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Curious about other peoples coolant temps with a MY19 (2.8l 130kw) using a ScanGauge 2.
Backstory, mine used to sit at 83c solidly unless towing our camper or 40c+ summer weather etc. On a return trip recently it started to fluctuate between 80-87c in 5-10c ambient temps. By fluctuating I also mean jumping from 83- 87c instantly (not climbing gradually even over 10 secs etc) on the scan gauge and then gradually dropping back to 83c before repeating the cycle. Having found this unusual I checked coolant level, for any radiator obstructions, belt tensions etc etc I noticed the coolant level was barely above the min level in the overflow bottle so after discussing it with a mechanic friend he suggested it could be a thermostat starting to go bad or possibly the viscous coupling on the fan playing up. He suggest topping the coolant up a little with water (de-mineralised) and seeing if the level changes.
Levels since topping have stayed constant and since that the temps have stayed more stable, generally locked at 86c with the odd drop down to 84c before settling at 86c again.
Would you raise this with Toyota (Warranty), as he feels they will say all with in standard range but after 3 years of owning the vehicle (since new, with full Toyota service history) this seems like a sudden change and it may potentially be the beginning of a problem. As we live in rural NSW I do not wish to be stranded somewhere remote requiring an expensive tow should the thermostat cause the car to overheat, and come summer when towing our camper I am concerned this will lead to higher temps and potential issues.
Thanks in advance for any advice or experiences with a similar situation.
Backstory, mine used to sit at 83c solidly unless towing our camper or 40c+ summer weather etc. On a return trip recently it started to fluctuate between 80-87c in 5-10c ambient temps. By fluctuating I also mean jumping from 83- 87c instantly (not climbing gradually even over 10 secs etc) on the scan gauge and then gradually dropping back to 83c before repeating the cycle. Having found this unusual I checked coolant level, for any radiator obstructions, belt tensions etc etc I noticed the coolant level was barely above the min level in the overflow bottle so after discussing it with a mechanic friend he suggested it could be a thermostat starting to go bad or possibly the viscous coupling on the fan playing up. He suggest topping the coolant up a little with water (de-mineralised) and seeing if the level changes.
Levels since topping have stayed constant and since that the temps have stayed more stable, generally locked at 86c with the odd drop down to 84c before settling at 86c again.
Would you raise this with Toyota (Warranty), as he feels they will say all with in standard range but after 3 years of owning the vehicle (since new, with full Toyota service history) this seems like a sudden change and it may potentially be the beginning of a problem. As we live in rural NSW I do not wish to be stranded somewhere remote requiring an expensive tow should the thermostat cause the car to overheat, and come summer when towing our camper I am concerned this will lead to higher temps and potential issues.
Thanks in advance for any advice or experiences with a similar situation.
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