EricinSA

I recently purchased a 2003 LX470 and I noticed driving home the other day that my temperature gauge was reading nearly in the red (one to two lines away from the first red line). Can someone tell me what is the normal running temperature for this car? I live in San Antonio TX and the current outside temperature is 80 to 85 degrees.

caddyowner

Mine stays in the middle of the range once warmed up. Albeit, I've only seen it in the winter since I bought the truck in December.

RandomTech

You're overheating. Go get it inspected.

EricinSA

I will have to keep an eye out for it. These last few days have been in the 50's and 60's and my temp gauge has been reading right in the middle. Thanks for your responses.

retired

Great idea to keep an eye on it...Technically, you are not overheating, but you seem to be running a little hotter than normal....If the gauge reads in the red area, then you would be overheating...I suggest that you check the collant level (radiator might be a shade low) as well as the mixture strength (this has to been done with an antifreeze tester)...It should read at least 10 degrees below zero and It should be a 50-50 mix (antifreeze/water)...IF it does need antifreeze, I suggest that you get a the Toyota brand from your local dealer.....Antifreeze is not only to prevent freezing, but also raises the boiling point....Hope this helps

EricinSA

Thank you"retired" for the detailed response. This will make it easier to keep an eye on.

RandomTech

No. No no no no.

This is not an "I'll keep an eye on it" issue.

This is a "if I don't get this fixed I'm going to need a new engine". Toyota massively over-engineers the cooling system to be able to handle anything on earth.

The gauge should NEVER read over the middle, ever, under any driving or operation.

"nearly in the red" means "nearly blowing up"

retired

I agree that the cooling system needs to be checked...However, your idea that nearly in the red means nearly blowing up is a fallacy.....If the gauge is not in the red area, then it is not overheating...The problem could be low collant level, lack of antifreeze, or a thermostat problem...This needs to be checked out, but keeping an eye on it after it is checked is the prudent thing to do.......... Almost overheating is like almost being in a car accident, either you are or you are not..My suggestion is to GET THE COOLING SYSTEM CHECKED OUT.........and also keep an eye on it.........

retired

Also, aspect of the problem......It was not stated, in the original post, if the car was at idle with the air conditioning running...If so, then it is normal for the temperature guage to read be a little hotter.......

EricinSA

Yes. The car was idling (more than normal waiting wife in the store) and and air cond was running. All good advice. I will run by and have it checked.

retired

I dont think you have a problem, but better safe than sorry.....Air conditioning and idling will make the car run hotter than normal.....my 01 normal operating temperature is in the middle of the guage.........Good idea to have it checked...Please let me know the outcome...Is the radiator completely full????????

EricinSA

I will check the levels once I get it back. Right now it's parked in my father's garage at his house. I'm trying to help my dad sell one of his cars. Once I get my LX back I will check those levels and if the levels are fine then I will run it by one of the service places I have heard really good things about (honest and reasonable). Cornerstone Automotive. Thank you. I will definitely post what I find.

cpcc

Replace the thermostat to be safe, after you have checked the coolant levels.

EricinSA

Coolant levels were at the appropriate levels. I had the thermostat and gasket replaced and presto the temp is back to normal (reading right below half way point on the temp gauge). Again thanks for all the helpful advise.

2003lx470

After having replaced and or serviced the entire cooling system. Check the cooling fans to see if it staying on or coming on