Can’t Get Coolant Cap Off

[john11840]

I get a low coolant warning when I first start the engine. I want to check coolant level but can’t get either cap off. I didn’t want to force it and break it. Should I twist harder?

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[razorlab]

I get a low coolant warning when I first start the engine. I want to check coolant level but can’t get either cap off. I didn’t want to force it and break it. Should I twist harder?

Yes twist harder and then after you get it off, lube up the threads with a small amount of grease. Will come off/go on easy as pie after that.

 

[john11840]

Thanks, I'll do that.

 

[john11840]

I did get the cap off while the engine compartment was a little warm. No Toyota dealer close to me carries the HD-12 coolant. Had to get it from BMW.

 

[tracer bullet]

HD-12

Actually HT-12, but you probably got the right stuff if it came from a BMW dealer.

It's a frustrating coolant to get locally. O'Reilly by me has it, but Walmart and Advanced don't.

You can officially substitute the G48 coolant that is blue, per BMW. But if you're just topping off a couple ounces you could use some distilled or RO water if you aren't worried about super negative temperatures. Going + or - 5 to 10% away from the 50:50 ratio won't change that by much. If you need a lot of coolant then of course it's best to get the factory fill stuff.

Lots of online suppliers as always. Get some if you order other parts and take advantage of free shipping. Comes in quarts, too.

Pay attention to being pre-mixed or not as well.

lube up the threads with a small amount of grease

Good idea, I may do that as well. Dry coolant likes to act like blue Loctite.

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