Coolant Leak - 09 Highlander Limited (1st Post) - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

quattrokid · 03-02-2010, 01:00 AM

Hey everyone...

I'm new to this forum and I had a somewhat concerning issue with my 09 Highlander Limited (2x4). I took the car in for a minor service to the local Toyota Dealership this weekend. Today (Monday) I noticed some red fluid leaking which I thought could be coolant or transmission oil. I looked under the car right now and I think its coolant. It looks like its leaking from the engine somewhere.

I am attempting to post some links to some pictures and I hope they work. I'll try to edit this post until I can get it to work.

This is the first thing I noticed when looking underneath. Some fluid leaking through these panels under the right front side of the Highlander.

From the same point of view, I then noticed some dried up coolant from the side of the engine.

This picture is from the top view. Looks like its leaking from somewhere near the belt and pulley.

Anyone have any issues like this? I'm planning on calling the dealership tomorrow morning and hopefully they'll give some type of alternate transportation while they look into this.

Thanks for any help in advance. This is my first post so I apologize for any newbie mistakes.

***humanoid*** · 03-02-2010, 01:18 AM

It's most likely coolant. What kind of "minor service" was performed? Did you happen to notice it before you took the car in?

quattrokid · 03-02-2010, 01:31 AM

I never noticed it before the service. The minor service basically included oil/filter change and top of fluids.

Do you think its anything to be worried about?

***humanoid*** · 03-02-2010, 01:34 AM

I wouldn't be TOO worried, but keep and eye on the coolant level in the reservoir and take it back to the dealer at your earliest convenience. You should be still under warranty, let the dealer make it right for you.

quattrokid · 03-02-2010, 01:39 AM

Thanks for the help and advice. I did check the coolant over flow tank and it still looked okay. I'll be taking it back to the dealer in the next couple days.

***humanoid*** · 03-02-2010, 01:43 AM

No problem, that's what we're all here for. Keep us updated, maybe your situation will help others in the future with the same problem.

quattrokid · 03-02-2010, 01:47 AM

Will do.

dixon422 · 03-03-2010, 07:08 PM

From the looks of the location of that dried fluid, it could be the water pump. Water pumps have a "weep hole" that will seep coolant when their seals begin to fail...it could be the weep hole letting out fluid, or simply an improperly installed water pump, damaged pump gasket, etc.

Definitely keep us posted and good luck!

quattrokid · 03-04-2010, 02:24 AM

Took the car in last night and the dealer called me today stating it was a faulty water pump. They are going to replace it and they have given me a loaner vehicle in the meantime. They're ordering a new water pump and the Highlander should be good to go on Friday.

Thanks again for all the help/advice.

dixon422 · 03-04-2010, 06:57 AM

Good that they found it quickly and are taking care of it without too much trouble. Now, can I have a cookie for getting it right?

***humanoid*** · 03-04-2010, 11:22 AM

Sounds like they're treating you the way they should. Let us know how the work is once you get the Highlander back.

quattrokid · 03-05-2010, 01:20 AM

Just got a call today that the Highlander will be out of commission until mid next week. Turns out they need to drop the engine to replace the water pump. Did you guys know that? If this Highlander lasts long enough, I dread the day I have to replace the water pump on my bill. That's gotta cost an arm and a leg in labor.

***TrailDust*** · 03-05-2010, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quattrokid

Just got a call today that the Highlander will be out of commission until mid next week. Turns out they need to drop the engine to replace the water pump. Did you guys know that? If this Highlander lasts long enough, I dread the day I have to replace the water pump on my bill. That's gotta cost an arm and a leg in labor.

If that day happens then you'll want to replace the spark plugs at the same time since half of them are unreachable unless the engine is dropped.

That's Toyota's way of saying, "Have a nice day!"

dixon422 · 03-05-2010, 06:48 AM

Wow...and I thought the 3MZ was tough in our Solara. Had to take apart the whole intake/surge tank/manifold to get to the back 3 plugs...and all the associated timing covers, belts, cam pullies, motor torque struts etc. for the water pump.

When they say "drop the engine", are they actually removing all the mounts and lowering the whole engine, or just taking out the passenger side mounts and letting it pivot downward?

I HOPE the engine doesnt have to come completely free of all mounts. That may make it the first repair I'll have to have done outside of my own garage.