2016 Toyota Tundra — Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2016 Toyota Tundra holds approximately 15.3 quarts (14.5 liters) of coolant in its cooling system for the 5.7L V8 engine.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: Approximately 15.3 quarts (14.5 liters) for the 5.7L V8.
• OEM Coolant Specification: Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) – Pink, Phosphate Organic Acid Technology (P-OAT).
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-Diluted (do not add water unless specifically instructed).

Capacity by Engine Option

Flush Interval

Toyota recommends the first coolant flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 120 months (10 years), whichever comes first. Subsequent flushes are recommended every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) or 60 months (5 years).

• Normal Duty: 100,000 miles/120 months for the first flush, then every 50,000 miles/60 months.
• Severe Duty: Consider shortening the interval to every 60,000-75,000 miles or 72-90 months if operating under severe conditions (e.g., frequent towing, hot climates, off-road use).

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding the cooling system on a 2016 Tundra is a crucial step to ensure proper cooling and prevent air pockets. Always perform this procedure on a cool engine.

1. Drain Old Coolant: With the engine cool, place a drain pan under the radiator. Open the radiator drain cock (usually white plastic) and remove the radiator cap to allow the system to drain completely. Some models may also have engine block drain plugs – consult your service manual for their location.
2. Flush (Optional but Recommended): If performing a full flush, close the drain cock, refill with distilled water, run the engine with the heater on until it reaches operating temperature, then let it cool and drain again. Repeat until the drained water is clear. Never use tap water for flushing or mixing coolant.
3. Close Drains: Ensure all drain cocks and plugs are securely closed.
4. Refill with New Coolant: Slowly pour new Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) into the radiator fill neck. Fill until it reaches the top.
5. Bleed Air:
   • Leave the radiator cap off (or loosely on if spilling is a concern). Start the engine and set the heater to its highest temperature and fan speed (this opens the heater core valve to circulate coolant). Do not rev the engine.
   • Allow the engine to idle. As the engine warms up, the thermostat will open, and the coolant level in the radiator will likely drop. Add more coolant as needed to keep the radiator full.
   • Continue to idle the engine, occasionally gently squeezing the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge air bubbles. You may hear gurgling sounds as air escapes.
   • Monitor the temperature gauge to ensure the engine does not overheat. If it starts to climb, shut off the engine and allow it to cool before continuing.
   • Once the engine is at operating temperature and the coolant level stabilizes with no more visible air bubbles, install the radiator cap.
6. Check Reservoir: Fill the coolant reservoir (overflow tank) to the "FULL" mark.
7. Final Check: Drive the vehicle for a short trip, then allow it to cool completely. Recheck the coolant level in both the radiator (if safe to open when cool) and the reservoir, topping off as necessary. Repeat this check over the next few days.

Note: Some technicians prefer to use a vacuum refiller to ensure a complete fill and eliminate air pockets without the need for extensive bleeding. This is often the most effective method, especially for complex systems.

Common Cooling System Issues

While generally reliable, 2016 Toyota Tundras can experience a few common cooling system-related issues:

• Water Pump Leaks: The water pump can sometimes develop leaks, especially as the mileage increases. Symptoms include coolant puddles under the front of the truck, visible coolant residue on the water pump itself, and a dropping coolant level.
• Radiator Leaks: Radiators can develop leaks over time, often due to plastic end tanks becoming brittle or core corrosion. Look for pinkish-orange crusty residue on the radiator fins or visible drips.
• Thermostat Failure: A failing thermostat can cause the engine to run too hot (stuck closed) or take a very long time to warm up (stuck open). Overheating is the more critical concern.
• Coolant Reservoir Cracks: The plastic coolant overflow reservoir can develop hairline cracks, leading to a slow loss of coolant. This is often hard to detect without close inspection.
• Age-Related Hose Deterioration: Radiator hoses and heater hoses can harden, crack, or become leaky with age and heat cycles. Regular inspection during maintenance can catch these before they fail catastrophically.

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