I am trying to locate the coolant drain on the engine block of my 2003 Toyota Corolla. I have the Service Manual and it has a diagram indicating the location, but it is a poor diagram and I still cannot locate it. I wrote to Toyota and they were of no help. Can anyone describe where it is??
I finally found the block drain on my ’03 Corolla!!! It is not visible from the front or top of the engine. You have to get under the vehicle and look at the aft side of the block. The block drain is located just to the right of the centerline of the vehicle and quite a bit higher than I expected. It looks like a 3/8” downward pointing spigot with a 10mm socket-screw sticking out horizontally. Attach a hose to the ‘spigot’ to direct the flow into a bucket and loosen the screw until the flow begins. Try not to take it all the way out like I did. It makes a real mess. ;-)
Gak- Congratulations on discovering one of the greatest mysteries of the Corolla! Last time I changed my coolant I had the Toyota diagram, searched high and low (and on Toyotanation) and gave up. How far under the car is it? If it needs to be jacked up, I'm just going to do a drain and fill instead. If I do a drain and fill slightly more often than recommended, I figure it's just as good as a full flush and a lot easier.
Thanks! I know the feeling all to well. I checked the diagrams in the Chilton, Haynes, and Toyota manuals. None of them were correct. I didn’t find it by choice, but by necessity.
I was trying to help the neighbor kid learn about proper maintenance and earn a few bucks by changing the engine oil, tranny fluid, and flushing the coolant. Unfortunately the oil and the coolant both came in one gallon jugs. By the time he figured out that he put the oil in the radiator it was too late. We both learned a lot that day. ;-)
The vehicle does need to be jacked up or over a pit to access the drain plug. It’s on the back side of the block about ½ way up and a little to the right of center if I remember correctly. It’s not hard to get to once you find it.
Rather than just doing a simple drain and refill, I’d recommend a chemical flush from the top side. It will clean out any impurities that may have built up over the years. And as always, if you’re not refilling with premixed coolant, make sure you use distilled/deionized water and straight coolant.
Does anyone have any pic's of the exact spot of this drain plug? I also have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma, so I am familiar with what it should look like, but I took a hard look today and was not able to locate it. Any more info. would be greatly appreciated.
Thx. for the reply. This looks like it's on the passenger side of the block. Correct? It's a lot higher than I amagined. I'm surprised that I can't see it from the top side under the hood... I have an '05, so I am assuming that it will be in the same place... I also see where you put your floor jacks. This will help also. I was crawling underneath the car with just the floor jack and I wasn't feeling real confortable...
Thx. for the reply. I changed the fluid yesterday. You have an excellent write-up with the pic's. I had looked really hard the week before and couldn't find the drain. I appreciate all the help.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
The engine in my 2003 Corolla S is a 1.8L with model number 1ZZFE.
Linear Mode
