Toyota Matrix Has Yellow Coolant- mixing question

P

panthermike

Joined
Apr 1, 2008
Messages
5,078
Location
Arizona
Recently purchased this car and noticed that the radiator has a slow leak, so will replace it soon. When I went to check the coolant, it is yellow and looks nice and clean. I always use Pink coolant in these Toyota's and was thinking the same for this.

Would I have to completely flush the system out or could I run water through the block and refill with pink? Also, if it doesn't hurt anything I would be open to just using another yellow P-OAT coolant.

Thank you
 
This is just my personal opinion, but I'd use any of the Asian formula red (or LL pink) coolant (e.g., Xerex Asian, SuperTech Asian Red, PEAK red) without 2-EHA as specified by Toyota. Other 2-EHA fanboys on BITOG will tell you that my concern is unfounded and that Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Subaru are uninformed. However, why take a risk on something that might save you $2/gallon? Who's to say that the universal yellow coolant in there now (probably w/2-EHA) didn't cause the existing leak by softening the gaskets or plastic?

Before installing the Asian Red/pink formula, I suggest flushing once with tap water, followed by another flush with distilled water to ensure 99% of the yellow coolant is removed. If you insist on staying with yellow universal coolant, try to find the PEAK Titanium formula which is 2-EHA free.
 
What you should do may not be what you have to do. And we both know you should flush all that out and replace with Toyota pink SLLC. And never introduce tap water into the system.
 
trd1zz said:
What you should do may not be what you have to do. And we both know you should flush all that out and replace with Toyota pink SLLC. And never introduce tap water into the system.
Click to expand...
I have no issue flushing it out, just wasn't sure of the importance. From your post and Nukeman's; I gather a good idea!

@Nukeman7, if I flush it anyways I will use a pink/red coolant. I'm not too well versed on the nuances of different coolant's, so your post is helpful. I had to look up 2-EHA. Not worth it to me when I can easily flush it with the right stuff. Thank you.
 
trd1zz said:
Nice snag on the Matrix. Which trim? Besides the leaking radiator how's the condition?
Click to expand...

Appreciate that, after having owned the Corolla so long I know they are great cars!

The Matrix has 247k miles but is actually in pretty good shape, I was impressed. Everything works, including the A/C. It's the XR trim, which has Power windows/locks, keyless entry, cruise and a sunroof. All a big upgrade from the Corolla, which has manual everything.

From what I've gathered so far, it needs:

- Radiator/Lower coolant hose
- Motor mounts(will go OEM which is $, but no aftermarket brand compares). Could not do it, but it annoys me 😁
- Tires, which were replaced last week
- Oil pan leak (RTV only, no gasket)
- Transmissionmission cooler lines. Trying to replicate a TSB from Toyota that *may* remedy a whine noise under acceleration. Not harmful, but somewhat annoying
- Transmission pan drain plug felt a little stiff to loosen, need to replace that and may do the pan in case threading is stripped
- Little things like bulbs, filters etc. Brakes sometime in the next 6 months or so.

All in all not bad, drives great, shifts well and suspension is tight. With above repairs, about $3k all in.
 
bdcardinal said:
Dumb question. The ones that identified as Pontiac Vibes, did they use Dex-Cool? If so I wonder if that yellow coolant is one of the Cor-Guard Dex clones.
Click to expand...
J

Thread 'What coolant's in my Vibe?'

I just purchased a 2009 Pontiac Vibe, and noticed that the coolant appears to be pink. I'm guessing that maybe this is a new Toyota coolant? The manual states to strictly use Dexcool - but this certainly doesn't appear to be Dexcool to me. My previous Sunfire had Dexcool, and it was always rather orange in color - where this is quite distinctly pink. From what I've read, I'd rather not put Dexcool into a system that's never had it.

If anybody knows for sure what this is, I'd be interested to know. I'd like to know what it's compatible with for future reference - mainly when it's time for...

Looks like manual stated dex-cool, but they came with the pink Toyota stuff in them to begin with.
 
Flush it out, then refill with Zerex Asian Red/Pink, or Pentofrost A4

If you want to do a flush with plain water or radiator cleaner, Zerex does make concentrate Asian coolant now :)

bdcardinal said:
Dumb question. The ones that identified as Pontiac Vibes, did they use Dex-Cool? If so I wonder if that yellow coolant is one of the Cor-Guard Dex clones.
Click to expand...

Vibes were filled with Toyota coolant from the factory, but GM said to use Deathcool in the owner's manual* :sneaky:

*except the first year 2003, when GM said to use 1825M (the old green silicate coolant), but even 2003 Vibes were filled with Toyota coolant from the factory.
 
panthermike said:
Appreciate that, after having owned the Corolla so long I know they are great cars!

The Matrix has 247k miles but is actually in pretty good shape, I was impressed. Everything works, including the A/C. It's the XR trim, which has Power windows/locks, keyless entry, cruise and a sunroof. All a big upgrade from the Corolla, which has manual everything.

From what I've gathered so far, it needs:

- Radiator/Lower coolant hose
- Motor mounts(will go OEM which is $, but no aftermarket brand compares). Could not do it, but it annoys me 😁
- Tires, which were replaced last week
- Oil pan leak (RTV only, no gasket)
- Transmissionmission cooler lines. Trying to replicate a TSB from Toyota that *may* remedy a whine noise under acceleration. Not harmful, but somewhat annoying
- Transmission pan drain plug felt a little stiff to loosen, need to replace that and may do the pan in case threading is stripped
- Little things like bulbs, filters etc. Brakes sometime in the next 6 months or so.

All in all not bad, drives great, shifts well and suspension is tight. With above repairs, about $3k all in.
Click to expand...

Great snag indeed! Matrix XR's are sweet. AWD by any chance?

Definitely worth getting it sorted properly. These cars are the GOAT.
 
trd1zz said:
Great snag indeed! Matrix XR's are sweet. AWD by any chance?

Definitely worth getting it sorted properly. These cars are the GOAT.
Click to expand...

No AWD, I've seen some for sale around here though. I agree, really enjoying it so far. Thought it would feel just like the Corolla, but the driving dynamics are a nudge ahead. Also geared a little differently, runs about 2 to 300 RPM higher at highway speeds.
 
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sw99 said:

I would do several drains with distilled water until it's completely clear. Then you can add Recochem OEM concentrate is available at Amazon. ​


https://www.amazon.com/Recochem-OEM-86-174POEM-Antifreeze-Concentrate/dp/B00U1OOOE8/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3Q0VYFKDTB8V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.crLEbY6f8vajobSv_24REiToJ4Y6Um4zwvHEK4q2alwM0jOdKlcvYjSPbY2y_dlNluWIFjNhbQDbMsDr3DhtQzGSCBaaWKrOjKUTx5NrM5vjEw-ffPtMNetX3FS-GpROMP1Y72jYOkrKZ2q9YcB1jgOA1wG4XI-q2-iSV1wrN5Pz1UAUhzukfiqiMgjUUR48HCBVJX7FkcjBverfABmJZcINAylS5ThTGNA97bkK82g_1ahy0dH-buIhj-PTFIVHO4yDwT28_XaPn4HOdv7v3DFaYu1IW-0jE1_A2yhibt4.WUhJ2uhnj0E28iAADrj2lt9uDfz63wJQD_nL1L7I1is&dib_tag=se&keywords=asian+pink+coolant&qid=1772202582&sprefix=asian+pink+coolant,aps,302&sr=8-9&th=1
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip! I actually got rid of the '06 but bought another '03 Matrix for my Father in law. So I will be doing this in the next week or so, as this one also appears to have the incorrect fluid.
 
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