Toyota Camry 2007 to 2011 COOLANT FLUSH (DIY), by RB The Mechanic on YouTube. 5 min 18 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 18 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground and let the engine cool completely, at least an hour. Never open the radiator cap while the engine is still hot.
Put a drain pan under the radiator petcock, open the cap on top, then open the petcock and let the old coolant run out.
Close the petcock and fill the system with distilled water. Run the engine with the heater on hot, then drain it again. Repeat until the water comes out clear.
Close the petcock and pour premixed Toyota pink coolant into the radiator until it reaches the base of the neck. Fill the overflow bottle to the Full line.
Leave the radiator cap off and start the engine. Set the heater to full hot with the fan on low so coolant flows through the heater core.
Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses a few times to push trapped air out, and keep topping up the radiator as the level drops.
Watch the open neck for bubbles. When the thermostat opens, the level stops falling and no more bubbles rise, top it off and fit the cap tightly.
Let the engine idle until the cooling fan cycles on and off, then shut it off and let it cool. Recheck the radiator and reservoir and top up if needed.
Tips and common mistakes
Use distilled water for flushing, not tap water, which leaves mineral deposits in the system.
Use premixed coolant rather than concentrate so you do not get the water ratio wrong.
Do not mix coolant types or colours, since some formulas react and turn to sludge.
Take the old coolant to a recycling centre or auto parts store, as it is toxic and must not go down the drain.
Questions
How do I know all the air is out of the cooling system?
The heater blows hot, no more bubbles rise at the open radiator neck, and the level stays steady while the engine idles. The fan cycling on and off without the temperature gauge climbing is another good sign.
Do I have to remove the thermostat to bleed the system?
No. Leaving the radiator cap off, running the heater on hot and squeezing the hoses clears the air on most Camrys. Burping the system this way is enough for a normal drain and refill.
Can I drive the car with the radiator cap off?
No. Fit and tighten the cap before you drive. An open system will boil over and spray hot coolant, and the engine will overheat.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
