When should I change my Coolant?

I have a 2015 v6 taco with 56k. I'm curious when I should change the coolant, I did buy it used and it sat on a lot for 6-9 months. The dealer says I never needed to change it (I was shocked too) and my mechanic said he didn't have the tools to properly do the drain and fill. I was told in order to do it correctly it would have to be pumped in from the bottom as there is no fill port. Is that accurate?

 

Not sure what the manual/service schedule says (it's out in my truck). But I believe it's 100K miles. That's when I had my cooling system flushed/fluid changed.

 

I have a '15 and I've done 2 DAFs on it in the last couple of years. There is nothing difficult or special about the Taco's cooling system. No special tools required

Save your money and skip the OE SLLC and pick up some Valvoline Zerex pink.

 

At 100k or 10 yrs. This thread may be helpful - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-diy-maintenance-quick-reference-guide.438945/

 

Sounds like they were talking about the transmission

 

You need to find a new mechanic.

The radiator and the engine block have drains. The "fill" is the radiator cap.

Coolant change for my '06, 2nd Gen, similar to the '15, has an interval of 100,000 miles.


I just did mine at 108,000 with a series of radiator drain and fills. The drains on the block would not open. I'm not sure if a "flush" is required.

 

Dang it. I came in expecting at least one person to say something about how " Tacoma coolant must be changed under waxing moon, but never on a Thursday.

 

I changed mine at 5 years, Toyota's recommended interval is 5 years or 100k for first change then 5 years or 50k after that I believe. It only holds around 2 gallons, there's 2 block drains, a radiator drain, and a drain on the overflow bottle. The drivers side block drain is kinda hard to find but you should be able to see it through the fender, no special tools required to refill although a spillproof funnel makes it easier.

 

Do you have do do anything special when refilling ?
I’ve simply poured in coolant on my many motorcycles, but head you have to make sure there are no air bubbles in the Tacoma’s ?

 

You need to find a real mechanic. I change all fluids except the tranny. Unless they have the records I’m changing it. The tranny I leave it if it looks good (I wouldnt have bought it in the first place if its black and metal shavings in it), let it run for probbly a year or 15k miles so you dont feel the damage if incase you do change it of having to rebuild cus of slippage.

 

Warning, I'm no mechanic.
As you pour in coolant, squeeze the radiator hose to burp it. Pour some coolant into the overflow tank. Start engine. Let engine run to get to temp. Turn on the heater and run the fan for a couple minutes if you want to verify how warm engine is. Stop engine. Let engine cool. Remove radiator cap. If coolant is right below cap, you're good. Fill reserve tank to recommended line if you hadn't previously. If reserve tank is dry, add some coolant to radiator and reserve tank as needed.

 

I had no trouble with trapped air in mine. If your concerned about it being full measure what you drained out and put the same amount back in and you should be good providing it was full when you started.

 

Thank you everyone for your input.

I got a reply from the dealer saying the transmission is a " world standard transmission which Toyota service info states this fluid does not need to be changed or serviced for the life of the vehicle"

I feel that is a load of crap... am i wrong?

 

I've done 3 DAFs on my rig. Plenty of info around here on how to do it.

 

It seems most all manufacturers have gone to "Lifetime" transmission fluids so they can claim they have low maintenance costs. They will last the lifetime of the transmission, but the transmission will almost certainly last much longer if you change it frequently enough.

 

I'm confused as the title says coolant, but then we talk about transmissions. However, my thoughts are that it's all about how you use your truck and your budget. I've replaced coolant annually but not fully flushed, and as I don't tow much I've only done my transmission fluid once (I'm about 75K miles). I do wheel it, and carry extra weight for camping, so thought it's worth it.

I'm too old to believe the "forget it it will last forever" especially for a vehicle that'll do 300K easy. Put some thought into how you use it, and consider it insurance?

 

Life of the vehicle is when it's failed. There's a how-to on here somewhere. Read it over a couple of times and go to it.

 

its a load of bull

 

Wow, yeah thats my bad. I had transmission in mind for my question and for whatever reason put coolant. the craziness of corona is getting to me....

 

no worries, corona on your end, monkey shoulder on mine. regardless...if you are towing a lot or carrying heavy loads you may want to consider replacing trans/diff fluid outside of what the manual says. Opinions here will vary based on risk acceptance. Personally I live in a mountain-y region so I tend to focus on stuff like brakes. The ability to stop when pointed downhill is - to me - kind of important. Regardless, every May my truck goes in for inspection by a "pro" which I'm not. If he says it's time to change, I take his word for it as he knows what I plan to do in the summer months.