COOLING SYSTEM ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

CAUTION:

Be sure that the ignition switch is off when working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille. With the ignition switch ON, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the engine coolant temperature becomes high and/or the air conditioning is turned on.


  1. INSPECT FOR COOLANT LEAK

    CAUTION:

    Do not remove the radiator reservoir cap sub-assembly while the engine and radiator are still hot. Pressurized, hot engine coolant and steam may be released and cause serious burns.


    1. Remove the radiator reservoir cap sub-assembly.

    2. Fill the radiator reservoir assembly with engine coolant, and then attach a radiator cap tester.

    3. Warm up the engine.

    4. Using the radiator cap tester, increase the pressure inside the radiator to 137 kPa (1.4 kgf/cm2, 20 psi), and then check that the pressure does not drop.

      If the pressure drops, check the hoses, radiator assembly and engine water pump assembly for leakage.

      If there are no signs or traces of external engine coolant leakage, check the heater core, cylinder block assembly and cylinder head sub-assembly.

    5. Install the radiator reservoir cap sub-assembly.

  2. INSPECT ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL


    1. Check that the engine coolant level is between the LOW and FULL lines when the engine is cold.

      If the engine coolant is below the LOW line, check for leakage and add TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology to the FULL line.

      Note

      Do not substitute plain water for engine coolant.

  3. INSPECT ENGINE COOLANT QUALITY

    CAUTION:

    Do not remove the radiator reservoir cap sub-assembly while the engine and radiator are still hot. Pressurized, hot engine coolant and steam may be released and cause serious burns.


    1. Remove the radiator reservoir cap sub-assembly.

    2. Check for any excessive deposits of rust or scale around the radiator reservoir cap and check that the coolant is free of oil.

      If the engine coolant is excessively dirty, replace the engine coolant.

    3. Install the radiator reservoir cap sub-assembly.

  4. INSPECT FINS FOR BLOCKAGE


    1. If the fins are clogged, wash them with water or a steam cleaner and dry them with compressed air.

      Note


      • To avoid damaging the fins, the injection direction should be at right angles to the core surface.

      • If the steam cleaner is too close to the core, there is a possibility of damaging the fins, so maintain the following injection distances.

        Standard Injection Distance
        Injection Pressure Specified Condition

        2942 to 4903 kPa (30.0 to 50.0 kgf/cm2, 427 to 711 psi)

        		 300 mm (11.8 in.)

        4903 to 7845 kPa (50.0 to 80.0 kgf/cm2, 711 to 1138 psi)

        		 500 mm (19.7 in.)

      • If the fins are bent, straighten them with a screwdriver or pliers.

      • Do not expose electronic components to water.

    2. Dry the fins with compressed air.