I have a 2004 4runner v8 4 wheel drive with 117000 on it. Timeing belt done at 11200. No leaks on motor, the coolant was at the full mark on the bottle but now it is down 1/4 a inch after 15000 miles is this a common to add some now and then. Or is something wrong , this is my first 4runner I just want to know what to look for.
Coolant Question
- Thread starter Rfkstar
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BlackWorksInc
New member
It's common for the coolant level to vary some as the vehicle will suck the extra in the reservoir and then spit it back out when it gets too warm. As long as it is between "Min & Max" I would not be too concerned.
The dealer told me that the 04 4runner radiators go at 15000 miles like clock work, and if the coolant goes in the tranny big dollars to fix or it go the other way tranny fluid in the radiator not as bad. They say to change the radiator, just wanted to know if this is a common problem or a scam.
BlackWorksInc
New member
V8 4th Gens have a separate tranny cooler as far as I recall.
The V8s do have an auxiliary trans cooler from the factory (and maybe V6's with the tow package), but both the V6 and V8 still route the trans fluid through channels in the engine radiator before the fluid goes through the dedicated trans cooler (if so equipped). I don't know if it's possible for the coolant and ATF to ever mix.
I hadn't heard of it being a 3rd gen problem, but I do recall whatever gen Pathfinder was around 02-03 definitely had a problem where the coolant/ATF could mix due to either corrosion or fretting in the radiator lines.
-Brent
BlackWorksInc
New member
Hmmm... I'll have to take a peek at my 4Runner when it's not hotter than hell outside. I could have sworn that there's two lines that run from the trans to the cooler directly (they are routed along the radiator but not through it last I checked.)