This message won’t stop showing up on my mom’s RAV4… any ideas?

This message has been popping up for a few months on my mom’s RAV4. It’s driving me nuts. None of the warning lights are on. I already reset the maintenance reminder when I did the oil change, but the message still comes back every time. Any help would be great.

You probably need to replace the coolant bypass valve.

fortuna said:
You probably need to replace the coolant bypass valve.

Yep, been through it myself. You don’t have to use the dealer unless it’s still under warranty. Mine tried to charge $900, but I bought the part and had a Toyota shop do it for under $300.

They didn’t believe me either. I told them it was the bypass valve, and they acted like I had no clue. When they finally checked and saw I was right, suddenly their attitude changed.

@Afton
I’ve had bad experiences with two Toyota dealers. They don’t take these issues seriously. It’s like they still think these cars are problem-free, but that’s not been my experience.

Ozzie said:
@Afton
I’ve had bad experiences with two Toyota dealers. They don’t take these issues seriously. It’s like they still think these cars are problem-free, but that’s not been my experience.

What should I watch out for if it’s the coolant bypass valve? I keep seeing the message too, but I figured it was just the reminder for tire rotation or oil change.

Ozzie said:
@Afton
I’ve had bad experiences with two Toyota dealers. They don’t take these issues seriously. It’s like they still think these cars are problem-free, but that’s not been my experience.

I’ve had a few small things pop up with my 2019 too. I got it for the reliability but now I’m starting to second guess that choice.

@Afton
Dealer told me it was just the oil change light lol.

TomHarris said:
@Afton
Dealer told me it was just the oil change light lol.

Sounds about right. They always avoid calling it what it really is.

TomHarris said:
@Afton
Dealer told me it was just the oil change light lol.

Same here. That’s exactly what I was told.

fortuna said:
You probably need to replace the coolant bypass valve.

Mine did this at 52k. I’ve got an extended warranty, so I paid $100. The repair invoice was $1100 mostly for labor.

@Thorn
Whew… I’m at 48k right now and was stressing. Glad to hear you were covered.

Trevor said:
@Thorn
Whew… I’m at 48k right now and was stressing. Glad to hear you were covered.

Yeah it’s just a long hose with a bunch of fittings. It’s tucked behind the engine so a pain to get to.

fortuna said:
You probably need to replace the coolant bypass valve.

How do you know for sure that’s the issue?

Isle said:

fortuna said:
You probably need to replace the coolant bypass valve.

How do you know for sure that’s the issue?

I’m a service manager at a Toyota shop. Every time we see this message without a check engine light, it’s always the bypass valve.

@fortuna
Which model years are affected?

Mikel said:
@fortuna
Which model years are affected?

Mostly 2019 and newer. Haven’t seen it on a 2023 or 2024 yet though.

fortuna said:

Mikel said:
@fortuna
Which model years are affected?

Mostly 2019 and newer. Haven’t seen it on a 2023 or 2024 yet though.

Just picked up a 2024… will keep that in mind. Appreciate it.

Isle said:

fortuna said:
You probably need to replace the coolant bypass valve.

How do you know for sure that’s the issue?

It’s a known issue. Tons of us RAV4 owners have had it. I replaced mine a few months ago.

fortuna said:
You probably need to replace the coolant bypass valve.

I had it done under my extended warranty and didn’t pay anything.

Coolant bypass valve. I had the same issue.