Coolant light keeps coming on and needing a top up

[jason1987]

every couple of months, dodgy sensor or is this bad? came on when was going uphill a minute ago

[jasper5]

If this keeps happening then you may have a small leak.

No leak would indicate a sensor fault.

[jason1987]

dunno how to look for a leak, anything to check? hope not headgasket

[jasper5]

Head gasket would be a major topping up situation.

Go round all the cooling system with a torch starting with the radiator and look for any water/anti freeze stains or small drips, especially at the bottom.

Look around the engine to the left of where the fan belt is, that's where the water pump is, check for leaks here.

Look round all the water pipes and fittings, including the heater inside the car.

[jason1987]

whats the most common problem? split hoses etc? they a dealer job?

[jasper5]

I would say the radiator is the most common problem, especially at the bottom, but have a good look round.

[Gary406]

i agree with jasper. probably the rad, thats the most common place anyway.

wouldnt worry to much about it being head gasket yet. check rad.

as jasper said at the bottom. thats were mine went. got a replacement for £30 from a scrap yard i was lucky it was almost brand new.

any d.i.y'er can change a rad

[jason1987]

oh radiator itself gets old and rusts? or you mean rad hoses?

[jason1987]

had a look round today and couldnt see any signs of leaks, i topped up the coolant but i cant see where the max fil level is? does it not have one? i just had to top it up until i thought it was enough, how far from the top should the coolant come to?

[gumby6371]

Jason, I had a leak on my 1.9TD where the pipe connects under the fuel filter housing and had to top up every 6 to 8 weeks, didn't spot the leak until I changed the coolant and saw the new antifreeze was drying a nice pink colour around the leaky gasket.
Never saw any moisture because it was evaporating with the heat of the engine.

I threw some k-seal in and all has been good since then.

Might be worth trying but I imagine if the leak is on something flexible like a hose whatever plugs the hole will move over time.

[jason1987]

it seems to come on when going up hill when it does come on, i noticed just know it started leaking out of the lid as i must have topped it up too much, is this gonna cause problems?

[lozz]

it seems to come on when going up hill when it does come on, i noticed just know it started leaking out of the lid as i must have topped it up too much, is this gonna cause problems?

let some water out,
theres a tap on the rad

[jason1987]

can it wait or is it urgent?

[lozz]

can it wait or is it urgent?

if you over fill them it can make them over heat,
iwouid check its not Air-locked too

[jason1987]

so i just twist the cap a bit