Coolant leak, reservoir 5 cups of collar low
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From: North Wales, PA. USA
Coolant leak, reservoir 5 cups of coolant low
Low coolant, no warning ⚠️
So here’s the skinny, I purchased the car in Oct 18’ with an extended warranty. In Dec. I had the dealership fix the front crank shaft oil seal which was leaking. Drove it home and parked in garage as snow was in the forecast. Smelled coolant and opened the bonnet to investigate. I found both right and left intake tubes to have the clamps so loose they spun around. I called the dealer explained the smell and loose clamps and my concerns about “what else did the mechanic miss”. They advised since they drained the coolant to do the repair the smell could just be residual and it should go away. They also said bring it back and they will go over the car, but understood the weather was going to be bad. So they agreed I could bring it back when the weather breaks as the car was going into storage. I tightened the clamps and put her away.
Fast forward, I drove the car twice since the weather broke with a trip yesterday putting 301 miles on the car since the repair. Parked the car and later found two small puddles of coolant under the car in front of the right front wheel area, and the coolant reservoir very low. No dash warning, but it took 5 cups of coolant to bring back up to full. Started the car and ran with heat on for 15 minutes while searching for leaks. No drop in reservoir volume and No leaks that I can find. Ugh.
Called the dealer, they said bring it in tomorrow, if you have AAA tow it in, or just drive it here (30 miles away).
Questions
1. Should I drive it, and if I get warnings just stop and get it towed from there.
2. What if it’s not a hose, tank or pump leaking and a gasket. Now my mind is playing tricks on me. Ugh
Last edited by Tp10XKR; Mar 19, 2019 at 11:38 AM. Reason: Spelling
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From: North Wales, PA. USA
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From: NY
As an FYI I know with the 5.0L engines that the low coolant sensor is in the bottom of the reserve tank. That being the case you won't see a low coolant warning until the tank is empty. As for driving it to the dealer just fill the tank and carry a gallon of water with you. Maybe stop when you're half way there and check the coolant level. Also if you fill the tank to the top some will puke out when you stop.
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The best descriptive I've ever read! 
But seriously does anyone fill it all the way up? Was taught when I first learnt to drive (37yrs ago) never to fill it and leave room for expansion.
But seriously does anyone fill it all the way up? Was taught when I first learnt to drive (37yrs ago) never to fill it and leave room for expansion.
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I was just saying if the level went down on the 30 mile trip to the dealer just dump in more water and don't worry about how much . Just make sure the tank is full. Also as you see the above picture of the tank the full level is at the little "bridge" line near the top of the tank. Most cars just have a Min and Max line.
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When I had my water pump replaced, I checked the level the next morning and it was all the way to the top. I sucked some out with a syringe and brought it to the max line. A couple of days later, I checked it and it was at the low line. Damn it! I replaced the coolant to the Max line. It hasn't moved since. I guess they over fill to account for air they couldn't get out. And from my experience, they are pretty good at estimating it!
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Filled the reservoir last night. This morning new puddle on garage floor. Drove to dealer and car had strong coolant odor. So now it’s in their hands. Fingers crossed !
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To bring this capper to an end, the dealer called and advised the lower coolant hose is bad and needs to be replaced which is leaking. The bad is it’s not covered under the ext warranty. The good is they are doing the repair for free.
And because im sinister I’m sure they should have caught this problem when doing the oil leak since they took the hoses off, and tried to short cut and minimize their cost. Which bite them in the butt.
I don't care, I drove a new XE all day for free ( very poor quality inside) IMO. and the start/stop shutters the whole car horrible....at least at the rental grade level these cars are 🤢
And because im sinister I’m sure they should have caught this problem when doing the oil leak since they took the hoses off, and tried to short cut and minimize their cost. Which bite them in the butt.
I don't care, I drove a new XE all day for free ( very poor quality inside) IMO. and the start/stop shutters the whole car horrible....at least at the rental grade level these cars are 🤢
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