How to Replace Drain & Refill Radiator 11-17 Toyota Camry

Difficulty: Easy · About 60 min · Toyota Camry

Drain the coolant from the radiator, refill it with premixed coolant using a self-burping funnel, and bleed the air out by running the engine with the heater on. Shown on a 2013 Camry 3.5L.

Steps

1. Lift the car and remove the undercarriage shield

   Remove the bolts and the body clip holding the shield, working both sides. Note the left and right pieces are marked L and R.

2. Open the radiator drain

   The drain (petcock) is a plastic butterfly at the bottom of the radiator. Turn it by hand or with small pliers, with a catch bucket under it, and let the coolant drain.

3. Close the drain and clear the remaining coolant

   Once it is only dripping, close the petcock hand-tight (about an eighth of a turn with pliers). Move the bucket and work the hose clamp up the hose to drain what remains.

4. Fit the self-burping funnel

   Choose the adapter with the shortest fill that fits the radiator neck snugly, push the funnel in and take the stopper out.

5. Fill with coolant

   Pour in premixed coolant and keep topping it up. The funnel lets trapped air escape without making a mess.

6. Refit the undercarriage shield

   Guide the shield in so the bumper tab sits behind it and the flares go up under the fender. Start one bolt to hold it, then fit the rest, the rubber air deflector and the push pins.

7. Bleed the system

   Run the engine with the heat on maximum, vent mode and A/C off, so hot coolant circulates through the heater core. It takes about 45–50 minutes to reach full temperature.

8. Check the fans and the level

   Listen for the cooling fans to come on, which shows the thermostat and coolant sensor are working and the system is full. Top up if the level drops.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.