COOLING SYSTEM ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

CAUTION / NOTICE / HINT

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.

PROCEDURE

INSPECT FOR COOLANT LEAK
CAUTION:

To avoid being burned, do not remove the reserve tank cap while the engine and radiator are still hot. Thermal expansion may cause hot engine coolant and steam to blow out from the radiator.
1. Fill the radiator with engine coolant, and then attach a radiator cap tester.
2. Warm up the engine.
3. Using the radiator cap tester, increase the pressure inside the radiator to 118 kPa (1.2 kgf/cm², 17 psi), and then check that the pressure does not drop.
  
  If the pressure drops, check the hoses, radiator and water pump for leakage. If there are no signs or traces of external engine coolant leakage, check the heater core, cylinder block and head.
INSPECT RESERVOIR TANK ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
1. The engine coolant should be 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.
INSPECT ENGINE COOLANT QUALITY
1. Remove the reserve tank cap.
  
  CAUTION:
  
  To avoid being burned, do not remove the reserve tank cap while the engine and radiator are still hot.
  
  Thermal expansion may cause hot engine coolant and steam to blow out from the radiator.
2. Check for excessive deposits of rust or scales around the reserve tank cap and radiator reservoir filler hole. Also, the engine coolant should be free of oil.
  
  If excessively dirty, replace the engine coolant.
3. Reinstall the reserve tank cap.