What color coolant does a 2005 Trailblazer take?
The 2005 TrailBlazer uses Dex-Cool orange long-life coolant.
Dex-Cool is GM’s extended-life coolant, formulated for aluminum engines and designed to last longer than conventional green coolant. It is typically sold as a premixed 50/50 solution or as concentrate to be mixed with distilled water. For GM vehicles like the TrailBlazer, it’s important not to mix Dex-Cool with non-OAT (green/blue) coolants, and you should follow the manufacturer’s interval for replacement. If your cooling system currently contains a different color coolant, a flush may be needed before refilling with Dex-Cool.
Dex-Cool orange: Color and compatibility
Key facts you should know about Dex-Cool and TrailBlazer compatibility:
- Color: orange (the telltale hue of Dex-Cool, GM’s extended-life coolant).
- Type: Dex-Cool, an organic acid technology (OAT) coolant designed for long service life.
- Mixing: use Dex-Cool as your coolant type and avoid mixing with green or other conventional coolants; if mixed, a complete drain and flush is usually recommended.
- Solutions: available as premixed 50/50 or as concentrate to be mixed with distilled water.
- Service interval: GM generally recommends replacement every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, though verify with your owner's manual.
Using the correct Dex-Cool formulation and following the recommended replacement interval helps protect cooling system components and maintain optimal engine temperature.
Refilling and maintenance steps for the TrailBlazer cooling system
When it’s time to refill or replace the coolant, follow these guidelines to ensure proper procedure and compatibility:
- Ensure the engine is completely cool before starting work.
- Place the vehicle on a level surface and position a drain pan under the radiator drain valve (or reservoir) to collect old coolant.
- If performing a flush, use a GM-recommended Dex-Cool flush product or follow the shop manual guidance, then drain thoroughly.
- Refill with Dex-Cool in a 50/50 premixed ratio or with Dex-Cool concentrate and distilled water, as directed on the product label.
- Run the engine with the heater on high to circulate the coolant and remove air; check for leaks and top off as needed to bring the level to the correct mark.
- Dispose of old coolant properly and clean up any spills; do not mix old coolant with new fluid in a closed system unless the system is fully drained.
Following these steps helps ensure a proper refill and maintains the cooling system’s corrosion protection and freezing/boiling performance.
Summary
For a 2005 TrailBlazer, the recommended coolant color is Dex-Cool orange, GM’s extended-life coolant. Use Dex-Cool in the proper 50/50 mix (premixed or concentrate with distilled water) and avoid mixing with green or other non-OAT coolants. Adhere to the service interval listed in your owner's manual (commonly 5 years/150,000 miles) and perform a full drain/flush if replacing with Dex-Cool after a different coolant color has been used. Regular checks and proper disposal of old coolant help maintain cooling system health and engine reliability.
