FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Cooling System: Testing and Inspection





1NR-FE COOLING: COOLING SYSTEM: ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION

CAUTION:
Be sure that the ignition switch is off if you work near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille. With the ignition switch ON, the electric cooling fans may automatically start if the engine coolant temperature is high or the air conditioning is on.

1. INSPECT FOR COOLANT LEAK

CAUTION:
To avoid the danger of being burned, do not remove the water filler cap sub-assembly while the engine and radiator assembly are still hot. Thermal expansion will cause hot engine coolant and steam to blow out from the radiator assembly.

(a) Fill the radiator assembly with engine coolant, and attach a radiator cap tester.





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(b) Pump the tester to 118 kPa (1.2 kgf/cm2, 17.1 psi), and then check that the pressure does not drop.

If the pressure drops, check the hoses, radiator assembly and water pump assembly for leaks. If there are no signs or traces of external engine coolant leaks, check the heater core, cylinder block and head.

2. INSPECT RESERVOIR TANK ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL





(a) The engine coolant should be between the LOW and FULL lines when the engine is cold.

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HINT
If it is below the LOW line, check for leaks and add Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) 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.

3. INSPECT ENGINE COOLANT QUALITY

(a) Remove the water filler cap sub-assembly.

CAUTION:
To avoid the danger of being burned, do not remove the water filler cap sub-assembly while the engine and radiator assembly are still hot.

Thermal expansion will cause hot engine coolant and steam to blow out from the radiator assembly.

(b) Check for excessive deposits of rust or scale around the water filler cap sub-assembly and radiator filler hole. The engine coolant should be free of oil.

If excessively dirty, replace the engine coolant.

(c) Reinstall the water filler cap sub-assembly.