The color doesn't matter - what is important is to use coolant which meets Toyota specs, should be listed in the Owner's Manual. The usual requirement is to use coolant which is non-silicate, non-borate, non-amine, and non-nitrate. A number of coolants (anti-freeze) meet these requirements, one must be certain to read the labels.
Since you are doing this, check this out. I've always asked myself: Why my Water Pump has never failed. I've seen MANY RAV4.1 owners that their Water Pump has given up causing a lot of cooling problems. This video that you will see, I've done it ever spring, just before the hot season in PR. Works for me. The other RAV4.1 owners just use water, that's a mistake. Hope this helps.
Since I'm doing this. I got some more information for the benefite of all the RAV4.1 members. Here are two important data regarding level, which coolant to use from the RAV4.1 2000 manual. Check out the yellow parts. We're good for this summer.:wink
I guess you'll need a radiator flush. A gallon or two of Anti-freeze. Follow the procedure explained above and your all set. It might set you back about 25 to 30 bucks. But it will give you many months of trouble free cooling. Summer is around the corner.>
Seems like I heard somewhere here that is NOT a good idea to do the flush as it strips away a protective layer on the internal workings of the radiator and heater. Is that Internet Bunk?
Seems like I heard somewhere here that is NOT a good idea to do the flush as it strips away a protective layer on the internal workings of the radiator and heater. Is that Internet Bunk?
What sort of "protective layer" is that advice referring to? That "layer" isn't protective and is the gunk which is interfering with the proper operation of the cooling system by insulating the system from performing the heat exchange which is necessary for the system to do its job.
The flush will strip away any radiator stop-leak additives. If in the past, you added stop leak to stop/slow down a minor leak, flushing will result in your minor leak returning.