This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the coolant reservoir on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with 2.5L I4 engine, including coolant draining and refilling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Coolant reservoir tank × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Reservoir cap × 1 — Included with reservoir or reuse existing

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Place drain pan under front of vehicle beneath radiator drain location
5. Remove engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on four retaining clips

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. Once pressure is fully released, press down and continue turning to remove the cap completely.
2. 2

   Drain coolant from reservoir
   Using a fluid transfer pump or turkey baster, remove as much coolant as possible from the reservoir tank into your drain pan. This minimizes spillage during removal. If preferred, you can also drain coolant from the radiator drain petcock located at the lower driver's side of the radiator to lower the system level.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect coolant hoses
   Locate the two coolant hoses connected to the bottom of the reservoir. Using hose clamp pliers or flathead screwdriver, loosen the hose clamps by squeezing or turning counterclockwise. Slide clamps back along the hoses. Twist and pull the hoses off the reservoir nipples. Have shop towels ready to catch residual coolant.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove reservoir mounting bolts
   Locate the two 10mm mounting bolts securing the reservoir to the body bracket. These are typically positioned on the forward side of the reservoir. Remove both bolts completely using a 10mm socket and ratchet.
   Torque spec

   Reservoir Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove reservoir tank
   Lift the reservoir tank upward and out of the engine bay. The tank may have a lower locating tab that fits into a bracket - tilt forward slightly while lifting to clear this. Inspect the old tank for cracks or damage that may have caused replacement need.
6. 6

   Install new reservoir tank
   Position the new reservoir tank into the mounting location, ensuring any lower locating tabs are properly seated in their brackets. Align the mounting holes with the body bracket.
7. 7

   Install mounting bolts
   Install both 10mm mounting bolts and tighten to 8.0 Nm (6.0 lb-ft) using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as the reservoir is plastic and can crack.
   Torque spec

   Reservoir Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect coolant hoses
   Push both coolant hoses firmly onto the reservoir nipples until they are fully seated. Slide the hose clamps back into position over the connection points (approximately 1/4 inch from the end of each hose). Tighten clamps to 4.0 Nm (3.0 lb-ft).
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps4 Nm (3 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Refill cooling system
   Using a funnel, slowly fill the reservoir to the FULL cold line with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink). Do not overfill. If you drained the radiator, also refill through the radiator cap opening until coolant reaches the base of the filler neck, then install the radiator cap.
10. 10

    Bleed cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to run at idle with the reservoir cap off. Turn the heater to maximum temperature and fan to low speed. As the engine warms and the thermostat opens, the coolant level in the reservoir will drop. Add coolant as needed to maintain the proper level. Continue running until the cooling fans cycle on and off at least once, indicating full operating temperature.
    ⚠Keep hands and tools clear of cooling fans which may start automatically at any time.
11. 11

    Final coolant level adjustment
    With engine at operating temperature, verify coolant level is at the FULL hot line on the reservoir. Top off if necessary. Install the reservoir cap securely by pressing down and turning clockwise until it clicks.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover if equipped by aligning clips and pressing firmly until seated
2. Wipe down any coolant residue from engine bay components with clean shop towels
3. Check that all hose connections are secure with no visible leaks

Verification

• With engine cold, verify coolant level is at the FULL cold line on the reservoir
• With engine at operating temperature, verify coolant level is at the FULL hot line
• Inspect all hose connections at the reservoir for leaks while engine is running
• Verify no coolant warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
• Check ground beneath vehicle for coolant drips after test drive
• Recheck coolant level after 24 hours of driving and top off if needed

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