Toyota filled my coolant overflow with washer fluid - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Decay107 · 10-17-2013, 06:49 PM

I just got my 7500 mile free service, and once done I noticed that my coolant overflow tank was way overfilled (like when warm it was within 1/2 cm of the cap). I check my fluids every week, so I was very aware that my coolant level was exactly at the "MAX" line when hot and 2" below that when cold, before servicing. So, pissed off, I looked at the service record and saw that the washer fluid had been filled, but there was no mention of the coolant being touched. I had a bottle of Toyota's spec FR-S coolant at home so once I got back to my garage I compared it to the stuff in my reservoir.

Turns out that on Toyota's the washer fluid reservoir is located where our coolant reservoir is. Also Toyota coolant is red, whereas ours is blue. So some jackass tech noticed that my "washer fluid" was low and topped it off, without looking at the obvious fucking label on the cap.

I took it back and had them drain the reservoir, fill it with new coolant, drain it again, and then refill with the proper amount of the proper fluid. I'm just glad I noticed it quickly and the few hours it was in my overflow tank was not enough to contaminate the coolant in the system.

**edit I went back and insisted they do a full coolant flush and refill**

Anyway, be careful guys. ALWAYS check that work had been done on your car properly. I for one, will be doing all of my own work going forward.

ModBargains.com · 10-17-2013, 07:32 PM

Holy crap, are you serious? I'd absolutely flip out if that would have happened to me. They didn't do anything other than just fix it? I would be demanding a lot more than just fixing the problem.

trigger happy · 10-17-2013, 07:41 PM

Thats crazy...but also doesn't really surprise me. I too would be demanding something other than just fixing the problem

SmsAlSuwaidi · 10-17-2013, 08:01 PM

you take the time to weekly check on your fluids but let people who dont give a darn about your car work on it ?

Decay107 · 10-17-2013, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModBargains.com

Holy crap, are you serious? I'd absolutely flip out if that would have happened to me. They didn't do anything other than just fix it? I would be demanding a lot more than just fixing the problem.

I'm back now, getting the system flushed for peace of mind. What kind of stuff would you expect to receive, more free service? Well fuck that.

Decay107 · 10-17-2013, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmsAlSuwaidi

you take the time to weekly check on your fluids but let people who dont give a darn about your car work on it ?

Free service, figured an oil change would be simple enough. Now I'll be doing everything myself.

trigger happy · 10-17-2013, 08:36 PM

In store credit to be used on parts. I had an issue at a dodge dealer and they sent me a 500.00 prepaid visa card.

Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk

wbradley · 10-17-2013, 08:52 PM

I would have insisted they tow it back in or perform the flush and refill where the car is. Or they will hear from my lawyer. I'd demand compensation now or you can contact the local newspaper consumer advocate.

I'm shocked the car didn't overheat.

Decay107 · 10-17-2013, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wbradley

I would have insisted they tow it back in or perform the flush and refill where the car is. Or they will hear from my lawyer. I'd demand compensation now or you can contact the local newspaper consumer advocate.

I'm shocked the car didn't overheat.

Just in the overflow, not the whole system. Coolant temp did not go beyond 94C. I log oil and coolant temps whenever I drive.

WHITE · 10-17-2013, 09:40 PM

My coolant expands from halfway between full and low, to right on the full mark when just driving 30miles to work on a highway cruising 75mph in 40 degree f weather.

What im saying is, if i put anything but coolant in my overflow it would contaminate my entire system just going 30miles down the highway.

Also theres a reason my car has never seen the dealer since i drve it off the lot, dont care about any free maintenance crap they offer, trust nobody but myself.

tech4pdx · 10-17-2013, 09:45 PM

Which dealer? I'm in Portland too. I never take my car to dealers.. just wondering.

driftartist · 10-17-2013, 09:48 PM

aw dude that sucks i bet the tech felt pretty bad...i know i would. i hope the car is ok now though.

Decay107 · 10-17-2013, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driftartist

aw dude that sucks i bet the tech felt pretty bad...i know i would. i hope the car is ok now though.

Car is fine, insisted they do a complete system flush.

Grishbok · 10-18-2013, 05:02 AM

That tech must seriously feel bad. I mean, he thought he was doing the right thing, being proactive and helping an owner out by refilling it. Its just unfortunate he mistook the coolant reservoir. Sounds like they did everything they could to make you feel right about it.

Does anyone know EXACTLY what happens when antifreeze mixes with washer fluid?

Ill give you a hint... nothing. The alcohol will evaporate leaving additional water in the coolant. All that does is ever so slightly increase the temperature that the mix will freeze at. does not decrease the effectiveness of the coolant unless youre somewhere VERY cold.

10-17-2013, 06:49 PM	#1
Decay107 Turning is for Nerds Join Date: Aug 2013 Drives: 35 characters is not enough Location: PDX Posts: 1,974 Thanks: 836 Thanked 1,259 Times in 717 Posts Mentioned: 186 Post(s) Tagged: 3 Thread(s)	Toyota filled my coolant overflow with washer fluid I just got my 7500 mile free service, and once done I noticed that my coolant overflow tank was way overfilled (like when warm it was within 1/2 cm of the cap). I check my fluids every week, so I was very aware that my coolant level was exactly at the "MAX" line when hot and 2" below that when cold, before servicing. So, pissed off, I looked at the service record and saw that the washer fluid had been filled, but there was no mention of the coolant being touched. I had a bottle of Toyota's spec FR-S coolant at home so once I got back to my garage I compared it to the stuff in my reservoir. Turns out that on Toyota's the washer fluid reservoir is located where our coolant reservoir is. Also Toyota coolant is red, whereas ours is blue. So some jackass tech noticed that my "washer fluid" was low and topped it off, without looking at the obvious fucking label on the cap. I took it back and had them drain the reservoir, fill it with new coolant, drain it again, and then refill with the proper amount of the proper fluid. I'm just glad I noticed it quickly and the few hours it was in my overflow tank was not enough to contaminate the coolant in the system. edit I went back and insisted they do a full coolant flush and refill Anyway, be careful guys. ALWAYS check that work had been done on your car properly. I for one, will be doing all of my own work going forward. Last edited by Decay107; 10-17-2013 at 10:11 PM.

10-17-2013, 07:41 PM	#3
trigger happy Bang Bang Join Date: Oct 2013 Drives: 2013 Raven FR-S Location: louisville, ky Posts: 216 Thanks: 334 Thanked 61 Times in 45 Posts Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Thats crazy...but also doesn't really surprise me. I too would be demanding something other than just fixing the problem __________________ Raven 6MT//Injen CAI//VDS UEL//Invidia N1//OFT//ST Coilovers

10-17-2013, 08:36 PM	#7
trigger happy Bang Bang Join Date: Oct 2013 Drives: 2013 Raven FR-S Location: louisville, ky Posts: 216 Thanks: 334 Thanked 61 Times in 45 Posts Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	In store credit to be used on parts. I had an issue at a dodge dealer and they sent me a 500.00 prepaid visa card. Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk __________________ Raven 6MT//Injen CAI//VDS UEL//Invidia N1//OFT//ST Coilovers

10-18-2013, 05:02 AM	#14
Grishbok Volunteer Fire and Rescue Join Date: Jul 2012 Drives: Ambulance... sideways. Location: No. VA Posts: 546 Thanks: 97 Thanked 350 Times in 166 Posts Mentioned: 2 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	That tech must seriously feel bad. I mean, he thought he was doing the right thing, being proactive and helping an owner out by refilling it. Its just unfortunate he mistook the coolant reservoir. Sounds like they did everything they could to make you feel right about it. Does anyone know EXACTLY what happens when antifreeze mixes with washer fluid? Ill give you a hint... nothing. The alcohol will evaporate leaving additional water in the coolant. All that does is ever so slightly increase the temperature that the mix will freeze at. does not decrease the effectiveness of the coolant unless youre somewhere VERY cold. __________________ It's more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow.

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10-17-2013, 07:32 PM	#2
ModBargains.com Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Drives: FR-S Location: La Habra, CA Posts: 1,526 Thanks: 88 Thanked 416 Times in 274 Posts Mentioned: 63 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Holy crap, are you serious? I'd absolutely flip out if that would have happened to me. They didn't do anything other than just fix it? I would be demanding a lot more than just fixing the problem.

10-17-2013, 08:01 PM	#4
SmsAlSuwaidi Boosted Join Date: Feb 2013 Drives: Not a supra....yet Location: Riverside,CA/ Abu Dhabi,UAE Posts: 2,925 Thanks: 487 Thanked 1,203 Times in 812 Posts Mentioned: 90 Post(s) Tagged: 2 Thread(s)	you take the time to weekly check on your fluids but let people who dont give a darn about your car work on it ?

10-17-2013, 09:40 PM	#10
WHITE Thats pretty neat Join Date: Jun 2013 Drives: LOADING...... Location: Wilkes-barre, pa Posts: 201 Thanks: 114 Thanked 95 Times in 67 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	My coolant expands from halfway between full and low, to right on the full mark when just driving 30miles to work on a highway cruising 75mph in 40 degree f weather. What im saying is, if i put anything but coolant in my overflow it would contaminate my entire system just going 30miles down the highway. Also theres a reason my car has never seen the dealer since i drve it off the lot, dont care about any free maintenance crap they offer, trust nobody but myself.

10-17-2013, 09:45 PM	#11
tech4pdx Make love Join Date: Nov 2012 Drives: H8R.. Not really Location: Edge of the Milky Way Posts: 780 Thanks: 524 Thanked 214 Times in 143 Posts Mentioned: 31 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Which dealer? I'm in Portland too. I never take my car to dealers.. just wondering.

10-17-2013, 09:48 PM	#12
driftartist Kurenai Samurai Join Date: May 2012 Drives: Red and manual Location: east bay,ca Posts: 794 Thanks: 186 Thanked 327 Times in 203 Posts Mentioned: 5 Post(s) Tagged: 1 Thread(s)	aw dude that sucks i bet the tech felt pretty bad...i know i would. i hope the car is ok now though.

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