On-Vehicle Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota Prius. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
CAUTION: To avoid the danger of being burned, do not remove the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are still hot. Fluid and steam can be blown out under pressure.
1. Fill the radiator with coolant, then attach the radiator cap tester.
2. Warm up the engine.
3. Pump it up to 177 kPa {1.8 kgf/cm² , 25.6 psi}, then check that the pressure does not drop.
Fig 1: Checking Cooling System For Leaks
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

HINT:

If the pressure drops, check the hose, radiator and water pump for leaks. If no external leaks are found, check the heater core, cylinder block and cylinder head.
CHECK ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL AT RESERVOIR
1. Check that the coolant level in the reservoir tank is between "F" and "L" lines when the engine is cold. If low, check for leaks and add "Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology up to the "FULL" line.
CHECK ENGINE COOLANT QUALITY
1. Remove the radiator cap.
  CAUTION: To avoid the danger of being burned, do not remove the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are still hot. Fluid and steam can be blown out under pressure.
2. Check that there are no excessive collections of rust or scale around the radiator cap or radiator filler hole.
  HINT:
  
  If excessively dirty, replace the coolant.
3. Attach the radiator cap.

INSPECT FIN BLOCKAGE

If the fins are clogged, wash them with water or a steam cleaner and dry with compressed air.

NOTE:

If the distance between the steam cleaner and core is too close, the fins could be damaged. So keep the following injection distance.

Fig 2: Inspecting Fin Blockage

INJECTION PRESSURE AND DISTANCE

Injection Pressure kPa (kgf/cm² , psi)	Injection Distance mm(in.)
2,942 to 4,903 (30 to 50, 427 to 711)	300(11.811)
4,903 to 7,845 (50 to 80, 711 to 1,138)	500(19.685)

If the fins are bent, straighten them with a screwdriver or pliers.
Be careful not to pour water directly onto electronic components.