No, if you've not done anything with the cooling system since it was new, it means the water in the coolant has evaporated over time and you need to add some distilled water to it to bring the level back to full. This is pretty normal from what I've seen on my three Toyotas.

Can I also fill the reservoir with coolant, and can I use any coolant that's compatible with the car or does it need to be a special one from the Lexus dealership? And when you say distilled water, does that mean I need to purify the water and then add it, is that sufficient? Thanks.

Break down and spend a buck at the grocery store for some distilled - no, filtered water still has minerals in it you don't want in your coolant. Add it to the reservoir until the full line. Save the rest for your humidor. That's what I do anyway.

When changing the oil filter I saw a couple streams of dried pink on the under side near the crank pulley. Looks like I'll be calling the dealership in a bit.

~Dv8

Be sure its not drips from the over flow hose or a sloppy service tech that spilled some.....

Other wise you should be able to find the leak or dried pink fluid at the weep hole(s)

~ Joe Z

So.....I have been monitoring the pump since this thread was started and sure enough sat I noticed it was leaking. Lexus gladly changed the pump to the new part number under the factory power-train warranty. I have 69,396 miles so I got super lucky I caught it! 08-09 owners keep an eye out. I had them change the spark plugs at the same time because the manual said its time.

It's good to know that the water pump is covered under the longer powertrain warranty, in case it ever starts leaking in the future. I'll monitor my level every few months.

Can anyone please post a picture extactly which area of engine bay i need to inspect for the leak?
So that i can check my F too... thanks a tons
The orginal pics are dead...

I'll have pics in a minute. Mine is leaking. !!!

Here's where to look. I moved the reservoir drain out of the way to make it easier to see.



Here's what the leaking looks like:



Looks like I'll be figuring out whether to have this done under warranty or just do it myself when I do the valve lash inspection and spark plug replacement.

Just checked parts online - all the UR series have this pump as the replacement now. Gun not smoking anymore, the original design was not good. Fizzuck.

Thanks for those pics! That'll help me look in the right place this time. I was in the general area but unsure exactly. I'll take another look soon. I appreciate it.

loburacer! Thank you for your kind help too! I'm going to check on my too!

Shouldnt Lexus consider a TSB/recall at this point? It seems to be just about an automatic failure(leak) on any 08-09.

Have the dealer do it Lance, at least it will be warrantied.

~Dv8

I just talked to my service adviser. He really doesn't know me well because I don't spend any time or money with them, and he was cautionary - he said Lexus won't call it a leak if it doesn't puddle. Really? Wow. If they won't do it under warranty, I'll just buy a new water pump and install it myself. I can get one for $135 + shipping, so it's not like it's a lot of money. It's also not hard to do. But it won't be the best news you can deliver someone with three Toyota products in his garage.