2012 TOYOTA GT86 radiator

292 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
FT86_EE
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may
move suddenly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death
or serious injury, observe the following precautions.
When working on the engine compartment
Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine
drive belt.
Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the
engine compartment.
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the bat-
tery. Fuel and battery fumes are flammable.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid.
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage
painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with
clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
ItemsParts and tools
Radiator and condenser
(P. 304)
Tire inflation pressure (P. 314)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid (P. 309)• Water washer fluid containing
antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel

293 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
FT86_EE
CAUTION
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Vehicles without a smart entry & start system: Be sure the engine switch is
off. With the engine switch in the “ON” position, the electric cooling fans may
automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant tem-
perature is high. (P. 304)
Vehicles with a smart entry & start system: Be sure the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch is off. With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION
ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air
conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (P. 304)
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from
getting in the eyes.
NOTICE
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear
due to dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compart-
ment.
If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads
wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

298
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
FT86_EE
Engine compartment
*: For right-hand drive vehicles: This is located on the opposite side of the
engine compartment.
Battery* (P. 305)
Engine oil level dipstick
(P. 299)
Engine oil filler cap
(P. 300)
Washer fluid tank (P. 309)Electric cooling fans
Condenser (if equipped)
(P. 304)
Radiator (P. 304)
Engine coolant reservoir
(P. 302)
Fuse box (P. 324)

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Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL”
“LOW”
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line.
NOTICE
To prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
When replacing the engine oil
Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
Be sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.
If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap,
drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have any authorized Toyota dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional pressure test the cap and
check for leaks in the cooling system.

303 4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
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Coolant selection
Only use “TOYOTA Genuine 50/50 Pre-mixed Super Long Life Coolant
BLUE” or similar high-quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid technol-
ogy.
“TOYOTA Genuine 50/50 Pre-mixed Super Long Life Coolant BLUE” is a
mixture of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. (Enabled: -35C [-31F])
For more details about engine coolant, contact any authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
When the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the
cap is removed, causing serious injuries, such as burns.
NOTICE
When adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of
water and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion
protection and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
If you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent it damaging parts or paint.

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Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of
their condition, have your vehicle checked by any authorized Toyota
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
CAUTION
When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser as they may be hot and cause seri-
ous injuries, such as burns.

408
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
FT86_EE
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air condi-
tioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam:
Stop the engine. Carefully lift the hood after the steam sub-
sides and then restart the engine.
If you do not see steam:
Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating:
Wait until the temperature of the engine (shown on the
instrument cluster) begins to fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating:
Stop the engine and call any authorized Toyota dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
engine coolant level and
inspect the radiator core (radi-
ator) for any leaks.STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4

5
409 5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
FT86_EE
Overheating
If you observe the following, your vehicle may be overheating.
The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of
power is experienced.
Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of
your vehicle
If steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until
the steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot, caus-
ing serious injury such as burns.
Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and other belts while the
engine is running.
Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam
released under pressure.
Add engine coolant if neces-
sary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is
unavailable. (P. 423)
Have the vehicle checked at the nearest authorized Toyota dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as
soon as possible.
STEP 5