I purchased a 2003 Chevy Tracker around two years ago without much knowledge about its maintenance history, though it has served me well without much issue for the most part. Over the course of my ownership of the vehicle, other than filling up the overflow reservoir with a universal coolant, I did not flush or replace the coolant. A couple weeks ago, I needed to replace the radiator and while draining the coolant, it seemed pale orange in color which lead me to assume that a dex-cool compatible OAT coolant was used in the cooling system. The color seemed pale perhaps in part with the dilution of the universal coolant rather than the punchy orange dex-cool usually is. There was no visible sludge or debris and the drained coolant looked quite clean. So, I filled the new radiator with Prestone Dex-Cool compatible coolant. I "burped" the cooling system and have been driving around town without any problem.

However, I can't really find a clear answer as to what coolant is actually recommended for this vehicle? The owner's manual calls for GM-1825m type coolant and while searching I get conflicting answers with some stating it's IAT coolant (green), while others state it's OAT (dex-cool). If it's just a Suzuki engine, wouldn't the Tracker also call for the standard IAT coolant type just as the Suzuki does? Will the coolant I used cause any damage/issues with the cooling system or other components?

Thank you

 

Since you have Dexcool in there now, just stick with it. It's good coolant. Just remember to change it on time.

 

Check the label on the back of the jug with a good pair of glasses. It might already meet or exceed this specification.

 

The short answer is I don't know. Both my 2001 Tracker and 2003 S-10 were purchased new. The Tracker came with green antifreeze. The S-10 came with Dexcool. The Tracker is still running great.

But Dexcool destroyed the intake manifold gaskets on the S-10. There was a class-action lawsuit. GM settled without having to admit there was problem. The rumor is GM quietly changed the Dexcool formula. They may have it fixed now but I will never run Dexcool in any car I own. Your mileage may vary.

 

I think the real problem was that people weren't changing their coolant, and letting it get too low, letting it overheat.


I've been using dexcool for most of this millennium now. No issues.
All GM vehicles come with it, and I haven't heard of any gasket issues related to coolant lately.
Green coolant lasts half as long, doesn't offer the same protection, and you would have to completely flush the system to avoid contamination.
rear of the engine block right? Same thing happened to me. It was deteriorated by heat.

 

if left in to long the coolant becomes acidic and this damages the gasket. There is also revised metal framed intake gaskets that are better than the plastic version.