On-Vehicle Inspection

CHECK COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
CAUTION: Do not remove the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are still hot. Pressurized, hot engine coolant and steam may be released and cause serious burns.
1. Remove the radiator cap.
2. Fill the radiator with coolant and attach a radiator cap tester.
3. Warm up the engine.
4. Using the radiator cap tester, increase the pressure inside the radiator to 137 kPa (1.4 kgf/cm² , 19.9 psi), and check that the pressure does not decreases.
  If the pressure decreases, check the hoses, radiator and water pump for leaks. If no external leaks are found, check the heater core, cylinder block and head.
5. Reinstall the radiator cap.
Fig 1: Checking Cooling System For Leaks
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL AT RESERVOIR
1. Check that the engine coolant level is between the LOW and FULL lines when the engine is cold. If the engine coolant is low, check for leaks and add "TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant" to the FULL line. If "TOYOTA Super Long Life Coolant" is not available, use a similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amino, non-nitrite and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology. Do not substitute water for engine coolant.
CHECK ENGINE COOLANT QUALITY
1. Remove the radiator cap.
  CAUTION: Do not remove the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are still hot. Pressurized, hot engine coolant and steam may be released and cause serious burns.
2. Check that there are no excessive deposits of rust or scale around the radiator cap and radiator filler hole.
  If excessive rust or scale is present, clean as necessary.
3. Check that the coolant is free from oil contaminants. If the coolant has oil contaminants, replace the coolant.
4. Reinstall the radiator cap.