Complete coolant system flush and refill procedure for 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 (gas) FWD, including drain, flush, refill, and air bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours since last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
4. Locate radiator drain plug on bottom driver side of radiator and bleed screw on top of radiator
5. Position large drain pan under radiator drain plug location
6. Remove engine splash shield if equipped (multiple 10mm bolts and plastic clips)

Procedure

1. 1

   Release cooling system pressure
   Slowly turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to the first detent and allow any residual pressure to escape. Wait 10 seconds, then press down and turn fully counterclockwise to remove cap completely. Set cap aside in clean location.
2. 2

   Drain coolant from radiator
   Remove the radiator drain plug located on the bottom driver side of the radiator. Allow coolant to drain completely into drain pan. Once drained, inspect drain plug washer for damage and replace if compressed or cracked.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Drain coolant from engine block
   Locate and remove the engine block drain plug on the passenger side of the engine block, below the exhaust manifold. Allow remaining coolant to drain. This ensures complete system drainage. Inspect drain plug washer.
4. 4

   Flush cooling system (optional but recommended)
   Reinstall both drain plugs with new washers to specified torque. Fill radiator with clean distilled water through radiator fill neck. Start engine and run until thermostat opens (upper radiator hose becomes hot). Shut off engine, allow to cool 30 minutes, then drain again. Repeat if old coolant was contaminated or discolored.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Reinstall drain plugs
   Install new drain plug washers on both radiator and engine block drain plugs. Thread plugs in by hand first to prevent cross-threading, then torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Drain Plug15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Prepare coolant mixture
   Mix Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) with distilled water at 50/50 ratio for freeze protection to -34°F (-37°C). Alternatively, use pre-mixed Toyota coolant. You will need approximately 10 quarts total. Do not use tap water as minerals can cause deposits and corrosion.
7. 7

   Initial fill through radiator
   Slowly pour coolant mixture into radiator fill neck until coolant reaches the bottom of the fill neck. Pause periodically to allow coolant to flow into engine block and reduce air pockets. Fill until level stabilizes.
8. 8

   Fill coolant reservoir
   Remove coolant reservoir cap and fill reservoir to the FULL line with coolant mixture. The reservoir is located on the driver side of the engine bay. Reinstall reservoir cap.
9. 9

   Bleed air from cooling system
   Locate the air bleed screw on the top of the radiator near the upper radiator hose connection. Loosen bleed screw approximately 2 turns. Continue adding coolant to radiator until coolant flows from bleed screw without air bubbles. Tighten bleed screw to specification while coolant is still flowing.
   Torque spec

   Bleed Screw7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Burp cooling system with engine running
    Install radiator cap fully. Start engine and set heater to maximum temperature and maximum fan speed. Allow engine to idle until cooling fan cycles on and off at least twice (approximately 15-20 minutes). This indicates thermostat has opened and system is circulating. Monitor temperature gauge to ensure normal operation.
11. 11

    Final fill and check
    Shut off engine and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Carefully remove radiator cap and check coolant level in radiator - add coolant if necessary to bring level to bottom of fill neck. Check coolant reservoir level and top off to FULL line if needed. Reinstall radiator cap securely.
12. 12

    Inspect for leaks
    Inspect all drain plug locations, hose connections, and radiator cap for coolant leaks. Wipe down any spilled coolant. Check underneath vehicle with drain pan still in place to verify no active leaks from drain plugs.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine splash shield if removed
2. Remove wheel chocks and drain pan
3. Dispose of used coolant properly at recycling center or auto parts store

Verification

• Start engine and verify temperature gauge reads normal operating temperature (center of gauge)
• Verify heater produces hot air when set to maximum temperature
• Verify cooling fan operates when engine reaches operating temperature
• After first drive cycle (50-100 miles), recheck coolant level in reservoir when cold - should be at FULL line
• Inspect under vehicle for any coolant leaks from drain plugs or hose connections
• Use coolant hydrometer or refractometer to verify proper freeze protection (-34°F minimum for 50/50 mix)

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