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Toyota Tacoma: How to Change Engine Coolant

Replacing the coolant in your Toyota Tacoma's radiator ensures your engine stays cool and healthy. Read on to learn how to do it.

By Bassem Girgis - February 17, 2016

This article applies to the Toyota Tacoma (1996-2015).

The coolant in the radiator is designed to keep your Toyota Tacoma's engine running at a safe temperature. It simply flows through your engine to keep it running at an optimal temperature. Overtime, dirt and grime could collect in the radiator, and the best way to take care of that is to replace the radiator's coolant. The process doesn't take too long and isn't too hard to do. Read on to learn how to replace the coolant in your radiator.

Toyota Tacoma How to Change Engine Coolant

Materials Needed

  • Drain pan
  • Coolant

Step 1 – Drain old coolant

To drain the old coolant, locate the drain valve on the bottom of the radiator, on the passenger side. Place the drain pan under the drain valve, then, with your hands, loosen the drain valve by turning it counterclockwise. Wait for the coolant to drain completely. Open the radiator's cap on top to allow it to breathe and drain faster.

draining coolant
Figure 1. Drain radiator.

Step 2 – Fill radiator with coolant

After the radiator has completely drained, and after you've tightened the drain valve, fill the radiator with new coolant until you see it reach the top.

filling coolant
Figure 2. Fill coolant to the top.

Step 3 – Start truck and refill

After you start the truck and let it run for a minute, the coolant will get sucked into the engine. Turn the truck off, then add more coolant until it reaches the top.

refilling radiator with coolant
Figure 3. Refill radiator with coolant.

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