I noticed that the coolant level on my 2020 Prime is at the LOW mark on the reservoir (cold engine). There are 2 marks, LOW and FULL. I can't remember if it's always been at LOW when the engine is cold. 18k miles. So that's my first question - what do you guys see? Secondly.....when I tried to remove the cap I got a lot of resistance, unscrewing counterclockwise. Didn't want to force it so I stopped and thought I'd ask if anyone else experienced this, or if there's something I'm missing. Like, maybe it's not a screw cap? Thanks!
If it's like third gen it takes a bit of force: there's a tab semi-locking it. You need to push through that initial resistance. That said, with only 18K, you may have a leak in the exhaust recovery system. It's an issue with 4th gen, Toyota's aware of it and offering free repairs. Check with dealership.
@ low when cold is OK if it doesn't go down farther. I'd watch it and see if it changes when at the same temperature.
It just unscrews like any other cap, but it has a bit of resistance until it's almost off. Mine has almost 68k miles. Bought at about 23k. I've never added to my reservoir and it's still a hair over the full mark cold. Well, as "cold" as it gets here this time of year.
It took me roughly 5 years of ownership and 32K miles for engine coolant to get down to low mark. Inverter coolant did the same. Topped off both and they haven't budged since. A 2020 with 18K miles having engine coolant down to low mark seems a little premature. I'd top it up and monitor, with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. Monitor closely cus there is a 4th gen issue, with the exhaust heat recovery system. From my log: ==== Friday, April 03, 2015 km: 51198 * changed engine oil and filter * lubed all hinges * checked both air filters (blew out and reinstalled, look good) * topped up both coolant reservoirs, both were near bottom line ====
I have to take it in for a state inspection sticker anyway, so I'll have the dealership take a look and post the outcome. I suspect it's dropped an inch in the last 12 months. Thanks for the help.
The dealer said "all the Primes do that". They topped it off, and I'll keep an eye on it. I was surprised they didn't try to charge me $100 for the top-off.
if it has the same exhaust loop as other gen4's, it could be leaking. they don't 'all' do it, but it has been an issue
My 2017 is at the low mark when cold now after almost 5 years of service. I just picked up a jug of Valvoline Asian Red antifreeze so I can add an inch or two. I'd only use the Toyota coolant, or Prestone Asian Vehicle Red or Valvoline/NAPA Asian Vehicle Red.
The TSB I read covered Prius' 2016-2019. Maybe the dealership blew it off because there isn't a TSB yet for 2020 Primes? In any case, I'll keep a close eye on it and if it drops again I'll push them to inspect that heat exchanger. That fluid has to be going somewhere. I garage the car, and don't see any evidence of leaking. The oil looks perfect. Not sure if there's a pressure vent somewhere in the system.
