ESTIMATED TIME 5 - 10 mins
DIY COST $ 7 - 15
DIFFICULTY Very Easy
What you will need
- Engine Coolant - See notes below
Procedure
- Open the hood. Pull the hood release under the dashboard. Go to the front of the vehicle. Unlock the hood latch and pull the hood up until the hood struts are in the hold position.
- Add coolant to the radiator if you replaced coolant hoses or drained the engine coolant.
- Locate the radiator cap on the front side of the engine compartment behind the bumper support bracket. The coolant level is satisfactory between the "F" and "L" lines on
the reservoir when the engine is cold.
- Open the radiator cap by pushing the cap in and twisting it counterclockwise.
Do not open the radiator cap when the engine is hot; make sure to let the vehicle cool down before opening the radiator cap.
- Pour the engine coolant into the radiator.
Check the radiator cap if it needs to be replaced by checking the rubber gasket on the lid.
- Close the cap by pushing it back to the radiator and twisting it clockwise.
- Locate the engine coolant reservoir on the front side of the engine compartment near the radiator cap.
- Check the fluid level on the indicator on the backside of the coolant reservoir. There's a line that indicates the full and low levels of the engine coolant.
- Open the cap of the coolant reservoir by pulling it up.
- Pour the engine coolant into the reservoir.
- Close the cap by pushing it back to the reservoir.
What coolant type does Toyota Camry use?
"Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" or similar high-quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, nonamine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology. The Toyota coolant is typically red in color.
- U.S.A.: "Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and 50% deionized water.
- Canada: "Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and 45% deionized water.
Notes
- When the engine is hot - Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Wait to for the engine to cool down first. You may get seriously burned if the cap is opened when the engine is still hot or warm. The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is removed, causing burns or other injuries
- When towing - Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road, and stop in a safe spot.
- Coolant level keeps dropping -If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap, drain plug and water pump for leaks. If you cannot find a leak, have a mechanic test the cap and check for leaks in the cooling system.
- When adding coolant - The coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
