2015 Toyota Tundra Coolant Capacity, Type & Specs

A 2015 Toyota Tundra holds between 12.7 and 17.6 quarts (12.0 and 16.7 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine option.

Quick Answer

• Total Capacity: 12.7 qts (12.0 L) for the 4.6L V8 and 17.6 qts (16.7 L) for the 5.7L V8.
• OEM Coolant Spec: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC), Pink, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology).
• Mix Ratio: Use a 50/50 mixture of coolant and deionized water. For best results, use a pre-mixed 50/50 formula.

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

Toyota's Super Long Life Coolant is designed for extended service intervals. The initial factory fill is intended to last for 10 years or 100,000 miles under normal driving conditions.

• Normal Duty: After the initial 100,000 miles/10 years, subsequent flushes should be performed every 50,000 miles or 5 years.
• Severe Duty: If the vehicle is used for frequent towing, off-roading, or extensive idling, consider a more frequent flush interval, such as every 30,000 to 40,000 miles.

How to Refill & Bleed

The Toyota Tundra has a straightforward cooling system that is relatively easy to service. It is critical to properly bleed the air out of the system to prevent overheating.

1. Elevate the Front: Park the truck on a slight incline or use jack stands to raise the front end. This helps air travel to the highest point of the cooling system, the radiator cap.
2. Use a Spill-Free Funnel: A spill-free funnel kit is highly recommended. It attaches to the radiator neck, allowing you to overfill the system slightly and watch for air bubbles, making the bleeding process much cleaner and more effective.
3. Fill Slowly: Slowly add the 50/50 coolant mixture into the funnel/radiator. You will see air bubbles coming up as the coolant displaces the air.
4. Start the Engine: With the funnel still in place and partially filled, start the engine and turn the heater on to its highest heat setting and lowest fan speed. This ensures the heater core is open and allows coolant to circulate through it.
5. Bleed Air: Let the engine run and come up to operating temperature. You will see bubbles periodically rise through the funnel. Squeezing the upper radiator hose can help dislodge stubborn air pockets. Continue this process until the bubbling stops.
6. Top Off: Once the engine is cool, ensure the coolant level in the overflow reservoir is between the "FULL" and "LOW" marks.

Common Cooling System Issues

The second-generation Tundra is known for its reliability, but like any vehicle, it has some common issues to watch for:

• Water Pump Failure: The most cited cooling system issue is a potential water pump failure. While not rampant, signs of a leak from the pump's weep hole (visible as pink, crusty residue on the front of the engine) indicate it needs replacement. This often occurs between 80,000 and 150,000 miles.
• Thermostat: A stuck thermostat (either open or closed) can cause the engine to run too cool or to overheat. If you notice your temperature gauge behaving erratically, the thermostat is a likely culprit.
• Radiator Leaks: While less common, plastic end tanks on the radiator can develop cracks or leaks over time due to age and heat cycles.

By using the correct type and amount of coolant and adhering to the recommended service intervals, you can ensure your 2015 Toyota Tundra's cooling system remains reliable for years to come.

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