Radiator fluid; Orange or Green???

[BraveTraveler]

I just bought my first 01 4Runner last week. The previous owner always took the vehicle in to be serviced. I noticed that the radiator fluid is orange. I remember someone saying to stay away from the orange stuff; should I change it? Now I have basic knowledge on vehicle maintenance, so I was use to green radiator fluid on my 01 Isuzu Trooper.

 

[Bob J]

I just bought my first 01 4Runner last week. The previous owner always took the vehicle in to be serviced. I noticed that the radiator fluid is orange. I remember someone saying to stay away from the orange stuff; should I change it? Now I have basic knowledge on vehicle maintenance, so I was use to green radiator fluid on my 01 Isuzu Trooper.

Color is not that much of a deal..... Different manufacturers have different color coolants but the blend is really the more significant thing.... I would recommend that you check your owners manual and use what the Toyota engineers specified for your truck....

If you are a new owner and there is any question at all on the service history, you might consider replacing all your major fluids just to be sure.... Cheap insurance if you plan on keeping your truck for a long while.... Radiator is the easiest and depending on the mileage you might also want to include transmission, differentials and brake fluids....

 

[BraveTraveler]

Thanks; I'll do a little more research.

 

[Mc1337sauce]

Toyota uses red coolant in all 4Runners. I would flush all of the coolant that is currently in the system out and refill with genuine Toyota Red coolant (you can get it from the dealer, but Amazon is normally much cheaper). I've run Toyota Red since I purchased my truck new in 1997, and have had no cooling issues whatsoever.