jcg0324

I have a 2017 RX 350 base. Does anyone know if there is a warning icon that comes on if your coolant level is low. The reason I ask is because my reservoir was dry. I bought some 50/50 and brought it up to full. It took about 12 ounces maybe. The reservoir is very small compared to my Altima. I will keep an eye on it to see if the level drops.

mnemons

You might want to see whether your water pump is leaking. If it is, water pump is covered under 6 years/ 70000 miles powertrain warranty. Mine was leaking and replaced around 50000 miles.

mikemu30

That reservoir should never be empty unless there's a leak somewhere.

jcg0324

Thanks for your replies. I just bought the car 4 weeks ago so I don't know what maintenance schedule the previous owner had. It is possible it never was filled all the way up. The Toyota stealership wanted $34.95 for a gallon of 50/50 coolant. I went to advanced auto parts and bought a gallon of Zerex (Valvoline) hybrid organic acid tech. for $19.95. I will be checking that coolant level over the next 2 or 3 months to see what happens. So far no leaks have been found.

fireball63

Did you check it hot or cold?

mikemu30

There's a marker on the reservoir for both hot and cold.

DaSyce

iTrader: (3)

Toyota pink 50/50 fluid is good stuff. It forms a noticeable pink crust on any areas that begin to leak.

Cocal

This is what happens when people cheap out without understanding what they are buying!
Did you know that THAT coolant is only for GM, Saab and VW its colour is orange.
The one for Toyota/Lexus is a P-Hoat (Phosphated Oat) Zerex for asian vehicles, colour is Pink or Blue
Good luck to you if you've already poured it.

jcg0324

Color means nothing. Manufacturers can make it any color they want. The chemical content is what's important. As long as it is non-silicate, non borate, non nitrite, non amine with phosphate added I'm good with it. I may be cheap, but you have to draw the line somewhere. I just checked the level and it is right where it was yesterday: Full at cold engine. So far, I have only checked it at cold engine.
Now if it was transmission fluid, that would be a different conversation. It would be Lexus/Toyota factory stuff. Valvoline makes good products and they have for many years. They are not a fly by night operation.

Cocal

I only mention colour to help you understand as you obviously don't know much, no offence meant. I also mentioned the type of coolant you ought to have used so that you can do a search, if you wanted.
It is the chemical that you bought which is wrong and if added to whatever was already in there could have a reaction, since the vehicle is a 2017 one presumes it's the original one.

jcg0324

Thank you for your very distinguished knowledge and priceless feedback cocal. I know I don't know much.

jcg0324

What a relief to have a chemical engineer here to give us 1st hand knowledge on everything we need to know about automotive coolant.

dannnn

My head hurts trying to decipher what is sarcasm and what isn't in this thread,

dibl

Actual relevant information can be found down this page: https://parts.olathetoyota.com/blog/...nt-color-guide

ghost31711

Really? that's good to know, thank you.

My 2017 had to be topped up from the bottom low mark last year but it's been at full ever since. I just used distilled water.