Complete coolant system flush and refill procedure for 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8L, replacing old coolant with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant to maintain proper engine temperature regulation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator drain plug washer × 1 — 90430-12031 or equivalent

Fluids

• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 7.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Place drain pan under radiator drain plug location (driver side bottom of radiator)
4. Remove engine splash shield if equipped for better access to drain plug
5. Locate radiator cap and verify system is not pressurized by carefully testing cap (should not hiss)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove radiator cap and drain coolant
   Slowly remove the radiator cap by turning counterclockwise. Locate the radiator drain plug on the bottom driver side of the radiator. Place drain pan underneath and remove the drain plug, allowing coolant to drain completely. Remove and discard the drain plug washer.
2. 2

   Drain engine block coolant
   Locate the engine block drain plug on the rear of the engine block below the exhaust manifold. Carefully remove the drain plug with a 10mm socket and allow coolant to drain from the block. This ensures maximum old coolant removal.
3. 3

   Reinstall drain plugs
   Install new washer on radiator drain plug. Thread drain plug into radiator by hand first to ensure proper engagement, then tighten to specification. Reinstall engine block drain plug to specification.
   Torque spec

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

   Fill with distilled water for flushing
   Fill the radiator and coolant reservoir with distilled water through the radiator cap opening. Fill until water appears at the radiator neck. This step prepares the system for flushing out residual old coolant.
5. 5

   Bleed air from system
   Locate the coolant bleed screw on top of the thermostat housing. Open the bleed screw approximately 2-3 turns. Continue adding distilled water to the radiator until water flows from the bleed screw without bubbles. Close the bleed screw to specification.
   ℹ️Keep shop towels around bleed screw to catch water. Some coolant will escape during this process.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Run engine to circulate flush water
   Install radiator cap. Start engine and run at idle with heater set to maximum temperature and fan on high. Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature (thermostat opens, approximately 10 minutes). Run for an additional 5 minutes to circulate water through entire system. Shut off engine and allow to cool completely (minimum 1 hour).
   ⚠Monitor temperature gauge during operation. Do not allow engine to overheat. If temperature rises above normal, shut off immediately.
7. 7

   Drain flush water
   Once engine is completely cool, remove radiator cap and drain plugs again. Allow all flush water to drain from radiator and engine block into drain pan. Dispose of flush water separately from coolant if required by local regulations.
8. 8

   Reinstall drain plugs and prepare for coolant fill
   Reinstall radiator drain plug with the same washer (or new if damaged) and engine block drain plug to specification. Ensure both are properly seated and torqued.
   Torque spec

   Block Drain Plug25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Mix and add fresh coolant
   Mix Toyota Super Long Life Coolant with distilled water at 50/50 ratio (approximately 3.75 quarts coolant concentrate with 3.75 quarts distilled water). Slowly pour mixture into radiator opening until filled to neck. Fill coolant reservoir to MAX line.
   ℹ️Pre-mixed 50/50 coolant can be used instead of mixing concentrate. Total system capacity is 7.5 quarts.
10. 10

    Bleed air from filled system
    Open the bleed screw on the thermostat housing 2-3 turns. Continue adding coolant mixture to the radiator until coolant flows steadily from the bleed screw without air bubbles. Close bleed screw to specification. Top off radiator to neck.
    Torque spec

    Bleed Screw7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Final circulation and air purge
    Install radiator cap securely. Start engine and run at idle with heater on maximum temperature. Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature and run for 10 minutes. Rev engine to 2000-2500 RPM for 5 seconds, then return to idle. Repeat this 3-4 times to purge remaining air. Watch temperature gauge throughout.
    ⚠If temperature gauge rises abnormally, shut off engine immediately. This indicates air trapped in system or other cooling problem.
12. 12

    Check coolant level and top off
    Shut off engine and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes. Carefully remove radiator cap (system may still be slightly pressurized). Check coolant level at radiator neck and top off if needed. Check reservoir level and ensure it is at MAX line. Reinstall radiator cap.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine splash shield if removed
2. Wipe down any coolant spills from engine bay and undercarriage
3. Double-check all drain plugs and bleed screw are properly tightened
4. Ensure radiator cap is fully seated and locked

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks from drain plugs, bleed screw, or hoses
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify heater blows hot air
• Check temperature gauge remains in normal range during idle and driving
• After first drive cycle (next day), recheck coolant level in reservoir when cold - top off to MAX if needed
• Monitor coolant level over next few days and top off as air pockets escape naturally
• Use coolant hydrometer or refractometer to verify proper 50/50 mixture concentration for freeze protection to -34°F

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