I'm hoping to get some thoughts regarding my SUV. It's a 2012 Toyota Rav 4 with the 4 cylinder (2AR-FE) engine. The vehicle has 82k on the odometer. I acquired it from the original owner with about 55k miles on it. Besides changing the engine oil, filters, brakes, tires, and an O2 sensor 3k miles ago, the SUV has been good. However, I noticed two things under the hood when looking it over.
1) ATF fluid – I know the previous owner. I looked over the maintenance records. It was dealer maintained by the local Toyota dealer. The ATF has never been changed. The SUV shifts fine, so I’m hesitant to mess with it. It mostly looks gray, but does have some black/red/brown tint to it. It does not smell burnt, but it does have a metallic like smell to it. It definitely does not look/smell like fresh ATF (obviously). The level is fine, I do not have to add fluid. I am hoping to keep vehicle going for years to come, so what would be your recommendation? What would you do if this were your vehicle’s ATF?
2) Coolant – The coolant is the factory Toyota pink fluid. The level is OK, could use a little fluid to top it off at the max fill line. There is no indication of overheating or heat related issue. I notice some fluid has crusted around a fitting. If looking at the engine from outside the vehicle standing in front of the hood, the leak/hose is on your right and side. Or if sitting in the driver seat, it would be on the driver’s side. I have never seen fluid dripping on the garage floor or parking area. However, it is more difficult to see those things with it being winter. What could this be? Is it something that needs immediate attention?
I have attached a few pictures to show the ATF’s condition and the coolant leak:
1) ATF fluid – I know the previous owner. I looked over the maintenance records. It was dealer maintained by the local Toyota dealer. The ATF has never been changed. The SUV shifts fine, so I’m hesitant to mess with it. It mostly looks gray, but does have some black/red/brown tint to it. It does not smell burnt, but it does have a metallic like smell to it. It definitely does not look/smell like fresh ATF (obviously). The level is fine, I do not have to add fluid. I am hoping to keep vehicle going for years to come, so what would be your recommendation? What would you do if this were your vehicle’s ATF?
2) Coolant – The coolant is the factory Toyota pink fluid. The level is OK, could use a little fluid to top it off at the max fill line. There is no indication of overheating or heat related issue. I notice some fluid has crusted around a fitting. If looking at the engine from outside the vehicle standing in front of the hood, the leak/hose is on your right and side. Or if sitting in the driver seat, it would be on the driver’s side. I have never seen fluid dripping on the garage floor or parking area. However, it is more difficult to see those things with it being winter. What could this be? Is it something that needs immediate attention?
I have attached a few pictures to show the ATF’s condition and the coolant leak: