If the high engine coolant temperature warning light turns on, the vehicle loses power, or you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine is probably too hot.
If the high engine coolant temperature warning light turns on:
If steam is coming from the engine compartment
Do not go near the front of the vehicle. Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is escaping
Open the hood and idle the engine until it cools.
If it is low, look for coolant leaks from the radiator and hoses.
If you find a leak or other damage, or if coolant is still leaking:
Stop the engine and call your Toyota dealer.
If you find no problems, the engine is cool, and no leaks are obvious:
Carefully add coolant as required.
WARNING
Pull over to a safe location, then switch the ignition to off and make sure the fan is not running before attempting to work near the cooling fan
Working near the cooling fan when it is running is dangerous. The fan could continue running indefinitely even if the engine has stopped and the engine compartment temperature is high. You could be hit by the fan and seriously injured.
Do not remove either cooling system cap when the engine and radiator are hot
When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause serious injury.
Open the hood ONLY after steam is no longer escaping from the engine
Steam from an overheated engine is dangerous. The escaping steam could seriously burn you.
NOTICE
WARNING
Never allow a person to ride in the luggage compartment/trunk
Allowing a person to ride in the luggage compartment/trunk is dangerous. The person in the luggage compartment/trunk could be seriously injured or killed during sudden braking or a collision.
Do not drive with the liftgate/trunk lid open