Fluid levels on 07 camry 4 cylinder - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

dustoff · 03-24-2009, 07:51 AM

EDIT: It's not actually mine. I just drive it sometimes.

I have a 4 cylinder 07 camry with 20000 miles. It is coming up on 2 years. I checked the fluid levels this morning and have some concerns. I'd like to know if any of this normal.

Driving habits: Mostly city driving. 20-30 minute at a time.

1) Power steering fluid is a little bit below the low mark. I thought power steering fluid wasn't suppose to get low over time. Does this mean I have a leak or is this normal?

2) Engine coolant level is below the low mark. Assuming it was full when I got the car, is this amount of usage normal at 20000 miles?

This is the first time I've looked at the levels myself.

Also, how do I check the dipstick? The manual says to warm up the engine, turn it off, then wait a few minutes before checking. Can't I just check it in the morning when the engine is cold?

jayrguidaben · 03-24-2009, 10:33 AM

Q. 1 and 2 yes its normal because your engine is cold. to check all the fluids warm the engine first. if its still low add super long life coolant from toyota.
just follow the manual and you'll be fine.
wow for two years you have your car this is the first time you check your fluid. (sigh!@#$%)

dustoff · 03-24-2009, 11:50 AM

Lol, it's not mine. I just drive it occasionally.

The manual is kind of strange. It says to inspect the coolant every 15000 miles, then tells me to go to a different section for more details. That section says to do a drain and flush. What? That's too often. As for power steering fluid, it just tells you how to check levels. Nothing else.

Wrt power steering fluid - I just thought that power steering fluid wasn't suppose to get low over time.

gdanaher · 03-24-2009, 03:13 PM

You're right. Power steering fluid should not go down over time. But wait!! How do you know it has gone down? You have nothing to compare it to other than a line that says high and low. Maybe it's been low for 20k miles? Add enough Dexron ATF to fill it to the high point when the engine is warm and then see if it goes down. In all probability it won't.

dustoff · 03-24-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdanaher

You're right. Power steering fluid should not go down over time. But wait!! How do you know it has gone down? You have nothing to compare it to other than a line that says high and low. Maybe it's been low for 20k miles? Add enough Dexron ATF to fill it to the high point when the engine is warm and then see if it goes down. In all probability it won't.

If it's been low for 20k miles, that means it left the dealership at the level.

I hope your right about it being ok.

gdanaher · 03-24-2009, 07:54 PM

I guess I fail to understand why you are concerned about this. You are looking at the overflow reservoir. You simply need enough to keep air out of the hydraulic system and no more. Look on the floor beneath the car for a drip and note any loss. The level in my car was near the low level when it was delivered. It still is. If Toyota adds 3 additional ounces of fluid to every car, it eventually runs into some money. If you aren't leaking, then don't worry about it. Or if it continues to bug you, then fill it up.

In any event, some comment from you please regarding not looking under the hood for 20k miles.

ToyotaToday · 03-25-2009, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayrguidaben

Q. 1 and 2 yes its normal because your engine is cold. to check all the fluids warm the engine first. if its still low add super long life coolant from toyota.
just follow the manual and you'll be fine.
wow for two years you have your car this is the first time you check your fluid. (sigh!@#$%)

Warm up the engine to check the coolant level? You're suppose to check it when the engine is cold, not warm or hot. Read your manual

jayrguidaben · 03-25-2009, 08:23 AM

lol my bad on the coolant level it should be cold. on other fluids it should be warm

mcdawgg · 03-25-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayrguidaben

lol my bad on the coolant level it should be cold. on other fluids it should be warm

Look at the power steering fluid again - notice that it has marks for hot AND cold.

roll_outz · 03-25-2009, 04:05 PM

DOn't over fill your coolant.coz Once your engine get warm coolant will rise lil bit.and if you don't see any leaks why you worried any way just keep opening your hood 1 a week will you.