So here in Michigan its a cold winter and i start noticing that my 02 blows only luke warm air when at a light or not moving at all. as soon as i get going though the thing blows hot air again like no big deal. So im trying to think of things to look for when i get home as to what the cause might be. Temp guage is fine, 40k miles. So when i stop no loose belts nothing but real low antifreeze in the radiator, so i add about 3/4 of a gallon this morning and all is well, heat again when idleing and so on.
But my question is how did my coolant get low in the first place, i really dont check it alot, but its a toyota and thats why i drive it. I do all the maintenece meticulusly myself and can only thing maybe when i had the tranny flushed at 33k miles at the dealership, maybe they did something. Man do i hope there arent any head gasket issues here, i havent noticed any coolant puddles, though i will start looking more. So do any of you guys think there is something else here going on???? i appreciate all insite. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I can't believe you would have a head gasket problem but an easy way to check is by looking at the inside of your oil filler cap. There would be a build up of gel on the cap.

There's only 2 ways to loose engine fluids. Either you're leaking them or burning them. Start looking for coolant on the engine, around the water pump, rad hoses (could be a pin hole spraying, loose clamp...), etc. in addition to puddles. If you'er not leaking you got a bad head gasket, or worse.

That is not always the case. Depends on where the HG blows. Had a 22r with a blown HG and there was no "milkshake" of oil and coolant. The exhaust was putting pressure into the cooling system.

That's quite right. I had an 81 Corona with a 22R with a bad HG, nothing in the oil.

When coolant loss is internal it will show up inside the engine somehow, either on the dip stick or filler cap or probably both. It does not burn off without leaving behind some evidence.

thanks everyone for your help. nothing has come up yet all is fine, no leaks found yet, no gelling.?????????????? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Just keep track of the rate it goes down since nothing is showing.

How long ago did you check your fluid level?
Your water pump may have a very slight seepage problem, but if the level isn't going down that quick, it'll be fine. Look for any signs of fluid leaking from any of the hoses, I had one on the drivers side near the oil filter that was leaking, but was very difficult to spot.