Check coolant warning

[geoff_gti]

Twice this week I've had a 'STOP Check Coolant' warning when I've started the car in the morning and still parked in the carport.

I've checked the bottle and it's well above the minimum indicated level. Also unplugged the sensor and gave it a quick once over in case of any dust on the contacts etc.

In my short journeys to and from work, it barely has time to warm up normally, less so since it's started getting a bit cooler. Temp hasn't gone over 90 midpoint.

Anything else suggested to check? If it happens again I'll take it for a quick scan at the mechanic's shop.

Cheers

[Umai Naa!!]

The sensor in the expansion bottle is sometimes prone to crapping itself. Might be the best place to start.

[BI65ND]

I've had this the last few days too.... theres a flashing light of the cold symbol from the temp gauge. Flashes for about 20 seconds before the car warms up. I read in the manual it says that means the coolant is either too cold or too hot, so I was thinking that the coolant in my car might need changing and may need some anti-freeze coolant. Anybody can confirm this?

[JustCruisn]

There is a little shelf in the expansion tank which the level needs to be over, the metal prongs are part of the sensor.
I've had heaps little leaks over the last year - and another one discovered this week. The leaks are from perished hoses and I loose about 100ml per week. Once the coolant heats up it expands and the light goes off.

[thekraut]

I'd have a guess that its either/or the plastic water inlet / outlet housing that's cracked. I had the same thing on my Passat 1.8T and doing exactly the same thing you mentioned so could be worth a look! I could be wrong however.... Engine code for the passat was APU so may have been a different engine also....

[geoff_gti]

thanks guys, it hasn't happened again since i posted. my guess was the sensor was probably playing up as well.

[graeme86]

Some peopele in UK report this too...seems to happen when its really cold (near freezing)...don't know what temps you are having in WA at the moment.

[geoff_gti]

Not that cold really! Only been about 10 or so the last few mornings.

[dylan8]

I had the same problem one morning last year in a colder morning. gave my mechanic a call and he said to add a little water (not to much as you really want coolant) and it fixed it. Just the water "compressing" under cold temps

[T Go]

I'm having the same issues over the last 2 weeks also.
Over here in WA we have had some really cold nights... i think it was 2wks straight under 5deg...
But... last winter we had some 0deg nights also and this never happened with my car...

So maybe the coolant level has dropped since then.

[Speed]

I'm having the same issues over the last 2 weeks also.
Over here in WA we have had some really cold nights... i think it was 2wks straight under 5deg...
But... last winter we had some 0deg nights also and this never happened with my car...

So maybe the coolant level has dropped since then.

Whens the last time you changed your coolant?

[T Go]

Whens the last time you changed your coolant?

I guess it wouldve been looked at with the 30,000km service (am on 38,000km atm), but not changed.....

[geoff_gti]

I'm having the same issues over the last 2 weeks also.
Over here in WA we have had some really cold nights... i think it was 2wks straight under 5deg...
But... last winter we had some 0deg nights also and this never happened with my car...

So maybe the coolant level has dropped since then.

Yep it would be extra chilly in Canning Vale, always seems a bit cooler around there and out towards Jandakot too...

I've found it the warning does go off, I open the coolant bottle and then it's ok. The coolant level is fine, still well above minimum. I suspect there might be an air leak or something and if there's a bit of condensation of the top of the sensor above the coolant level it goes stupid. Maybe not but once I take the cap off for a few seconds it's ok, bit of outside air etc and the sensor is ok again. Will probably need to replace the bottle as the sensor seems to be moulded in but not too fussed at the moment.