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Autopapyrus · Toyota Avensis 2.4 (2AZ-FSE) (2006)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/toyota/avensis/checking-and-replacing-the-coolant/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Toyota Avensis 2.4 (2AZ-FSE) (2006): Checking and Replacing the Coolant

The coolant in the 2AZ-FSE engine is replaced based on both time and condition: check the level in the expansion tank and the clarity of the coolant, and replace it if it is dirty or due by schedule. The replacement is done on a completely cold engine, draining through the radiator drain valve and the cylinder block drain plug.

DifficultyEasy Time1-1.5 hours Steps13

Key figures

  • Coolant level in the tankthis is how you check that there is enough coolant (step 2); if the level is low, top up to FULL
    between the LOW and FULL marks on a cold engine
  • System leak test pressurethe radiator tester is pumped up to this value to find a leak (step 4)
    118 kPa (1.2 kgf/cm²)

Check these values against the manufacturer’s specification for your vehicle before you start.

Parts

2
№Part
01 Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or an equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, free of silicates, amines, nitrites and borates, with long-life hybrid organic acid technology. Premixed or concentrate with distilled water. System capacity is about 6 L (6.3 qt)
02 buy 7 L (7.4 qt) to have some extra

Tools

2
  • Drain hose (about 9 mm inner diameter), 7-8 L (7.4-8.5 qt) container, funnel, sockets and wrenches, flat-head screwdriver, gloves, distilled water for diluting concentrate
  • optional radiator pressure tester
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 3 more. See manuals →

Step by step

13 steps
  1. Park the car on level ground, shut off the engine and wait until it has cooled down completely. Do not open the expansion tank cap on a hot engine: hot coolant and steam can spray out and cause burns.
  2. Level check. On a cold engine, the coolant in the expansion tank should be between the LOW and FULL marks. If the level is low, find the cause of the loss (a leak) and top up with the same coolant to the FULL mark.
  3. Quality check. Remove the cap of the expansion tank on a cold engine and inspect the filler neck and the coolant. If there is a lot of rust or scale around it, or the coolant contains oil or is dirty, the coolant must be replaced.
  4. Optionally, check the system for leaks: fill the radiator and tank, connect the pressure tester, warm up the engine, pump up to 118 kPa (1.2 kgf/cm²) and make sure the pressure does not drop. A pressure drop indicates a leak in the hoses, radiator or water pump; if there are no external traces, check the heater core, the block and the cylinder head.
  5. Remove the engine undercover, if fitted, to reach the radiator drain valve. Set the heater to maximum heat (ignition on, do not start the engine) so that the heater valve opens.
  6. Place the container underneath, put the hose on the radiator drain valve and loosen its plug. Remove the expansion tank cap so the coolant drains faster.
  7. For a complete drain, also open the drain plug on the cylinder block (located on the side of the block). The approximate tightening torque of this plug during installation is about 13 N·m (10 lb-ft); verify the exact value against the manufacturer's specifications. The radiator drain valve is closed by hand.
  8. If the drained coolant is dirty, flush the system with clean water until the water runs clear, then drain all the water completely. Any leftover water will dilute the new coolant, so let it drain as much as possible.
  9. Close the radiator drain valve and the block plug, check that the hoses and clamps are in place, and pour in coolant through the radiator filler neck or the tank in a thin stream so that air pockets do not form. The approximate system capacity is 5.8-6.3 L (6.1-6.7 qt); verify the exact value against the manufacturer's specifications.
  10. Fill the tank with coolant up to the FULL mark. Tighten the caps, start the engine and let it run until warm, holding about 2000-2500 rpm; watch the level in the tank and top up if necessary.
  11. Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses by hand several times to push out air, and check the level. The heater should blow hot, and there should be no air pockets in the upper hose.
  12. Shut off the engine, let it cool down completely and check the level once more: it should be between LOW and FULL; top up to FULL if necessary. Inspect the plugs and hoses for signs of leaks. Check the level again after a few days of driving.
  13. Dispose of the drained coolant at a collection point: it is toxic, so do not pour it on the ground.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Do not mix coolants of different types and colors unless you are sure they are compatible, and do not pour coolant into a hot engine
  • Antifreeze is poisonous and dangerous to animals
  • If after the replacement the engine temperature fluctuates, the heater does not heat or the level keeps dropping, there is still air in the system or a leak: do not drive, and take the car to a repair shop
  • Check the replacement interval in the service book: for Toyota cars on Super Long Life coolant, the first replacement is usually very late, and the following intervals are shorter
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