Coolant loss

JOSEPH904

MEMBER
2016 TOYOTA RAV4
2.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
17,000 MILES

In less than 3,000 miles (2 1/2 months) my reservoir when the engine was cold was almost empty, maybe 1/2 inch from the bottom (it was full when I purchased it).
When I asked what was wrong the service manager told me it is normal for a Toyota to need "topped off" when the 5,000 service is performed.
They didn't even check anything (pressure for leaks) or any visual tests).
I have owned many cars and have never heard of such foolishness.
At this rate I will need to carry a gallon of antifreeze with me.

5 Replies

JIS001

MECHANIC
3,408 POSTS

Some dissipation is normal over time but if it was low at 5,000 miles then whoever did the pre delivery inspection did not do there job properly to check the levels and top off. It is part of it. Once the coolant was topped off are you still losing coolant? If you are not then you should be good now. If you are still losing coolant then it is something that needs to be address and you need to take to the dealership for proper diagnosis.

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Friday, December 6th, 2019 AT 9:37 PM

JOSEPH904

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I haven't had the first 5,000 mile service yet, and yes it was full when I purchased it. I pulled it into the service bay and they told me I had nothing to worry about without testing anything, actually they pulled me into a room with 3 employees and asked me "Have you ever owned a Toyota" even though the coolant level (when cold) was almost empty
I had to make them put coolant in so I could drive it home (I was afraid it would over heat soon)
I will check again tomorrow (when engine is cold) and see where it is.

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Friday, December 6th, 2019 AT 9:53 PM

JIS001

MECHANIC
3,408 POSTS

As long as the radiator was not low you are good. As stated earlier, some dissipation is normal and once topped off you will be good. Just monitor it and if you see it goes low again then you should address it.

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Friday, December 6th, 2019 AT 11:28 PM

JOSEPH904

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The car has been cooling off for a little over 3 hours (my wife works midnight's and gets home around 8:00 am, it's now 11:30).
To my surprise the coolant level is between low and high, right where is should.
I'm baffled, were did it go the first time? Maybe it hasn't has enough time to leak or burn or what ever happened to it.
Anyway, thanks for you help and I will be monitoring it weekly.

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Saturday, December 7th, 2019 AT 9:33 AM

JIS001

MECHANIC
3,408 POSTS

It may have had an air pocket. As stated earlier, during the pre delivery inspection they should have checked and topped off the fluid levels. You should be good now since you filled the reservoir.