Please help... Coolant leak and just got the vehicle for 1 week
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Please help... Coolant leak and just got the vehicle for 1 week
Hello Everyone, I'm new here and hope you guys can help a fellow RX owner out. I didn't notice it until a week after I bought it from the dealership. My 2009 RX350 is leaking coolant1 It's not a lot and it stops after a while but once I drive the next day it starts to leak again. I hope it's something minor such as a loose hose etc. I tried to look in the engine bay but can't find anything. It looks to be from the passenger side (see pic)
This is from the undercarriage which I can't see much either.
Does anyone know what it could be. I haven't really worked on cars since high school doing oil changes and light mods etc. I want to try to fix myself if possible sinceI just spent $26000+tax and license already on this vehicle. Thanks in advance!
This is from the undercarriage which I can't see much either.
Does anyone know what it could be. I haven't really worked on cars since high school doing oil changes and light mods etc. I want to try to fix myself if possible sinceI just spent $26000+tax and license already on this vehicle. Thanks in advance!
#4
Moderator
Toyota / Lexus OEM coolant is reddish pink in color. The photo in post one looks to be water condensate from the A/C.
Last edited by Rainbird; 08-01-13 at 08:49 PM. Reason: added info...
#5
Very good point, however, I would confirm the color of the coolant in the system just in case the selling shop (or a shop the previous owner may have used) did switch coolants.
Vinny18, I would put a piece of white paper underneath your vehicle where the drip is coming from to help distinguish the color of the drip. Put a rock or two on the paper to keep it in place should you park outside to keep it from floating away on you. Also, take a peak in the overflow reservoir and the radiator itself to see what color coolant is in there and what the levels are which might indicate a leak. As Rainbird points out Toyota coolant is red.
Hopefully, it is just clear AC condensation.
Vinny18, I would put a piece of white paper underneath your vehicle where the drip is coming from to help distinguish the color of the drip. Put a rock or two on the paper to keep it in place should you park outside to keep it from floating away on you. Also, take a peak in the overflow reservoir and the radiator itself to see what color coolant is in there and what the levels are which might indicate a leak. As Rainbird points out Toyota coolant is red.
Hopefully, it is just clear AC condensation.
#6
Hello Everyone, I'm new here and hope you guys can help a fellow RX owner out. I didn't notice it until a week after I bought it from the dealership. My 2009 RX350 is leaking coolant1 It's not a lot and it stops after a while but once I drive the next day it starts to leak again. I hope it's something minor such as a loose hose etc. I tried to look in the engine bay but can't find anything. It looks to be from the passenger side (see pic)
This is from the undercarriage which I can't see much either.
Does anyone know what it could be. I haven't really worked on cars since high school doing oil changes and light mods etc. I want to try to fix myself if possible sinceI just spent $26000+tax and license already on this vehicle. Thanks in advance!
This is from the undercarriage which I can't see much either.
Does anyone know what it could be. I haven't really worked on cars since high school doing oil changes and light mods etc. I want to try to fix myself if possible sinceI just spent $26000+tax and license already on this vehicle. Thanks in advance!
#7
Moderator
Just to clarify Toyota makes two coolants. One is "Toyota Long Life Red". It is silicate-free, high phosphate coolant. The other is Toyota Super Long Life "Pink". It is a silicate-free, phosphate coolant that only comes premixed 50/50. The long life red will turn a pinkish color when mixed with water (distilled only is recommended).
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#8
If you do have a problem, the Lexus powertrain warranty is 6 years, 70,000 miles. So as long as you are under 70K, the cooling system should be covered except possibly hoses which might be classified wear and tear items.
#9
It's AC condensation. Stick your finger in the puddle and look at the fluid. Is it water? If not what colour is it? Does it smell? How does it taste? (Don't do the last one) lol
#11
Driver School Candidate
With a puddle like that there surely would be a lower level in the coolant reservoir. Most likely condensate, but if it is coolant, look for a leaking water pump or pinhole in a hose. Watch that temp gauge until you find out for sure!
#13
Lexus Champion
Nervous new Lexus owners. In a couple of years you'll notice you haven't done anything except get the oil changed and you'll try to remember what it was like with your old car when you would plan your trips to the dealer based on the severity of whatever dribble, squeak, shudder had popped up since your last visit. Welcome to Lexus.
#14
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Hey everyone thanks for all the input, When I first notice the dripping it might have been coincidence that there was another vehicle there that leaked coolant before that's why I notice the greenish coolant. Just checked again today and it seem to be clear. Seeing liquid drip from under the hood is never a good thing, especially when I just got the car and know nothing about the vehicle. So I was a little worried. I did check on Lexus records and the previous owners did bring it in the dealer for all the maintenance. Is it normal that there is that much condensation? I had cars with A/C before and never noticed a little puddle like that. You guys are great thanks for helping out the noob. Hopefully in time I'll be able to contribute to the community. I LOVE MY RX350!
#15
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Lol yeah, I know coolant is poisonous so I don't think I'll do that but I heard it suppose to be sweet.