1997 Toyota Previa Owners Manual - Page 163

If your vehicle overheats If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has probably overheated. You should follow this procedure...1. Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your emergency flashers. Put the transmission in "P" and apply the parking brake. Turn off the air conditioning if it is being used. 2. If coolant or steam is boiling out of the reservoir, stop the engine. Wait until the steam subsides before opening the hood. If there is no coolant boiling over or steam, leave the engine running. 3. Visually check to see if the engine drive belt (fan belt) is broken or loose. Look for obvious coolant leaks from the radiator, hoses, and under the vehicle. However, note that water draining from the air conditioning is normal if it has been used. ! CAUTION Do not attempt to remove the engine coolant reservoir cap when the engine is hot. Serious injury could result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out under pressure. 7. After the engine coolant temperature has cooled to normal, again check the coolant level in the reservoir. If necessary, bring it up to half full again. Serious coolant loss indicates a leak in the system. You should have it checked as soon as possible at your Toyota dealer. ! CAUTION When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing away from the moving fan and engine drive belts. 4. If the engine drive belt is broken of the coolant is leaking, stop the engine immediately. Call a Toyota dealer for assistance. 5. If the engine drive belt is O.K. and there are no obvious leaks, you may help the engine cool down more quickly by running it at about 1500 rpm for a few minutes with the accelerator pedal lightly depressed. 6. Check the coolant reservoir. If it is dry, add coolant to the reservoir while the engine is running. Fill it about half full. ! CAUTION To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is a sign of very high pressure. 157