Coolant Reservoir

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the coolant reservoir (expansion tank) on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with 2.5L I4 engine, including coolant draining and refilling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Coolant reservoir × 1 — 16470-0V020 or equivalent
• Lower radiator hose clamp (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Open hood and locate coolant reservoir on driver side of engine bay near firewall
4. Place drain pan under vehicle below radiator drain petcock location (driver side lower radiator tank)

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve cooling system pressure
   Slowly turn the coolant reservoir cap counterclockwise to the first stop and allow any residual pressure to escape. Wait 10 seconds, then remove cap completely. Set cap aside in clean location.
2. 2

   Drain coolant from system
   Reach under vehicle and locate radiator drain petcock on driver side of lower radiator tank. Position drain pan underneath. Turn petcock counterclockwise by hand to open and allow coolant to drain into pan. Once draining slows significantly, proceed to next step.
   ℹ️Approximately 1.5-2 quarts of coolant will drain. This does not drain entire system, only enough to drop level below reservoir connection point.
3. 3

   Disconnect lower reservoir hose
   Locate the lower coolant hose connecting reservoir to radiator (approximately 1 inch diameter). Using flathead screwdriver or hose clamp pliers, loosen the spring clamp or worm gear clamp at reservoir connection. Slide clamp down hose away from reservoir. Twist and pull hose off reservoir nipple. Allow any remaining coolant to drain into pan or catch with shop towel.
4. 4

   Disconnect upper reservoir hose
   Locate upper overflow hose (smaller diameter, approximately 0.5 inch) connected to top of reservoir. Loosen clamp using flathead screwdriver and slide down hose. Pull hose off reservoir connection. Some coolant may spill, catch with shop towel.
5. 5

   Remove reservoir mounting bolts
   Using 10mm socket, remove the two mounting bolts securing coolant reservoir to bracket on firewall. Support reservoir with free hand while removing second bolt to prevent dropping. Lift reservoir upward and out of engine bay, tilting as needed to pour any remaining coolant into drain pan.
   Torque spec

   Reservoir Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install new reservoir
   Position new coolant reservoir into mounting bracket on firewall, ensuring locating tabs align properly. Thread both mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Using torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten both reservoir mounting bolts to specification.
   ⚠Do not overtighten reservoir mounting bolts as plastic reservoir tabs can crack.
   Torque spec

   Reservoir Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reconnect coolant hoses
   Push lower radiator hose firmly onto reservoir nipple until it seats completely against shoulder. Slide hose clamp up to within 1/4 inch of hose end. Using torque wrench or screwdriver (depending on clamp type), tighten clamp to specification if using worm gear type. Repeat process for upper overflow hose.
   ⚠Ensure hoses are fully seated before tightening clamps. Partially seated hoses will leak.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Close radiator drain
   Reach under vehicle and turn radiator drain petcock clockwise hand-tight to close. Do not use tools to tighten beyond snug hand pressure.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Fill cooling system
   Using funnel, slowly pour Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink) into reservoir. Fill to FULL line marked on side of reservoir. Allow coolant to settle for 30 seconds, then add more if level drops. Install reservoir cap and turn clockwise until it clicks.
   ℹ️System capacity is 10 quarts total, but only 1.5-2 quarts were drained during this procedure.
10. 10

    Burp cooling system
    Start engine and allow to idle with heater set to maximum temperature. Monitor coolant level in reservoir through translucent tank. As engine warms and thermostat opens (approximately 5-10 minutes), level may drop slightly. Add coolant as needed to maintain level between LOW and FULL marks. Run engine until cooling fan cycles on at least once, indicating full operating temperature reached.
    ⚠Watch temperature gauge during warm-up. If gauge enters red zone or coolant begins boiling, shut off engine immediately and recheck for leaks or air pockets.

Reassembly

1. After engine has cooled completely (minimum 1 hour), recheck coolant level and top off to FULL line if needed
2. Inspect all hose connections for signs of leakage, indicated by pink coolant stains or drips
3. Properly dispose of old coolant at recycling center or automotive shop that accepts used coolant

Verification

• Check that coolant level remains stable at FULL line after cooling system has fully cooled
• Inspect reservoir mounting area and all hose connections for any signs of coolant leakage
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster
• Test drive vehicle and confirm temperature gauge operates normally in middle range
• After 24-48 hours of normal driving, recheck coolant level and top off if needed as air pockets may have cleared

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