Avensis Was Overheating, Now Blowing Cold Air

[Prof]

Last week my Avensis was overheating badly and blowing cold air when heating was switched on.. Took it to a mechanic who topped up the radiator with water. It was ok for about 2 miles and then started overheating again. I let it cold down for a couple of hours then topped up the radiator again. Now it does not overheat(according to the needle on the gauge) but the heating is intermittent, sometimes nice and hot but sometimes blowing completely cold air even after engine has been running for more than an hour. Between Saturday and two days ago I topped up the radiator with at least 1.5 litres of water. When I turn off the engine after driving for a while, I can hear loud noises of water somehow settling in the system under the bonnet.

Sorry to go on forever but I am confused. Does anyone know what is happening, what I need to do or what could be so wrong or what to expect next? Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and reply.

[Awebb180]

How old is the car? How many miles does it have on the clock? Does it have a full service ie every 10k/1year? Look up the guide on the ad engine issues on here, charliefarlie did a good guide. Armed with some more info we can try and guide in the right direction

Alex

[Prof]

Hi Alex,

It is a 2003 automatic with almost 97K on the clock. Have had it from new with no major issues until now. Last week i noticed that the oil level was a bit low so i added some oil. Where can I find Charlifarlie's guide, please? I have always had it serviced once a year. However, this year it is a bit over a year before service. Had booked it in for service next week. Not sure which one to do first as things stand at the minute.

Thanks!

[Matthew7]

I hope is not similar to my problem, blown head gasket.

Have a look at this post:

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/153685-auris-2-d4d-engine-warranty-urgent-help-please/

[Awebb180]

Ahh its a petrol. The extended good will period is not applicable to your vehicle, only diesels.

Look at the basics condition of the radiator/waterpump staining any of the hoses and go from there

Alex

[alan333]

Your main problem is that you are loosing coolant. The heater blowing hot/cold is a by-product of this, as there is air in the system.

There's only really a couple of reasons for loosing coolant - either there's a leak, or the engine is using it somehow. Have the system checked for leaks in the first instance. If there's no leaks it could mean something more sinister like head gasket failure, or it could be a problem with the flow thus allowing it to get too hot and blowing it out the header tank cap once boiling.

[Prof]

Thank you Alex, Matthew7 and Alan33. This evening I drove for about one and a half hours in a freezing car. Once I stopped the car and switched off the engine I could hear the sound made by water flow and where from or to I have no idea. I looked under the bonnet only to realise that the the reservoir/header tank had splashed a lot of fuid everywhere and was still looking full! I then checked the radiator and there was hardly any water in it. I poured about two litres in it. Sounds like what Matthew7 said but why is it getting rid of water it badly needs to stay cool? Is it possible to have an air lock in the system?

I have booked it in at a local garage for Saturday morning. I sincerely hope it is not the head gasket. Will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again.

[Prof]

His ALL,

Today I got back the report from Toyota and they confirmed that it is the head gasket. They said with heavily discounted labour they will charge £990 for the repairs. Now trying to sleep on it and decide next step.

Thanks again.

[taxi]

i took mine toyota preston they did it with only servise history of 60,000 and 102,000 on the clock 6 year old, great garage for free, the local garage didnt want to know and they wanted £250 more for parts, check out burrows toyota for parts head gasket set and bolts £188, gasket £45

[Heidfirst]

i took mine toyota preston they did it with only servise history of 60,000 and 102,000 on the clock 6 year old, great garage for free,

your car being a 2.2 D4D covered by the TSB was covered for upto 7 years or 112,000 miles. His is a petrol (so not covered by the TSB on D4Ds) & is 10 years old.