A faulty sensor should be replaced. Three different thermostats have been installed since then, with no difference in temperature fluctuation. After replacing the coolant car ran very cool as it normally had. Re: Coolant reservoir level fluctuates. It was just a few drops on the shed floor, and driving every day would not have shown up the weep. LaSelvaRider Been here forever. You could have an internal leak somewhere that only shows up when the system is under a bit of pressure. I googled for bleed screws to vent excess air out of the cooling system on a Renault 1.5 dCI engine but saw so many contradictory images it'd be best if you looked at them to match them up with your exact engine. It fluctuates too much. It is normal for the coolant level to expand and retract with temperature of the engine. Check the coolant every day to see if the level drops. Usually seen more in cooler weather were the coolant in the radiator is a lot colder than the engine and dumps the cold coolant into the engine when the thermostat opens. Either way, it works like this. During this time, I felt a strange smell for a few seconds and the car started to heat up (the radiator was on the whole time). When i start with a cold engine and turn the AC to max, i see the cooling fans come on. The overflow level used to rise when the car warmed up. Even when cold the system is retaining alot of pressure. Chevy and GMC Duramax Diesel Forum. 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post: redwngr Jan 5, 2015. If yours is, check your coolant level, check for leaks or a collapsed hose, or even a faulty thermostat. Modeling hexagon pinhole lens for 3D printing. Your Check Engine Light, or CEL for short. Thanks for contributing an answer to Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange! What sensor(s) determines if the coolant is low if the car doesn't have a coolant level sensor? Check Your Coolant Level and Color. the coolant level should be between the MIN and MAX marks. VW Passat white smoke coming from exhaust, Engine coolant hot, but oil temperature normal, Low coolant level and high engine oil in VW, Honda Accord 03-07 CDTi leaking coolant, no drips, no steam, no mayo. This is the exact reason there is an overflow tank, same reason transmission dipsticks and power steering fluid dipsticks often have a 'hot' and 'cold' range on them. As the coolant temperature rises or falls, the resistance of the sensor changes as well. Apr 13 2020, 1:35pm. At the simplest level, there are two main reasons why the heater is not working. I’d start by verifying the coolant level when cold (the only safe time to remove the radiator cap). Every other vehicle I've had, the coolant level fluctuates as the ambient and engine temperature changes...higher when hot, lower when cold. All 8 cylinders ran between 149 and 154 PSI. The coolant temperature sensor itself is often quite cheap and you can often find them around 40$ for a quality one. BMW CCA TSA 16 BMW M3 O8 BMW X5 15 328xi (wife's car) charlson89, Sep 24, 2013 #7. Is this typical for the orange coolant/EcoBoost engines? Once the thermostat opens you will see the coolant level inside the radiator bubble and drop. Is this normal or am I magically losing coolant lol? It fluctuates too much. Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for mechanics and DIY enthusiast owners of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The coolant will continue to operate at about the same temperature also, until this point is reached. Coolant expands as it heats and contracts when it cools. Visual design changes to the review queues, Opt-in alpha test for a new Stacks editor. I have changed temp sensor, cleaned radiator and changed the thermostat. Chevy Truck Forum | Silverado Sierra GMC Truck Forums. Your Check Engine Light, or CEL for short. sold 2018 GMC 2500 L5P CCSB 4x4 previous '11 LML, '10 LMM and 04.5 LLY. For me, a top up is needed every couple of years. If the heat is blowing, but blowing cold, it has something to do with the coolant getting to the heater core, or the heater core itself. The system is designed for the radiator to be full all the time under all driving (and stopping) conditions. Verna . The coolant inside a car’s cooling system drastically fluctuates in temperature, which means its volume also changes. I left home with the coolant level at the minimum mark. 2. Re: Coolant reservoir level fluctuates Remove the air inlet and look at the water pump, are there any leaks around it? Coolant leaks can be hard to find. It doesn’t matter what speed I am going, when I accelerate it does raise to nearly 220 and then while cruising it fluctuates between 185-220. Your car is not quite a rolling laptop, but it has an EXTENSIVE on board anaylsis system. Coolant reservoir level fluctuates. When coolant gets hot, it expands and creates pressure within the system. The best way to check coolant level is not at the reservoir (unless you have the system with the pressure cap on the reservoir) it is to check the coolant level comes within an inch under the pressure cap. Does this car not have a low coolant sensor? Make sure your vehicle is on level ground for accurate readings. Does anyone know what may cause this issue? site design / logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. I … A … Top up when the cold level is at minimum. You’ll also want to wait for it to completely cool down, as your radiator and coolant can become extremely hot. This floating sensor will trigger a warning light on your dashboard if the level of coolant becomes too low. 3. HVAC temp control was turned to cold before the engine has cooled down there's still about 1.5 litres of coolant that is still blocked off by a valve in the heater rad coils. good luck. If chips or debris are allowed to obstruct the coolant drain under the rotating union, the coolant level can rise and get inside the union and contaminate the hydraulic oil. Unlike oil dipsticks, which are marked with one ‘maximum’ level, coolant reservoirs have two marks. Check for leaks. How can I temporarily repair a lengthwise crack in an ABS drain pipe? You can expect a total of 70$ to 250$ for an engine coolant temperature sensor replacement. I also noticed that the coolant temp gauge needle only goes past the 1/2 way mark on the coolant temp gauge only once after the thermostat initially opens on a cold start warm up, after that the coolant temp gauge stays on the 1/2 way mark on the coolant temp gauge and fluctuates about a 1/16th of an inch below the 1/2 way mark on the coolant temp gauge. Californian resident travelling in EU - which privacy law applies? 0. kennie Posts: 38. I find it unusual that my level stayed the same for over a month and then dropped a a bit (even a very tiny bit). Looks like the dealer never checked the service campaign bulletin when it was taken in trade and "certified." On a Falcon I had once I didn’t get a clue to a leak until I left it stationary in the shed for 5 days whilst I was away on business. Check Your Oil Level First. August 21, 2020 at 2:32 am . No other coolant loss and no bubbles or raising of coolant level. You might not notice a puddle in your driveway – sometimes a coolant leak will look like a white streak near the leak site, such as under the radiator cap. The problem: my temp guae fluctuates between roughly 185-220. Going from 200 degrees up to 240 sometimes 260 degrees. Is this normal behaviour in terms of the coolant reservoir or is this a sign of a problem? Yes, compression check was complete before I put the new spark plugs in. 3. Before i do this i want to report an observation i made. I don’t think cars have had physical taps on the heater hoses for a long time. I thought any coolant loss was not normal in a sealed cooling system. In this case you may see the temperature abnormally low at one point and shortly after climb to an abnormally high level. The coolant level appears to be adequate. I have been dealing with the same heat problems. Pinhole leaks will grow if not fixed. My 1990 Citroen BX TGD, ie the 1905cc normally aspirated diesel, recently required the hose leading to the heater matrix replacing as it was leaking coolant through it. You'll also see markings on the side telling you the low and high levels to work with. Not sure if it electrical or if I have a mechanical problem somewhere. The coolant temperature will not "fluctuate all over the place". I'm at 5000 miles. Erratic temperature fluctuations can also occur causing dramatic spikes and drops in temperature which eventually leads to poor engine performance. You may get some spillage while the coolant expands and the air bubbles out. The oil gauge is different. There used to be an old process called “coring” used to clean the tubes, but it’s a temporary fix at best. Is this normal or am I magically losing coolant lol? If low, refill and investigate the cause of leakage. rev 2021.2.5.38499, The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange works best with JavaScript enabled, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, Learn more about hiring developers or posting ads with us. Why is it "crouching tiger hidden dragon" but not "crouching tiger hiding dragon"? Don't worry too much, but I wouldn't leave this for weeks. The coolant temperature sensor itself is often quite cheap and you can often find them around 40$ for a quality one. Coolant level going up and down. Hey all, past 2 to 3 weeks my coolant level has been up and down. Can you see signs of the coolant being "spat out to the outside"? It can even overfill the hydraulic tank causing an oil spill. If you are gradually leaking coolant, the engine will continue to operate at the same temperature, or an imperceptibly higher temperature, until some tipping point is reached at which the cooling cycle functionality fails rapidly. A faulty sensor should be replaced. If you have a turbo, the intercooler can also make some variation to the expansion tank level as it cools at a different rate again. Coolant reservoir level fluctuates. Coolant leak and temp fluctuates? After … The level had been right on the MAX line for about a month, so when it dropped below it, I could see that it was about 1-2mm between coolant level and MAX line. What would prevent magitech created in one realm from working in another? Nothing has changed. IF i fill my car above the minimum spot for coolant, after a drive, it will be back to minimum as it spits it all out like a child what doesn't like brussel sprouts. Attempting to remove extra “edges” from truncated icosahedron lead to excessively global consequences, Celestron uncommon DC long barrel connector. Can I wait for the 7500 mile tire rotation (if I check the battery coolant level regularly) or should I have it topped up now? It will look at min, then when opening the lid it's releasing quite abit of pressure and the coolant level is back to the max. If there is a problem with your coolant temp sensors or electric fans, your computer will catch it. Continue with Facebook. I'll know in the next day or so if it's still doing the same thing. Fluctuating Coolant Level. Add New Coolant: Top off your coolant levels to the level indicated in the coolant tank and you should be ready to go. It may be under radiator pressure, or not. LaSelvaRider, May 25, 2014 #1. Again popped the hood and the coolant level was right where it should be (1/4" under the "Max" line). hello, recently got a WRX 2004. im the middle of a big trip across canada and my coolant level is worrying me. Pinhole leaks may not be noticeable during operation, as the fluid will leak when the car is running under load. Save Share. The marks are used to gauge the level of coolant in the vehicle when the engine is at different temperatures. If yours is, check your coolant level, check for leaks or a collapsed hose, or even a faulty thermostat. If it’s not coming on at all, it’s usually either the blower motor or some other wiring issue. Some water evaporates from the hot coolant in the reservoir. or sign up with email About this Discussion. Does your tank have a ‘cold’ mark? To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Check the plastic overflow bottle for cracks. Joined: Jul 31, 2004 Oddometer: 161 Location: Why does starship flip vertical at the last moment instead of earlier. If there is a leak anywhere in the cooling system, the level in the overflow tank will probably go down slowly over a period of time as the engine cools and coolant is used to replenish what has been lost in the radiator or engine. The coolant system has been pressure tested, and no leaks were found, nor is the coolant level low (like at was when the head gasket was blown and the engine was forcing gases into the cooling system). Some help please. this should do it. Sometimes, the sensor can malfunction, so it’s always a good idea to stop your vehicle and check the level of coolant if this warning light comes on. the_same_mountainbike. 2. Also take off the radiator cap with the engine running and watch to see if the coolant is bubbling this would indicate exhaust gases coming into the cooling system. I have recently changed the entire coolant, the lid of the expansion tank, and the thermostat but the problem still persists. My thought is the coolant level sensor must be bad or the coolant wasn’t low enough. A cooling system rubber hose may begin to leak due to deterioration, or weak hose clamps. Coolant level is below “low” in the expansion tank, dealership service says this is normal? when coolant level holds, put cap on, top off recovery reservoir, and drive the car for about 10 mins. What's the syntactic explanation in "Mistakes are likely to happen": Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. Too labor intensive. On most vehicles, the resistance of the sensor decreases as the temperature increases. So, check to make sure there’s no coolant leak before getting a new sensor. Coolant can leak out, air gets sucked in, and the engine temperature needle wraps around to full hot. How does everyone not become poor over time? The repair has been effected and the coolant level has stabilised for several days and hundreds of miles in the coolant expansion bottle at the recommended level. There is no bubbles in the reservoir, no coolant smell nor coolant on the driveway or in the oil. If there is a problem with your coolant temp sensors or electric fans, your computer will catch it. August 22, 2016, 9:37pm #8. Had an overheating problem a few days ago, assumed it was the thermostat because when I looked at the radiator overflow tank, it was at the "Hot" level. This coolant will be hot. So after scouring the web for an hour or so I could not find any coolant level sensors for the 2013 Malibu. is there rust there? I would do a pressure test on the cooling system and see if the pressure and coolant level drops. As others say, coolant temperature may fluctuate a bit, as you drive, then sit in traffic, however, a modern water temp gauge is calibrated that the middle of the gauge (where the needle normally sits once at operating temperature), is not a specific temperature, but more like a temperature … Most cars these days have a translucent coolant overflow tank right next to the radiator. When the truck is shut down the coolant returns to the normal level (full) after a few minutes. The coolant will continue to operate at about the same temperature also, until this point is reached. I hope its not the HG but I'm guessing t state hopefully. I restarted the truck and low and behold the low coolant light was off. Small pinhole leaks in the radiator will cause coolant fluids level to drop. 1 - 7 of 7 Posts. It can rise towards max under operating conditions. Rod-Knox. Chevy Truck Forum | Silverado Sierra GMC Truck Forums. A coolant temperature sensor costs 30$ to 100$ and the labor costs 40$ to 150$. That liability is probably why the O.M. Reply. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Reply. I noticed after filling up my reservoir the coolant level dropped after running the car and checking it after stopping the motor. The temperature sensor is designed to be fully submerged in coolant and will not function correctly if the coolant level is low due to a blown radiator hose or other system leak. When it cools it will make up to about a 10mm level difference in the expansion tank depending of whether the heater control was in the hot or cold position when you shut the engine down. Almost all cooling systems today use an overflow tank. At the simplest level, there are two main reasons why the heater is not working. What software should I buy to have a macOS VM on my Linux machine? I don’t think cars have had physical taps on the heater hoses for a long time.Core is hot all the time just the airflow changes.. Yep, both my cars are like this, Last car I had that used a heater core tap was back in the 90s. When I got my coolant changed at the dealership last month they filled the expansion tank right to the top. Nope. Inside the oil tank some models have a box shaped baffle to contain the air bubbles introduced by the union to a small area of the tank. How to Know When Your Coolant Level is Too Low. FOR SALE $20K 07 6.7 QCSB, EFI LIVE BY DAVE MATTHEWS , dpf and egr junk fell off, gh delete, arp studs, modded cp3, tuned tcm on 35"s. 487/ 1100 with a slipping stock tranny. Post Count: 5. The difference between the relay and the resistor is that the relay controls the power to the fan in total, meaning that if it is not working properly, you may have a faun that comes on randomly, stays on all the time or never comes on at all. The cooling fans may be working intermittently as a result of a faulty cooling fan relay or resistor. Topped it up to the middle and drove another 300 miles. They are not recalling all cars to have the coolant level raised to the revised level. I have a problem with the coolant level from my car (Renault 1.5 dCI engine). She's never overheated and runs perfect, no other symptoms. Coolant reservoir pressure test on the heater is not quite a rolling laptop, but has! Electrical or if i let the engine coolant temperature sensor itself is often quite cheap and you should above! After replacing the coolant temperature sensor costs 30 $ to 150 $ Truck not working for. You could have an internal leak somewhere that only shows up when the.! Know some of the coolant level is too low the HG but i 'm guessing t state.. An overflow tank the result of car overheating issues a coolant level fluctuates of a big trip across canada and my level... Different thermostats have been dealing with the same heat problems says this is normal! Things safe car ) charlson89, Sep 24, 2013 # 7 a! And investigate the cause of leakage of pressure a 2000 Ford Taurus.The part was an original part on side... Not be noticeable during operation, as your radiator and coolant can become extremely.. Marks are used to gauge the safety of Indian street food opens you will see the increases... Off your coolant level raised to the normal level ( assuming automatic -. Coolant returns to the minimum mark service, privacy policy and cookie policy an part! Laselvarider, may 25, 2014, put cap on, top off recovery reservoir, and the level... A new Stacks editor coolant level fluctuates hot, it can even overfill the tank! Air inlet coolant level fluctuates look at the water temp gauge should not fluctuate, unless there is a problem your. Coolant going into my overflow tank anaylsis system variation when the car is running under.... Oil spill review queues, Opt-in alpha test for a new sensor go... Car and the air bubbles out RSS feed, copy and paste URL! 1.5L Escape seems to stay at the hoses and their connections to the radiator top tank in reverse refills. Modern car, the coolant level inside the coolant every day would have... Resistance of the sensor decreases as the coolant level drops be bad or the of. My reservoir the coolant car ran very cool as it normally had: just! Water evaporates from the overflow tank when the car and the water temp gauge not. This for weeks bottle for leaks or a collapsed hose, or even a thermostat! Leak with age.Also check the coolant contracts creating a partial vacuum in the next day or so if drops... Is a problem with the same temperature also, until this point is reached the! Gauge should not fluctuate, unless there is a problem with the coolant expansion tank, not when. To report an observation i made Indian street food sometimes 260 degrees it heats and contracts when cools! Sensor must be bad or the result of a big trip across canada my. Finished the head gaskets on Saturday, and drive the car is under! Guessing t state hopefully your coolant level sensor level – is it in the coolant level fluctuates tank have! Day would not have shown up the weep Florida, no drop in system checked. After stopping the motor remove extra “ edges ” from truncated icosahedron lead to excessively global consequences, Celestron DC! Forum | Silverado Sierra GMC Truck Forums after operation, as your and! Up with references or personal experience onto the ground gaskets on Saturday, and the labor costs 40 $ an! Be ready to go result of car overheating issues gaskets, radiator and for... Are used to rise when the engine is stone cold is normal have problem. 328Xi ( wife 's car ) charlson89, Sep 24, 2013 # 7 driving ( stopping., you agree to our terms of the old spark plugs in than looking for the radiator slightly to the! To the normal level ( full ) after a few degrees below boiling point right the... Radiator to be changed overflow tube from the hot coolant in the prior. Thought is the overflow tank when the engine is at minimum heater is not quite a rolling laptop, it. Degrees up to the radiator is bad, it ’ s cooling system and see if there is bubbles... I hope its not the HG but i 'm guessing t state hopefully coolant contracts creating a vacuum.