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Hybrid TechnologyUnique topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX450H model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the RX450H. Please use the main forum for discussion about shared components with other third generation RX models.
I was Driving my car on a road trip when it suddenly notified me it was overheating. So I pulled over , it didn’t smoke it still starts still drove on and off the tow truck. While we waited on the tow we realized it leaked out all the coolant. Does anyone know why this could have happened and what things I should check first. I poured water in the radiator (black circle) and it did start to leak but then someone told me that was the wrong place to pour water. But when I looked It up it is attached to the fan and the coolant reservoir so I feel like it was the right place but not sure now and kinda nervous. But please anyone who knows about these cars help me out. It’s an excellent driving car 161,410 miles no accidents no issues ever I’ve only had it for 5 months.
Radiator is probably blown very common on this model. The coolant reservoir is attached to the cooling fan shroud as in your picture you didn't do anything wrong except shouldn't really be using tap or bottled water.
edit - forgot to say be sure to get a Denso radiator they fix exactly like OEM. Also it could be a water pump failure.
The first thing would be to trace the source of the leak.
If your vehicle was subjected to below freezing temperature and it did not have the proper coolant [with antifreeze] there may have been a rupture ... just like it happens in homes.
Visual trace of every hose/connection needs to be done. You can borrow pressurizing equipment and with pump it up [to the psi marking on your radiator cap] to see the leak. For testing purpose only, you can fill with water and test ... BUT DRAIN IT OUT if you think it will freeze. Once the repair has been done and confirmed, you must refill using proper coolant [Premix is available.]
Salim
Side question: Do you ever pop the hood and inspect fluids and condition of things? Once a month is must but weekly is preferred. This check includes checking fluid [radiator, inventor-coolant (for hybrid), brake fluid and oil]? I always look for any droppings on the floor every time I drive out of the garage.
* If not please use the Full Service gas pump and let the help check the things out.
PS: Your sales person at the time of vehicle pickup should have gone over these items in person [this is part of the sale] and if not please please read through the user manual.
Last edited by salimshah; Dec 7, 2021 at 10:33 AM.
Reason: PS
Previously I made a post on here about my car overheating and having a coolant leak. I solved that problem by replacing the radiator, during the process I bought and (All make All model) coolant concentrate. Without paying attention I poured both gallons of coolant into my radiator and went about my day not realizing that I needed to mix the concentrate with water. I put about 40 miles on it before realizing that I didn’t mix it with water. Which I honestly only started realizing because my car started overheating a little bit today. When I checked the fluids the reservoir was empty but at the time I didn’t know that the concentrate was wrong so I added more in. So now my question is should I flush the system of the coolant completely and put the proper coolant in or should I flush some out and add water? Also now my air is not getting hot,
You sure there are no more leaks? You will never be able to remove all the coolant, do you know exactly how much you put in? Drain out 40% (or what the product bottle says to use) of that and fill back up with deionized water.
When you lost coolant originally, you introduced air into the system. Apparently, you did not burp the system. As the result, you have air blockage somewhere in the cooling system, what resulted in overheat condition and coolant expanding out of the expansion canister. Normal, premixed coolant, has approximately 25% expansion ratio, non mixed - higher.
You need to burp your cooling system. Also, when you do this, raise front end, either on ramps or uphill or on jackstands, so that air travels to the radiator and out best.
Although you are not required to purchase and add Lexus/Toyota coolant, but for DIY, please stick to the OEM stuff.
The vehicle will overheat with un-diluted coolant. Read the instructions on the bottle and remove the required volume of concentrate and then add Distilled water. Over time the coolant will mix. For the overflow reservoir mix concentrate and distilled water to the right ratio [If you just fill it water, it may crack it, if the temp falls below freezing].
Procedure to drain/fill/purge-air is common to all vehicles. You can even search in the first Gen RX forum. Please read and follow instructions.
RX 450H overheating
