[nextmoon]

I've noticed my coolant level in the reservoir dropping about 1/2 inch below the full line 2 months back. Then 2 weeks ago I noticed the level dropped midway. A week later it had dropped right on the Low indicator. Where's my coolant gone? Definitely it's not on my driveway floor and I don't see anything from a visual into the engine bay. I don't smell anything burning either. I swapped out the radiator cap to a new one during the time the coolant was dropping to no effect.

The strange part is my 2014 highlander V6 only has under 11,000 miles. I didn't notice anything underneath the engine bay while I changed my oil after it dropped 1/2 inch below the full line.

Today I took it into my local dealer and they pressured tested and found no leaks. They only refilled the reservoir coolant. Does anyone have any suggestion as what I can check myself? My front passenger window also is having the motor replaced for a groaning noise under warranty. I hope this is not a bad sign.

My area has been experiencing unusual weather, low 40's one night and then 60's the next. Would this affect stuff?

 

[BUFFO]

reservoir dropping about 1/2 inch below the full line 2 months back. later it had dropped right on the Low indicator. 2014 highlander V6 only has under 11,000 miles.

Today I took it into my local dealer and they pressured tested and found no leaks. They only refilled the reservoir coolant. Does anyone have any suggestion as what I can check myself?

I suggest u dont replace anything else while your HL is "under oem warr." unless real emergency. System press. checked & ok. Myself, I'd check coolant level everyday. If it starts dropping again for no obvious reason, then its back to dealer for 2nd opin. Just curious...if u check your eng. oil, what does oil look like on dip stick?

FWIW...dont recall seeing low coolant level reports here? I made black (sharpie) mark on tank which helps me see level of coolant easier. So far no make up coolant needed on mine. Next.......:wink:

 

[Greasymechtech]

It is normal for the coolant to evaporate over time.
The overflow/recovery bottle will vary with engine and outside temperatures.

Pick up a gallon of Toyota 50:50 pink or equivalent, and top off to the full line when cold, as needed.

 

[Phil Indeblanc]

When they pressure test is that just the radiator, or is that the closed loop with reservoir included?
It could be the reservoir with a leak?

How many oz is it from full to low, and how much variance does it allow?

 

[nextmoon]

I'm not sure of the extent of the dealer's pressure testing. I guess it's a wait and check game.

Is a coolant leak covered under the powertrain warranty? I think that's 5 years/60k miles?

 

[AVConsult]

I'd think that much coolant loss in 2 months is more than evaporation or normal seepage. The leak is slow enough that you might not notice a puddle under the car.

Is the resovoir hose tight on both ends? Did they check for excess weeping around the water pump?

 

[MikeInNH]

A couple of inches in coolant loss is well within normal range. A pressure test well test the whole system. Just keep an eye on it.

 

[Redbelly]

I'd think that much coolant loss in 2 months is more than evaporation or normal seepage. The leak is slow enough that you might not notice a puddle under the car.

Is the resovoir hose tight on both ends? Did they check for excess weeping around the water pump?

I agree. I'd insist that the dealer figure out where the coolant is going to document an issue, especially if you are still within warranty. If it is a head gasket leak that is using up coolant, it could be expensive.

 

[nextmoon]

I'll definitely keep an eye on the coolant level and plan on bringing it back to the dealer if the same amount is lost. Today I noticed the short L-shaped hose coming out of the radiator and into the reservoir is fully detachable from the radiator. The end going into the radiator feels not snug. I thought this is supposed to be a closed system. I can imagine hot vapor being lose through this connection point. Can someone confirm if theirs is the same?

 

[wth]

Every time I buy a new car, after it's sat and cooled off overnight, I'll take a med magic marker and mark the coolant & brake fluid level on the side of the reservoir so I can keep an eye on them.

 

[themama]

Coolant level will rise and lower based on temperature. As long as it is within the limits we should be fine. However if it is only falling but not rising when car warms up, there could be a leak when a dealer can check all the external links to the cooling chambers and can also check the pressure to see if there is an internal leak.

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