2019 Toyota Tacoma Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma holds approximately 9.1 to 10.3 quarts (8.6 to 9.7 liters) of coolant in its cooling system, depending on the engine.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 9.1 - 10.3 quarts (8.6 - 9.7 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC), pink, Pre-mixed 50/50 HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology).
• Mix Ratio: Pre-mixed 50/50 (do not add water if using Toyota SLLC).

Capacity by Engine Option

The cooling system capacity can vary slightly based on the engine installed in your 2019 Toyota Tacoma:

Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date specifications for your specific vehicle.

Flush Interval

Maintaining your coolant is crucial for the longevity of your engine. Toyota recommends the following flush intervals for the 2019 Tacoma using Toyota Super Long Life Coolant:

• Normal Duty: Initial replacement at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 10 years, then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 5 years thereafter.
• Severe Duty: If your vehicle is subjected to severe conditions (e.g., heavy towing, extreme temperatures, dusty conditions), it's wise to consider shortening these intervals. A good rule of thumb might be to replace it every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 6 years after the initial service, but always refer to the specific severe duty recommendations in your owner's manual.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system on your 2019 Toyota Tacoma is a crucial step to ensure no air pockets are trapped, which can lead to overheating. Here's a general procedure:

1. Drain the System: Ensure the engine is cool. Place a drain pan under the radiator drain cock and the engine block drain (if equipped). Open both to allow the coolant to drain. Flush with distilled water until clear, if performing a full flush.
2. Close Drains: Once drained, close the radiator drain cock and any engine block drains.
3. Refill: Slowly pour new Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) into the radiator filler neck until it reaches the top. Fill the reservoir to the "FULL" mark.
4. Bleed Air:
   • Start the engine with the radiator cap off and the heater on full hot and fan on low. This helps open the heater core valve, allowing coolant to circulate through the complete system.
   • As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open. You may see the coolant level drop, and air bubbles escape. Continue to top off the radiator as needed.
   • Squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses several times to help dislodge trapped air.
   • Once the engine reaches operating temperature and no more bubbles are visible, install the radiator cap.
   • Drive the vehicle, allow it to cool completely, and then recheck the coolant level in the reservoir. Top off if necessary.

• Note: The 2019 Toyota Tacoma generally does not have a specific bleed screw for the cooling system. The process of running the engine with the cap off and squeezing hoses is usually sufficient to remove air bubbles. Vacuum filling tools can make the process more efficient and thorough for professionals.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation (2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma)

While generally reliable, the 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma can experience some cooling system issues. Owners have occasionally reported:

• Water Pump Leaks: Although not extremely common, some owners have reported water pump leaks, particularly as the vehicle ages or racks up higher mileage. Look for drips or stains below the water pump area.
• Radiator Leaks: Radiator leaks, often minor cracks in the plastic end tanks, can occur over time due to heat cycling and material fatigue. Keep an eye on your coolant level and for pink residue around the radiator.
• Thermostat Issues: A faulty thermostat can lead to overheating (if stuck closed) or the engine taking a long time to warm up (if stuck open). This can sometimes trigger a check engine light.
• Hose Leaks: As with any vehicle, rubber hoses can degrade over time, leading to leaks. Inspect hoses for cracks, bulges, or softness.
• Coolant Expansion Tank Issues: The plastic expansion tank can sometimes develop cracks, leading to slow coolant loss. Regularly check the tank for any signs of damage or low coolant.

Regular inspection and adherence to the recommended maintenance schedule with the proper Toyota Super Long Life Coolant will help mitigate these potential issues.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.