This procedure drains, flushes, and refills the engine cooling system with fresh Toyota Super Long Life Coolant to maintain proper engine temperature regulation and prevent corrosion.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator drain plug washer × 1 — 90044-32082 or equivalent

Fluids

• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is completely cold to the touch before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on a level surface and apply parking brake
3. Remove the engine under cover using 10mm socket if equipped (multiple bolts and clips)
4. Place drain pan under the radiator drain plug location on driver side lower radiator tank

Procedure

1. 1

   Release cooling system pressure
   Slowly turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first detent and allow any residual pressure to release. Wait for any hissing to stop, then remove the cap completely. Set aside in a clean location.
2. 2

   Drain the coolant
   Locate the radiator drain plug on the lower driver side of the radiator. Using a 14mm socket, loosen the drain plug and remove it along with its washer. Allow coolant to drain completely into the drain pan. This will take several minutes. Inspect the drain plug washer and replace if damaged or hardened.
   ⚠Coolant will drain quickly once the plug is removed. Ensure drain pan is properly positioned.
   Torque spec

   Block Drain Plug25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Drain engine block coolant
   Locate the engine block drain plug on the exhaust side of the engine block below the exhaust manifold. Using a 14mm socket, remove the block drain plug and allow coolant to drain. Once drainage is complete, reinstall the block drain plug with a new washer if available and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Block Drain Plug25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Flush the cooling system
   With drain plugs still open, insert a garden hose into the radiator fill neck. Turn on water at low pressure and allow it to flow through the system until water runs clear from both drain points. This removes old coolant residue and contaminants. Once water runs clear, turn off water and allow system to drain completely.
   ℹ️Do not use high water pressure as this can damage radiator tubes and seals.
5. 5

   Reinstall radiator drain plug
   Install the radiator drain plug with a new washer. Hand tighten first to ensure proper thread engagement, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Block Drain Plug25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Fill cooling system with coolant
   Using a funnel, slowly pour Toyota Super Long Life Coolant into the radiator fill neck. Fill until coolant reaches the bottom of the fill neck. Pause periodically to allow air bubbles to escape. Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses several times to help release trapped air. Continue adding coolant as the level drops.
7. 7

   Fill coolant reservoir
   Fill the coolant reservoir to the FULL line with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. The reservoir is located on the passenger side of the engine bay.
8. 8

   Burp the cooling system
   Install the radiator cap hand tight. Start the engine and allow it to idle. Turn the heater to maximum temperature and fan speed. Allow the engine to warm up to normal operating temperature (cooling fans should cycle on). Monitor coolant level in the reservoir and add as necessary. Watch the temperature gauge to ensure it remains in the normal range.
   ⚠Keep hands and tools clear of the radiator fan. The fan can start at any time when the engine is running.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Cap1 Nm (1 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Final air purging
   With the engine at operating temperature, increase engine speed to 2000-2500 RPM for 5 seconds, then return to idle. Repeat this process 3-4 times to help purge any remaining air from the system. Observe the coolant reservoir level and add coolant if necessary.
10. 10

    Shut down and top off
    Turn off the engine and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. Once cool, carefully remove the radiator cap and check coolant level. Top off to the bottom of the fill neck if needed. Check reservoir level and ensure it is at the FULL line. Reinstall radiator cap hand tight.
    Torque spec

    Radiator Cap1 Nm (1 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine under cover if equipped, ensuring all clips and bolts are properly secured
2. Wipe down any coolant residue from engine bay and radiator area
3. Dispose of old coolant at an appropriate recycling facility

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks are present at the radiator drain plug or engine block drain plug
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling fans cycle on and off properly
• Check that heater blows hot air when set to maximum temperature
• Verify coolant level in reservoir remains at FULL line after test drive
• Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes, then recheck coolant level when cool
• Monitor coolant level over the next few days and top off if necessary as any remaining air purges from the system

More procedures for this vehicle