I was driving my wife's 2005 S-Type, and was heading home from running some errands. Everthing was fine, I was about a mile and a half from home, and needed to pass a truck, so I floored it, and I saw white smoke coming from my exhaust and then the low coolent light came on. When I got home, the coolent was leaking pretty good and I noticed that I had a trail all the way up my street to my house. I'm not sure what my next step should be - I'm a little afraid of starting it - wasn't sure if I could just put water in the radiator or not. I know I'll need to take to a repairman, but was hoping to get some information before I do that. Guess I should mention that this is 4.2 eight cyclinder engine with 36000 miles on it.

 

Welcome to the forum waltcw,

I've moved your question from Jaguar Forums Feedback & Suggestion Center to S-Type forum. Members here with the same model will be able to help.

When you get a minute, please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham

 

Chances are, your coolant recovery tank is empty. This is a sealed system, so this is where the coolant needs to be added. I just went through through this 3 months ago. It was the water pump, in my case. Check your hoses, especially where the thermostat inlet is, as this was replaced in my car as well. Next, get a pressure test done - it identified the leak in 2 minutes.

Also, check your oil dipstick and make sure it doesn't smell like coolant. At such low mileage, I'd hate to think that you blew a head gasket (coolant in the oil is a symptom).

You didn't mention if the car went into "limp home" mode. You should be able to add coolant to that recovery tank - and if close enough, drive to that repair shop to at least get that pressure test done.

 

Finally took it to my mechanic (we had a lot of snow last 4 weeks so waited for that to be done with before dealing with this) and it turns out it was just a hose that split on me, so I guess I got off lucky (this time). Thanks.

 

Thanks for the update. Good result!