Hi All

When cold, I am getting the above warning, but if disappears after about 3 minutes of driving. Does it go away because it corrects itself or because it is only designed to display the warning for so long? The car is a Jaf XF (2010 250X).

 

Did you visually check the coolant level when you get the warning? The message is displayed as long as the float in the expansion tank sinks too low. That is either because the coolant level is really too low, or because the float stopped floating.

Chris

 

I have the same warning. The coolant level looks low. Can anyone confirm that this Orange Prestone is OK to top up with?

 

Yes that is OK.

 

Top up to max when cold. Then keep a very close eye on it. Mine has never lost a drop of coolant in 8+ years aside from when I had a plastic connector starting to fail. You absolutely don't want to overheat the engine - can kill it literally in a minute or less

Sometimes the float fails and it indicates low when it has coolant. Easy swap of header tank. But if you're actually loosing coolant then find out where quickly before it gets worse

 

Sorry for the late reply, so the coolant is very low. Before I hit the panic button and replace the tank I want to fill it to max (when cool) and see if it disappears. I've only had the car a few months so I don't know it's history so thought to see if it loses it quickly or not once re-filled.

Can someone link me an ideal coolant to buy online, it seems a bit of a minefield for the uninitiated and I want to make sure I buy the right stuff. Ideally I want it ready to pour, not having to mix it with Distilled water or whatever.

Thank you

 

If the level is low then it’s probably not the expansion tank's fault. As Britcars mentioned these cars hold the coolant very well if everything is as it should be.

You did not mention what engine you have, but you may be looking at a coolant loss like the Y-pipes in the engine's v-alley. Coolant loss there is slow, spilled coolant will dry out or stay in the V-alley - and the car's napkins do the rest to prevent any wet warning signs under the car. At some point these pipes will pop up resulting in a catastrophic coolant loss killing you engine in no time.

As for the coolant type – anything that meets the ASTM D3306 spec should work. For now you could even just top up with water to see if you loose coolant again.

Chris

 

Q: If tpms also acts up along with or around the coolant warning - check battery in fob. Fob, tpms, coolant sensor possibly use same frequency. Mine cleared up.

 

Coolant sensor is NOT using any frequencies, its connected directly to the wiring loom.
Chris