Noel Hendrickson/Digital Vision/Getty Images. If it is immediately or consistently falling below the "COLD" indicator, there is a leak. 1. See OM Section 11, Maintenance, pages 11-13 and -14 for specific guidance. If I try to open it hot and release a little pressure the low coolant … (Jaguar XF 2009) If the coolant level is low, add enough distilled (deionized) water. The low marker is usually used for when the engine is cold, so if you had not run the engine yet when you checked, that coolant level is normal. My coolant level is high when the engine is hot and the coolant level is low when it is cold i have a honda civic 2004 i had to add coolant sunday and yesterday. A low coolant level can create a lot of problems in the coolant system. The coolant level should be filled between F and L marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool. Topped off to Full mark. If you happen to have an older vehicle without a visible overflow and fill tank, you'll have to check the antifreeze/coolant level by looking into the radiator. Top off the coolant level when the engine is cold and you shouldn't have any more issues unless there is a leak that you aren't seeing. If the reserve tank is empty, … If frequent additions are required, see an authorized dealer for a cooling system inspection. I check the level when hot and would top up when cold if it were needed but taking into consideration the expansion when hot, that is to say if when hot the coolant level was 1cm too low I would add enough coolant to bring the level up 1cm when cold which would be a lower level than desired when hot. After driving for less than 2 weeks the level is again close to minimum level when cold. Normally, a low coolant level is caused by a leak, so you should try to locate its source. The curiosity arises when the coolant mysteriously disappears from the reservoir, and you don’t even witness any leaks. I don't notice any leaks or anything, and my car was only purchased 4 months ago from the dealership so I would have assumed that they would have topped it off.... does anyone have any ideas as to what is going on? 3. If you only need to top it off (adding couple of cups of coolant), you can pour distilled water. But don't panic expecting the worst – many leaks are easily fixed – but be prepared to spend some time with your head under the bonnet as some leaks can be tricky to locate. Has anyone else had this issue in the recent v cold weather? Servicing the coolant involves draining and/or flushing your car's cooling system and then replacing the old coolant with fresh coolant. Coolant does evaporate after a while too, so it isn't necessarily indicative of a problem. 3. It went off once it warmed up, and didn't come back all day. The car is driven gently. That means it's the last component to get coolant, and if the level were low, it would be the first thing to be deprived. The first said that I should at least come and buy some blue coolant to top it up and monitor the level. any input is greatly appreciated. Watch to see that the engine coolant reservoir is holding the added liquid. Answered in 3 minutes by: 2/9/2017. You may have to swing 60-40 on coolant-water mix instead of 50-50 with temp that low and parking outside (not in the garage). Jaybird61, ASE … The dealer tell me to top up with " mineralless water" until the full mark.. but the manual tell me to top up with the specific subaru coolant..Impossible for me in Brazil to find subaru coolant at gas stations...I understand there's ideal mixture like 70% water and 30% coolant if im not wrong..so the dealer … A low coolant level may create air pockets in the coolant system and may be causing the water pump to stay in an air pocket. The anti-freeze often has chemical compounds that protect engine components from rust. Causes of Coolant Loss. Not sure what year you have, but there have been numerous reports of the coolant level … It’s best to turn to professional auto technicians if you suspect you have low coolant. ... Low coolant level and high engine oil in VW. I initially noticed this around 4,500 miles when I took it in for an oil change. It was about -4 today....is something wrong? No errors since. Solution: if you confirmed that the heating system issue is happening due to a low coolant level, you need to top up the coolant. Coolant level it fine. 2. Your Coolant Level Sensor is faulty. The lower coolant hose is most likely the coolant output side of your engine, which means that the hose will stay cold. Went to add windshield washer fluid this week and also checked the coolant level - not only below Low, but really low! Anyone else get the Coolant Low message in cold weather? Low coolant levels or running with aged coolant are common problems that are observable in cars. Low coolant level and high engine oil in VW. Allow the engine to cool down, then check the engine coolant level. Nos partenaires et nous-mêmes stockerons et/ou utiliserons des informations concernant votre appareil, par l’intermédiaire de cookies et de technologies similaires, afin d’afficher des annonces et des contenus personnalisés, de mesurer les audiences et les contenus, d’obtenir des informations sur les audiences et à des fins de développement de produit. I last checked the fluid level about 3 months ago at the last oil change. Hot coolant is under pressure and could spray out and burn you. Most people don’t check the fluid levels in their cars as often as they should. Coolant level low warning but looks fine, smelt hot though? If the coolant needs topping up, don't remove the filler cap unless the engine is cold – you could be scalded by a sudden release of pressurised hot water. Prev. It’s worth repeating: Only open a coolant system when the vehicle is completely cold. Most of the engine components are made from metal. But the heater core, which is behind the dashboard, is at the "end of the line" in the cooling system. Chances are you may have a leak if the low coolant warning light comes on. Make sure the coolant level is maintained between the maximum and minimum level indicator marks, as illustrated. Use a 50/50 coolant-and-water mix, as specified in your owner’s manual. I have a 2011 SE I4 with roughly 12k on it. Vous pouvez modifier vos choix à tout moment dans vos paramètres de vie privée. Bring the level to F, but do not overfill. Immediately I started hearing some gentle bubbling from the reservoir. The weather is warm. How to top up your engine coolant Topping up your coolant is simple. If your coolant is low… … Découvrez comment nous utilisons vos informations dans notre Politique relative à la vie privée et notre Politique relative aux cookies. If the coolant is low… 1. The radiator was replaced along with new hoses. Just top it off and you might not have an issue anymore... My 3 series just needed about a cup when the weather turned cold...it has no leaks or issues. If the engine coolant level is low, add engine coolant. Car running hot - bottom radiator hose cold. In general, a very low coolant level indicates some fluid leaks that could be due to problems with the hoses, connections, radiator, and other components of the cooling and heating systems. I'll bet this is more a warning then a critical alert. One sign of low engine coolant during the cold season is a heater that blows cold air even when it is set on hot. It will have levels marked “Min” and “Max,” or “Low” and “Full,” that indicate the actual coolant level when the vehicle’s engine is cold. This system includes multiple components: a radiator, a water pump, an overflow reservoir, thermostat, temperature sensor, hoses and channels in the … Take it to a garage. Insufficient coolant top-up Sometimes, coolant levels can be low due to too little coolant being put into the reservoir. The heat that warms the passenger compartment is taken from the engine coolant as it passes through the heater core. In general, a very low coolant level indicates some fluid leaks that could be due to problems with the hoses, connections, radiator, and other components of the cooling and heating systems. As mentioned, coolant level can change depending on the temperature of the coolant (quite significantly). Sometimes, an illuminated coolant light may be due to a faulty coolant level sensor. I took the cap off the reservoir (first time that has ever been done since taking delivery of the factory fresh truck) to check for the blue color my owner's manual stated. The factory coolant is pink. Doing that when the engine is cold can reduce the longevity of the car's engine. Do it yourself with BMW coolant and keep the coolant in the trunk in case you ever do need it. 2) If the level is close to or lower than the "LOW" level mark, add coolant up to the "FULL" level mark. Ask Your Own Car Question. Why coolant gets low. Coolant Level at Cold Sign in to follow this . Coolant is the fluid that absorbs heat from the engine and then dissipates it through the radiator. But here's the thing: the message says "check coolant level" not, "low coolant". Should the coolant level be bet… Always check your coolant level when the car is cold. When the engine has run for just a few minutes and is restarted the light does not re-appear. okay guys so recently I started receiving a message on my dash saying that my coolant level is too low, but for some odd reason it only comes on when the engine is cold (over here in Winnipeg, MB it gets to be about -25 to -30 on average with windchill) like after I drive the car for a bit and the engine is warmed up, every subsequent stop and restart of the car, the … If you experience low engine coolant some of these components may start developing rust. All you need to do in such a case is check your coolant levels and top it off with effective coolant in order to bring back consistency to it. 99 Alero overheated due to low coolant, coolant light stays on after filling coolant. Loadmaster 942 Loadmaster 942 BMW5 Star; Gold Members; 942 4,007 posts; Location: Not Far From Gatwick; Occupation: Civil Aviation Regulatory Stuff; Garage: No BMW - SEAT Ateca FR Black Edition - … Your owner’s manual has the correct information for your vehicle. If the reservoir tank is empty, check the coolant level in the radiator When the engine is cold. Check the next day and add coolant to the Normal line again if needed. This shows that the engine has reached its temperature limit, and you should pull over. Is this anything to worry about? If it is immediately or consistently falling below the "COLD" indicator, there is a leak. I saw this morning my coolant level at the low mark with a cold engine. Camry :: Coolant / Antifreeze Reservoir Level Slightly Below Low Point With Engine Cold Jun 19, 2012. My Haynes manual says that the coolant level in the collant reservoir will vary with the temperature of the car. I am now at 8,500 miles and the coolant level is very low … Jump to Latest Follow 21 - 40 of 63 Posts. The coolant level is super easy to … Your vehicle’s coolant system helps to keep engine heat at recommended levels for your car’s optimum operation. A 60/40 mix is good for -62F as per BMW coolant container. Coolant, which is commonly called antifreeze, is a mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water, usually in a 50/50 ratio. Doing that when the engine is cold can reduce the longevity of the car's engine. The coolant level sensor can be a float-type device, which activates the warning light when a low coolant level sends it to a low position in the expansion tank. This is a more gentle method than what my grandfather used to get his tractor started on cold mornings: he literally made a fire under it. It is also dissipated through the heat exchanger in the passenger compartment when you crank your heat in the winter. Especially if a car is a newer model, most people just assume everything’s OK, or that a light will show up on the dashb . Fluids expand and contract with heat it's that simple. JavaScript is disabled. Advanced Search Cancel Login / Join. okay guys so recently I started receiving a message on my dash saying that my coolant level is too low, but for some odd reason it only comes on when the engine is cold (over here in Winnipeg, MB it gets to be about -25 to -30 on average with windchill) like after I drive the car for a bit and the engine is warmed up, every subsequent stop and restart of the car, the warning message does not come on, only comes on when I leave the car parked outside overnight and when I start it up in the mornings to get to work. While pages 295-300 of the manual are dedicated to cooling system information, it isn't too detailed about hot and cool levels. Engine cooling system problems could arise if you don’t have the right mixture of coolant, which is typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze […] Make sure you use the right antifreeze – different types don't mix well. In this case, you should top up your coolant as soon as possible to avoid engine damage. Dealer or even auto-part store has the instrument to do it. If your coolant actually froze, you would have more problems than just a warning message. 2004 545i in Amethyst Grey with Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Front/Rear Obstacle Detection System, Heated Rear Seats and Front Seat Power Lumbar Adjustment. I checked the coolant and it seemed okay...just barely above the minimum level when cold, but at least above that. There is no dipstick or another meter to tell you whether you have enough coolant in the radiator on these older vehicles. this happened to me recently - than i realized that its possible the collant froze and when the engine gets hot it unfreezes. If I drive it a short distance, the level is normal. Coolant dashboard light – The engine coolant light normally appears as a thermometer with a series of wavy lines next to it, illuminated in red. My coolant level is far below the min line. I would get some BMW coolant and top it off. I just spoke to 2 different Subaru service Departments which gave conflicting advice about my coolant level being near the low when cold. Next Monday I have an appointment to get the car checked. This is a sealed system. I thought nothing much of it until today, when I noticed that my coolant/antifreeze reservoir level was slightly below the low "L" point with the … Your Forester's cooling system was filled with water and Subaru's Long Life Super Coolant at the factory. It helps stop corrosion and scale build-up all year round. Up there I would run about 65% coolant to lower the low temperature safety point for freezing. Dealer did a coolant drain and fill which seems to have stopped the noise. Pour autoriser Verizon Media et nos partenaires à traiter vos données personnelles, sélectionnez 'J'accepte' ou 'Gérer les paramètres' pour obtenir plus d’informations et pour gérer vos choix. The coolant level is right on Low mark when engine is cold, and when engine is warm, it’s between Low and Full mark on the reservoir. A forum community dedicated to BMW owners and enthusiasts. On start from cold, drive off and the light... Search "" across the entire site Search "" in this forum Search "" in this discussion. Restart the vehicle and … Get that coolant check on how low can it go before it freeze. Checking the coolant level: 1) Check the coolant level on the outside of the reservoir while the engine is cool. There is no noticeable leak. Your coolant reservoir is leaking. Once the sensor detects low coolant, the driver is alerted by a light illuminated on the dashboard. A low coolant level can create a lot of problems in the coolant system. Show Less. 5. If coolant/steam is expelled from the pressure cap, or the level has dropped suddenly, or by a large amount, arrange for the vehicle to be examined by a qualified technician as soon as possible. Where coolant … Dealer or even auto-part store has the instrument to do it. 3. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Your vehicle’s coolant system helps to keep engine heat at recommended levels for your car’s optimum operation. 99 Alero overheated due to low coolant, coolant light stays on after filling coolant. By Loadmaster, November 3, 2018 in E39 1996-2004. If this sensor malfunctions, it could be causing the coolant light to turn on even if you don’t have low antifreeze levels. Simply top up your coolant to the “Max” or “Full” level when the engine is cold. Dangers of Low or Contaminated Coolant The radiator uses a series of tubes and hoses to transport coolant, or antifreeze, and cool down your engine. OK, I have had fifty years of experience as a gear head working on cars and building high performance motors. This tightening of coolant leads to lighting up of low coolant sensors. The coolant level was just a hair under the low line so I thought I'd check about topping it up. The window is wide, with three to five years, or 50,000 to 150,000 miles being the typical ratings for low-grade to high quality antifreeze. Coolant Level at Cold. Corrosion. Auto Mechanic: Jaybird61, ASE Certified Master Technician replied 3 years ago. When the car is driven and the engine warms up, the coolant level will expand and rise slightly, then drop to the correct level when it cools down again. Posts: 309 Likes Received: 0 Joined: May 13, 2006 . Where is the fluid going? Hot Network Questions Does archaeological evidence show that Nazareth wasn't inhabited during Jesus's lifetime? Is it just a problem with frozen moisture in the expansion tank sensor or … One sign of low engine coolant during the cold season is a heater that blows cold air even when it is set on hot. Informations sur votre appareil et sur votre connexion Internet, y compris votre adresse IP, Navigation et recherche lors de l’utilisation des sites Web et applications Verizon Media. When you park your cars in cold or freezing temperatures, the coolant fluid tends to contract. An Inside Puncture. Unlike engine oil, which can be changed as frequently as 3,000-5,000 miles, you normally don’t have to check and replace coolant as often. Within a few … Low levels of engine coolant can lead to engine overheating, causing intense and expensive damage. Low levels of engine coolant can lead to engine overheating, causing intense and expensive damage. There’s a COLD/MIN label on the tank indicating the ideal antifreeze level when the engine is cold. Anyone know why the coolant level warning would come on when the coolant level appears just under the max mark? Yahoo fait partie de Verizon Media. Share this conversation. I had the car in for maintenance on that day and they just topped off the coolant. If the message LOW COOLANT LEVEL … If a yellow coolant light pops on in the winter, it’s probably because your coolant level is low. The coolant level sensor uses a moveable float device and a reed switch that senses when the radiator has low coolant. I've noticed there are two levels of tire pressure messages too. For the next week, check your coolant level frequently (with a cold engine), to be sure that there is no ongoing leak that requires regular top-ups. Most people don’t check the fluid levels in their cars as often as they should. Antifreeze doesn't just protect your engine in winter. After the engine is started and the coolant warms up, the coolant level on the reservoir can rise, which is enough to turn off the temperature light. This is the case for cars that use normal tap water without an anti-freeze. Any leak needs to be checked out and repaired as soon as possible. Bringing the BMW community together. A low coolant level may create air pockets in the coolant system and may be causing the water pump to stay in an air pocket. The coolant level sensor … The coolant is contained within a sealed system so, if it's in good condition, the water level should not change. Put your hand on the top hose of the radiator and then feel the bottom hose, if the top hose stays cold then your thermostat isn't opening and it's probably broken. Come join the discussion about Bimmerfest events, production numbers, programming, performance, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Coolant level low warning 05-11-2019, 11:22 AM As above just got my car back from garage after having the clutch, dual mass fly wheel etc replaced, and the car now has a coolant level low warning pop up on the dash, which does not stay there, its gone after i press the button on the indicator stalk. 1. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 2014 Toyota RAV4 XLE. There can only be one reason why your coolant is low: it's leaking! Can you have coolant in the resevoir tank while the radiator is low on coolant? This system includes multiple components: a radiator, a water pump, an overflow reservoir, thermostat, temperature sensor, hoses and channels in the engine itself to remove the heat. This blue elixir is supposed to last 11 years or 137,500 miles. With so many types of antifreeze out there, it’s hard to predict exactly how long the coolant that’s in your car will maintain top-notch cold weather protection. New Cars. If a yellow coolant light pops on in the winter, it’s probably because your coolant level is low. 3 months is a good time period and depending on weather conditions (namely humidity, not temperature) your loss of coolant quite possible … Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. My coolant level is high when the engine is hot and the coolant level is low when it is cold i have a honda civic 2004 i - Answered by a verified Auto Mechanic. Show More. If I wait until the car has cooled sufficiently to open the header tank, the coolant level is normal. New Cars; New Car Pictures; Car Comparison Tool; What Car Is Right For Me; Build A Car Online; New Car Incentives; Car Quotes; Top 10 New Cars; Used Cars. The coolant level is super easy to check, so open your hood and read your car manual to find the coolant reservoir. This Video Explains What Should You do When The Coolant Level In Your Car Becomes Very Low in a helpless situation. Chances are you may have a leak if the low coolant warning light comes on. 2002 4.4i BMW X5 - 166K Topaz Blue Ext/ Tan/Beige Leather Int, 1994 Nissan Pathfinder SE 132K Black Ext / Grey Leather Int, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Followers 0. If you only need to add a cup or 2, why not used distilled water? Should I add coolant asap ? Watch to see that the engine coolant reservoir is holding the added liquid. Get that coolant check on how low can it go before it freeze. Once the cold coolant level drops down to the reservoir's "Low" mark, you should top it off to the "Full" mark. You most likely have a low engine coolant level. Here's my problem: The past few days, I've been smelling something sweet coming out of my AC. It claims that when the engine is cold, the level should be at the low mark on the tank; when the engine is hot, the level should be at the Full mark. The low marker is usually used for when the engine is cold, so if you had not run the engine yet when you checked, that coolant level is normal. You have to keep the liquid at the required level. Its very cold outside (-20c) and wondering if OK to drive until I can take to car dealership to get checked out . When you are losing coolant … The coolant in the radiator should be just below the filler neck. Low Coolant Level. Coolant mixed 50/50 protects down to -34 deg. Always check the level when the system is cold. Cold Weathers. What's New; Forum Listing; Showcase; Gallery; Advanced Search; Members; FAQ; Dark … VW temperature light comes up at the cold start but goes away after a restart. Got the coolant level low message for the first time myself a month ago and it just so happens it was pretty cold that day. My engine coolant's reservoir always shows the reservoir is low on coolant, but only if the car has been off for a while. My "low coolant level " warning sign comes on periodically in the last couple of days . Without enough coolant, your engine may overheat. If the top hose is hot and the bottom hose is cold then you probably have a blocked … Solution: if you confirmed that the heating system issue is happening due to a low coolant level, you need to top up the coolant. This implies low coolant level or excessive coolant temp, but neither are applicable as is cold start and level has been checked and is fine. The Causes of Low Engine Coolant Levels by Laurie Brenner .