Just grabbed 2 gallons of Honda Coolant type 2. Ive done some searching around and havent really found any concrete info step by steps for the 4th gen TL how to. I just purchased the car within the last year, and noticed that the coolant was low. Being a '10 with just about 50,000 miles, i wondering if a drain was necessary at all (or just add and go)? Ive read mixed opinions about the frequency and need for it to be drained or flushed (honda coolant instructs to "flush"). Anyone have some solid info and step by steps to help out? Thanks ahead of time

 

Your user manual should indicate the mileage in which coolant should be changed.

In regard to draining the coolant, it can't be that difficult, just look under the car. There will be either a petcock or a lower radiator hose to disconnect which would drain the system. From past experience, I'm willing to bet there's a petcock. So, you'll drain, then add coolant at the top. I would only do this if it needs to be changed, if it doesn't, just top it off and roll.

 

Since it was previously owned, i cant tell if they drained it previously or just filled, unfortunately.

 

Yes, I understand that. Check the manual to see, at what mileage, the coolant needs to be changed. With this information you'll know if you should change it completely or fill and go!

I'm sure someone in here will chime in with specifics on where the petcock is... however, it will be on the bottom of the radiator!

 

Shgeek: if you look in this section there is a thread down below (maybe 2-3 pages below) where someone posted a link to the shop manual that has lots of info on what you want to do. However, at your mileage I would say you just need to top it up a bit and wait until timing belt change time to drain-refill. No need to flush. From experience after opening up a Honda J engine to change the water pump, the entire thing looked as good as new inside at around 140k miles. Now, if you insist, the tricky part is to loosen up that drain bolt on the engine block itself. A bit to the left of the oil filter and on the engine block there is a drain bolt to empty fluid stuck in the engine block. Draining from the plug under the radiator isn't enough. Also, the tricky part is to start the engine after you refill it and with the radiator cap half closed to wait until it gets warm to get the bubbles out. Again, look for that thread here that includes a link to the shop manual.