Coolant conundrum!

Hi everyone, this is my first post to this site, and I've really benefited by learning how to change fluids, plugs, etc, and am impressed by how nice and helpful the folks are here.

Anyway, I have a 2009 4x4 V6 DCSB (30,000 miles) that I purchased a couple of months ago. When I was under the hood today I realized that my coolant level in the reservoir is REALLY low when the engine is cool. I didn't see any leaks, but here's my problem: I live in the middle of nowhere. I'm leaving for the field (for a month) on Sunday, and I need to get some coolant fluid in the tank right away. The nearest dealership is 20 minutes away, and they're a small shop who are closed over the weekend (so is the parts department).

So, if it is a leaky water pump or some issue that would be covered under the power train warranty, how is the best way to top off the reservoir? I don't want to void the warranty, but I can't drive it the way it is, either. Fill with distilled water? Or non-OEM fluid?

Thanks! I really appreciate it.

 

Use Toyota LLC or whatever the owner's manual specifies.
Make the 20 minute trip to the dealer.

Chances are it's probably okay. The reservoir normally rises and falls with engine temperature. A cold engine, the fluid contracts and draws what it needs from the reservoir to keep the system full.
Hot engine, it expands and blows past the radiator cap into the tank.

As long as the level is between the "Hot" and "Cold" marks when cold, it's just fine.

 

Thanks, the problem is that I have to drive 6 hours on Sunday and nobody will be open. The coolant is right at the bottom of the reservoir. Per the manual, if I use a "similar high quality ethylene glycol based non-silicate, non-anine, non-nitrate and non-borate coollant with long-life hybrid organic acid technology" to top off the reservoir is everything okay by Toyota, especially under warranty? And does something like this exist, or is this just a description for the OEM fluid?

 

I would make the trip to an auto parts store in Clovis and ask.

 

I've ran distilled water to top off the reservoir before with no problems, but not sure if it will affect the warranty.

To be honest, I'm not sure the cooling system is even covered under the power trail warranty.

 

I called the local O'Reily shop and the recommended a brand called Zertex, it looks like it has the same chemistry (and color) as the OEM stuff. They say its safe to mix:

http://www.valvoline.com/products/br...antifreeze/105

Worth a shot? And thanks everyone! It's either this or the Greyhound to Albuquerque..

 

Did you pop the radiator cap? If the level in there is up to the top you will be fine until Monday.

If it makes you feel better top off the overflow with water and on monday drain the over flow and fill will coolant.

 

Ya, I'd use distilled water for the topoff. The factory coolant is already diluted, adding a pint to the tank is not going to significantly impact your freeze protection level.

 

Thanks guys! I took off my cap and the fluid is up to the top. I'll fill with distilled water, I appreciate the help!

 

I use Zerex Asian Vehicle with no problems.