1995 Toyota Camry Frozen Coolant and Engine Overheating

V2M

MEMBER
1995 TOYOTA CAMRY

1995 Toyota Camry 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

Hi,

This morning while driving my car, I noticed the temperature gauge's needle was shooting to Hot, therefore, I immediately pulled over. I popped open my hood and checked the coolant reservoir tank, and the coolant in the tank was completely frozen like ice. I'm assuming after reading numerous websites that the coolant is mixed with way too much water which is why it froze, and that I will need to let the coolant thaw in order to drain the old coolant so I can add the correct mixture of coolant.

My questions are: my car is parked on the street and it's 26 degrees here and I don't think it will be getting warm anytime soon for the coolant to thaw. How can I thaw the coolant? My mechanic advised me to turn the engine on, turn on the a/c with the temperature on "heat", and then run the car for 15 mins, at which time the coolant will melt. But this doesn't seem logical if there is no coolant circulating throughout the engine while it runs, wouldn't this destroy the engine? I need help please. I don't know what to do.

Thank you in advance.

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Assuming you didnt already crack the block, or a head, which is a real possibility, the ONLY option is to have it towed to an indoor garage until it can be thawed and drained. When was the last time you flushed and refilled with 50/50 coolant mix? Coolant looses it's properties over time, so I think it's been 5 or more years! NOT GOOD!