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Topping up the coolant
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:28 pm
by FarmerPug
I noticed the other day the low coolant light lit up on the car the other day but disappeared, it came on again today but quickly disappeared.
I checked the coolant reservoir and it was a bit low but there was coolant in there, the car still heats up ok, the interior heater works well. I put a bit of water back in to top it up.
I havent looked at the coolant system since i did the timing belt back in august 2012, is this normal to expect a bit of loss?
Re: Topping up the coolant
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:32 pm
by lozz
id guess a little loss is normal,
you might be best to do a coolant change,
Re: Topping up the coolant
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:51 pm
by FarmerPug
Its got 5 year coolant in there, and it was a fairly high concentration when put in, would there be any point in taking the car somewhere to have the system pressure tested or am i being paranoid?
Re: Topping up the coolant
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:55 pm
by lozz
just keep your eye on the level,
see if it drop's.
is the cap all good?
Re: Topping up the coolant
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 8:55 pm
by GingerMagic
FarmerPug wrote:I havent looked at the coolant system since i did the timing belt back in august 2012, is this normal to expect a bit of loss?
You haven't checked the coolant for nearly 2 and a half years....??? I guess losing a cupful or two is fairly normal given the duration.
Re: Topping up the coolant
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 9:23 pm
by PeterN
Mine did that for a week or so, the light would come on when I started it and then go out as soon as it began to warm up and the water expanded. My first alarming thought was 'head gasket' but I topped it up and it hasn't come on since so just natural loss I would conclude. I haven't put any coolant in it for at least three years so it was probably due some. Its done 231,000 miles.
Peter
Re: Topping up the coolant
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2014 9:33 pm
by FarmerPug
GingerMagic wrote:FarmerPug wrote:I havent looked at the coolant system since i did the timing belt back in august 2012, is this normal to expect a bit of loss?
You haven't checked the coolant for nearly 2 and a half years....??? I guess losing a cupful or two is fairly normal given the duration.
Well i have had a bit of a glance at it at every service but its not something i check regularly enough.
Re: Topping up the coolant
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 8:17 am
by Welly
I never understood why Peugeot used a Black expansion tank

a white/clear one gives you an instant level check.
Re: Topping up the coolant
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2014 12:50 pm
by gumby6371
I had low coolant warnings on and off for nearly a year, changed the sensor 3 months ago and no more warning light.
the correct level is surprisingly low in the reservoir and as stated the black plastic does not help when judging the correct amount of fluid.
Re: Topping up the coolant
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 11:21 am
by Rolebama
The chances are that you have lost antifreeze. It has a higher 'creep' capability than water, so in the event of a very slow loss, it is probably the antifreeze that has 'escaped'. If you had to replace more than half a litre, I would be inclined to have the strength tested. Everybody keeps telling me that we are in for a cold winter, although personally, I have no idea how this winter will be, but I think it better to be safe than sorry.