2019 running hot

My 2019 typically runs dead center on the gauge. Lately it’s been running at the 3/4 hash mark or above if towing. Granted it’s been hot (mid 80’s) but this is a new issue…what up with that? Sub 36k miles and very well maintained.

 

Start by giving the radiator a good wash next time you have it near a pressure washer.

The thermostat is monitored by the ECU, so if its failing it will trigger a code.

 

Mid 80's is hot to you? Son, you better never come to Texas in July & August, you'll fucking melt.

 

98% humidity adds to the equation

 

Don't come to South Carolina.
Pressure wash front of radiator.

 

I'd be dam careful with a pressure washer as the wrong tip, angle, distance will bend up swaths of those fins. Take a close look first and see if its got bug, straw, dirt, etc blocking or maybe you have bent fins already. If you do need to clean using water start with a basic hose with just enough pressure to do what you need done. You have checked the radiator and overflow tank levels when cold as low fluid is the culprit many times..

 

I've cleaned probably thousands of radiators with a pressure washer lol.

 

Lol you cannot get close enough (grille) to do any damage to radiator. Packed dust won't come out with water hose.

 

I would be curious to see actual temps. A basic Bluetooth OBDII reader and an app on your phone would be able to provide that, or a scangauge/ultragauge would work too. In my experience, the dash gauge stays dead center over a large operating range (185-230ish) and then from there, rapidly moves up towards the red.

 

You cant get close to a radiator with a pressure washer LOL PS: That packed dust is the worst .....

 

Have you checked your coolant level? Only asking because I just added some coolant to mine recently, which was low.

 

Also another thought. Toyota has a TSB for Tacoma that adds an auxiliary electric fan. If you go back to the dealer and complain your AC isn’t cold when it gets hot they will do it free of charge. I’m willing to bet that will make the truck run much cooler. But you should check every thing else also

 

This would be nice!

 

all levels are good to go

 

Interesting. I know youre talking about water temp, but are you towing in s4 or s5 and keeping your rpm's up a bit? Reason I ask is I tow a boat every weekend all year long. Last trip was a few days ago, 102° in Louisiana. Kept in S4 at 60mph, about 2500rpm, water and trans stayed right at 190°.

 

when towing you should be in S4 and not driving over 65 MPH.

 

Hold my beer... we hit 116 today it's 7:40 pm and 111 outside now.
It'll be 100+ for the next 100 days... we might get a few drops of rain in the mix.
Maybe ...

 

nice. Is it dry heat or is it humid?

 

Quite dry, which means you drink a ton of water - if humidity breaks 15% you're in hell.

 

My 19 ran hot while towing through the Central Valley at 100+ temps. Adaptive cruise control with ECT going well over the 55 with a headwind (I-5 can't drive 55). Truck wouldn't upshift and she got hot. I shut er down and limped to a petrol station to cool off. S- mode shifting and moderate speeds the remainder of the trip.

It happened another time on the same drive going up a grade at 100+ temps. We stopped at a Vista Point to chill. Temp needle had always stayed in the high-normal zone, but watch those temps when hauling a travel trailer in hot weather for sure. I couldn't get the Torque app setup on the new phone, but I will for the next time to monitor transmission temps, etc.