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Coolant tank empty?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by AllenZ, Mar 24, 2014.

  1. AllenZ

    AllenZ Active Member

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    I just noticed this morning that the coolant tank (close to radiator) is empty. The other coolant tank level is normal. Big surprise! I thought they are connected, and coolant can flow between them.

    Do you think it has anything to do with heavy oil burning on my 2004 with 210K miles? I don't really know when it empted, because the other tank is almost full.

    Thanks!
    Allen
     
    #1 AllenZ, Mar 24, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Did you check the level in the radiator? You have to remove the black plastic cover piece (covers front side of car) to see the radiator cap. You have to check the level in the radiator if the reservoir is empty. Check if you have a leak in your water pump, likely cause of the missing coolant.
     
    #2 JC91006, Mar 24, 2014
  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    The coolant tank closest to the radiator is for the ICE, at least that would be my best guess for a 2004. The other pink coolant tank is for the Inverter/Converter. They are completely separate cooling systems.

    Have you seen any signs of leakage on the ground around the car lately? Also look around the water pump and see if you see any signs of pink crust just below the water pump. This will typically be the first signs of a coolant leak. If so then you need to replace your ICE water pump.

    If the coolant reservoir is empty you need to check the radiator and see how low this is. You will want to get some Toyota coolant and first fill up the radiator and then the reservoir.
     
    #3 jdcollins5, Mar 24, 2014
  4. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    The two coolant loops are completely independent.

    JeffD
     
    #4 jdenenberg, Mar 24, 2014
  5. AllenZ

    AllenZ Active Member

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    So, if coolant for ICE is gone, and I drive 35 min at 70+ everyday, it means engine is overheated, oil got burned very hot... More carbon will deposit everywhere including piston rings... Hence the heavy oil burning?
     
    #5 AllenZ, Mar 24, 2014
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You probably have coolant in the radiator. Just because the reservoir is empty, it does not mean you don't have coolant in the car. You should still top it off.

    When I bought my 06, I had the same issue where the coolant was low. I also noticed the oil burning at only 120k miles....and the owner told me it was burning since 100k. Maybe the low coolant has something to do with it.
     
    #6 JC91006, Mar 24, 2014
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