2001 RAV4 coolant top off

[newoilguy1]

Hi BITOGers.

Owner reports her 2001 RAV4 AWD runs low on coolant every so many years. She’ll notice that the cabin heat isn’t working or that the temperature is slightly climbing.

On first inspection the overflow bottle will be empty each time.

We don’t know what it’s been topped off with in the past.

Most recently I topped it off with Zerex Toyota red, which is pink in color and feels like a decent alternative to Toyota SLLC pink.

My question is how bad is it to not try and do a full drain and fill or even flush?

I am reading is this car came with Toyota Red LLC and has likely never been flushed.

 

[Urshurak776]

What part of the world do you live?

Possible you have a partial heater core blockage. Reduced flow at least. Possibly you have an external leak, or, worse case, head gasket leaking. You need to make sure blown head gasket isn't the case before proceeding below. If it is, that needs to be taken care of first.

I would do a flush with something like Prestone AS105. Follow instructions to a 'T.' Then, grab 8 or so gallon jugs of Di Water (should only cost $.89 each) and start doing a drain/fill. Run temperature up to normal operating temp (heat on HIGH.) Then drain/fill again. Repeat. Do this 3-4 times until you get to the point of when you're draining, the water is crystal clear. I always do it once more after that.

Finally, drain the radiator. Add concentrate (adjust accordingly to the capacity of the cooling system versus how much the radiator holds. You probably want a 50/50 mix if in the USA.)

Finally, check the thermostat (maybe even change it out after you do the flush) and don't forget the overflow/surge tank. Drain it and refill with 50/50.

Check/inspect hoses while doing all this and make sure everything tight. Check heater core for leaks.

Final thing I would do, change the radiator cap. Probably the original is still on there. Super cheap to swap it.

 

[Kira]

25 year old hoses?
We all know they're MUCH BETTER made than yesteryear, but 25 years is a long time.

I believe today's hoses age from the inside out. Consider changing them at this time.

 

[Ausfahrt]

Owner reports her 2001 RAV4 AWD runs low on coolant every so many years

That really doesn't seem like a problem.

 

[JMJNet]

Is the car overheating?
Is there any coolant dripping out of the exhaust?