I recently bought a 2006 XK8 convertible in exceptional condition. I've read a lot on the forum about the low coolant warning light. It has gone on twice, and gone off shortly afterward. It's been a long time since I've done any work on my cars, not really since helping rebuild the engine in a '67 VW in the '70s, so some of my questions on the forum may be very basic since I don't yet have an owner's handbook.

--How do I check the coolant level and where should the level be?

--I haven't seen any signs of leaks under the car, but should I avoid driving it if the light comes on?

Thanks for being patient with a guy who loves this car and understands it's going to be a long learning process for us to get to know each other.

 

Welcome to the forums mwj1971,

First determine whether the vehicle is actually losing coolant by checking the Expansion Tank level with a cold engine. It should be up to the base of the filler neck.



The usual cause of the light coming on intermittently is a faulty level sensor.

Graham

 

You are seriously, probably only a cup or two low. (u.s. standard, don't lnow the metric equivilent.

 

Level should be at bottom of neck. When it starts getting low, you will see intermittent warnings triggered by angle of car or cars momentum's influence.

Since you're new, first welcome, next I want to be sure you know about the dangers of mixing types of coolant. Certain brands outside the list of compatible brands can collagulate causing blockages.

Partner if I could remember the specs I'd list it for you. If you can do a search it should be easy to find. Maybe someone who remembers will read this and advise you.

Typically when the light comes on, it's either a leak or a defective monitor switch inside the brown tank. As stated above, if shes full and you get a light, then faulty float inside tank. Ttytt I wouldn't expect an intermittent light if = defective float, but I could be wrong. Maybe someone with that condition could comment.

John

 

Thanks, John. I've added about 8 ounces of 50-50 coolant twice now in about 200 miles, so there's clearly a leak somewhere and not just a faulty sensor or monitor inside the tank. Anyway, I have an appointment with my local mechanic on Tuesday. I got the coolant specs from some other posts and the type was confirmed on the tank cap. I've seen the very clear warning on a bunch of threads about not mixing types of coolant, so I paid close attention to that.

Very excited about this car; so incredibly fun to drive.

 

Well,

The coolant system is complicated and there are lots of places for leaks. Best have a good look about and squeeze hoses to check if they have gone bad.

Common problems are
1. Short hose at top of Thermostat tower
2. Crossover multi- connection underneath the above) connecting to thermostat
3. Water pump gasket
4. Cabin heater pipes “in the valley” (hard to see)
5. The dreaded octopus (at firewall- really hard to see)
6. Easiest one - plastic tank bottom seams cracked
7. Of course radiator may be damaged

At the age of our car, it’s not uncommon to DIY overhaul the coolant hoses all at the same time, at the front of the engine. The valley hoses and rear stuff is more challenging but DIY-able if you’re good with wrenches.

Parts are relatively cheap but this work is labour intensive, so a professional garage quote won’t be cheap.

 

Check out this recent thread
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...hg-1-a-222581/