radiator/coolant level concern

You poor thing, you probably will be ok for a couple weeks. if there's no leak, you shouldn't need any coolant.

But if you're the type to worry about situations like this, you can fill the reservoir with distilled water. If you like, I can also order you some coolant from amazon and give it to you as a house warming gift.

Actually you can probably get some coolant for free at your local Toyota Dealer. Bring in your receipt to the service dept, explain to them you just had service at another state and the reservoir is empty. They will most likely welcome you to the state (and their dealership) by topping off that reservoir for free.

 

I agree that you might be able to get a free fill at your local Toyota dealer. If not I would defer filling the overflow container until you can pick up a gallon of SLLC, assuming that will be done within a couple of weeks.

As to whether this constitutes reason for concern, the answer to that depends upon whether the coolant level continues to drop or not.

I suggest you verify that the cabin heating works well, before you get into the winter season.

 

no that actually doesn't make me feel better.

 

Well.... your thread is most timely. I noticed the other day my ICE coolant level was slightly low. It has always been right on the full line, but now its 1/4" under it. I didnt see any obvious signs (checked the ICE water pump too) so I figured it was an anomaly.

I went to the cabin yesterday to winterize it (220 miles each way) and when I was getting ready to leave today I did my usual check of the car - oil level, tire pressures, etc... and I noticed this time, pinkish white marks all over the inside of my ICE water pump pulley
Looks like I will be replacing it this week. It also looks terribly easy to DIY.

 

No Chris its hard to see the level in that tank. Especially if its not new very pink colored coolant. If the color is thinned out very hard. I usually go at it with a flashlight. Just dump the rad and the overflow bottle once a year.

Very glad to hear you made it Iowa without any car drama. Your very brave.

 

Actually, this helped me out.

After reading it, I went to check my coolant level, but, as noted was not able to see any coolant. Indeed it looked like it was empty in the overflow tank. I got my flashlight out of the car and discovered the batteries were dead. As winter is coming, it was good I discovered the flashlight issue. Once I had the flashlight working, I was able to see that I had enough coolant in the overflow tank, but, as mentioned, it was not all that easy to see.

 

I guess the overflow reservoir plastic has become more opaque on newer 2G Prius. With my 2004 and 2007 it is easy to see the coolant level by looking through the translucent plastic.

 

A true "dumb blonde" is not actually aware of the, uh, "dumbness".

 

My tank is white and very hard to see the level. Very easy with flasdlight.