiator support decals that sometimes list coolant capacity or service data references.
- Refer to the official GM service or workshop manual for your VIN, which provides engine-specific capacity figures and drain/refill procedures.
- If you don’t have manuals handy, contact a Holden/GM dealership or a qualified automotive technician who can pull up the exact specification for your VIN.
Knowing the exact capacity helps ensure you use the correct amount of coolant and avoid under- or over-filling, which can affect cooling performance and system integrity.
Maintenance tips: coolant type, mix, and care
Choosing the right coolant and mix
Most WM Caprice models use a long-life HOAT-type coolant compatible with GM vehicles. The typical mix is 50/50 coolant to distilled water, which provides effective freezing/boiling protection and corrosion resistance. Do not mix different coolant chemistries unless the manufacturer explicitly approves it, and always follow the recommended pre-dilution or dilution instructions on the product label.
When performing a drain and refill, ensure the engine is cool, bleed the cooling system to remove air pockets, and replenish to the appropriate full level on the expansion tank when the system is cold.
Summary
The WM Caprice generally holds about 9.5–12 liters of coolant in total, though the exact figure depends on engine variant, year, and how capacity is measured. For precise numbers, consult the vehicle’s manual or GM service data for your VIN. Always use the recommended coolant type and mix, and follow proper bleeding and refill procedures to maintain optimal cooling performance.
