Low Coolant Level

[KP Texan]

Just got done changing the oil in my wife's '12 4Runner with 38k miles, and I noticed that the coolant level appeared low in the reservoir. It was a fairly cold morning, but the level was still below the Low mark on the reservoir. I'm hoping I don't have a leak and that it's just from evaporation over time.

To those of you who don't have your dealer service your 4Runner, have you ever had to add coolant? I've got some 50/50 Toyota long life coolant that I used with our '06 4Runner, so I suppose I'll just top it off with that.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

Top it off to a spot a little below the full line. You want it at the full line when it's fully warmed up.

In colder weather things shrink up. If you have a marginally weak spot you might experience some loss there.

If it drops after topping off, consider renting a cooling system pressure tester from one of the mass marketers like Auto Zone. You essentially buy the tool when you rent it and receive your money back when you return it.

Tons of how-to videos on youtube.

 

[96r50]

Just got done changing the oil in my wife's '12 4Runner with 38k miles, and I noticed that the coolant level appeared low in the reservoir. It was a fairly cold morning, but the level was still below the Low mark on the reservoir. I'm hoping I don't have a leak and that it's just from evaporation over time.



To those of you who don't have your dealer service your 4Runner, have you ever had to add coolant? I've got some 50/50 Toyota long life coolant that I used with our '06 4Runner, so I suppose I'll just top it off with that.

My 2010 was low like yours even during the summer. I topped it off this summer (filled the reservoir to the hot line with the engine at operating temperature) and it's been fine ever since.

Make sure you use the premixed pink Extra Long Life Coolant and not the old style red stuff.

 

[KP Texan]

My 2010 was low like yours even during the summer. I topped it off this summer (filled the reservoir to the hot line with the engine at operating temperature) and it's been fine ever since.

Make sure you use the premixed pink Extra Long Life Coolant and not the old style red stuff.

Yep I topped it off with that exact coolant. I have a feeling this may be more common than people realize because, if I'm not mistaken, the Toyota dealer tops off the coolant free of charge anytime you have your vehicle in there for service. At least that's what I hope...

 

[lilsid112]

Yep I topped it off with that exact coolant. I have a feeling this may be more common than people realize because, if I'm not mistaken, the Toyota dealer tops off the coolant free of charge anytime you have your vehicle in there for service. At least that's what I hope...

I've never had a Toyota dealer top off any of my fluids. I've left my coolant reservoir below the low line on purpose while I went in for an oil change. Truck was returned with the same level. I've had Acura and BMW dealers top off all fluids, including windshield washer fluid.

 

[Danimal]

I've never had a Toyota dealer top off any of my fluids. I've left my coolant reservoir below the low line on purpose while I went in for an oil change. Truck was returned with the same level. I've had Acura and BMW dealers top off all fluids, including windshield washer fluid.

Depends on the dealer. My Toyota dealer always returns my 4Runner with a full washer reservoir.

Dan