What Coolant

[belsbus]

Sorry I expect that this is a really basic question

My Haydn coolant alarm went off today I had a look under the bonnet and the coolant level is between Full and low. I have been running the car since May and have done some long journeys and I must admit have not checked the coolant level for a while. I am hoping it just needs topping up and that there is not a leak......but what do I top it up with?

sorry to be thick

Hope someone can advise

Thanks
Bel

[francophile1947]

The same as what is in there or, as it's such a small amount, just half a cup of water.
If you suspect it may be the original Japanese antifreeze, you'd be better draining it and flushing the cooling system - some antifreezes don't mix with the Japanese stuff and can block the system.

[dvisor]

I think I'm right in saying that the alarm may also go off if the mix is too weak?

[belsbus]

Hi,

Thanks, the coolant was changed before I bought it so I dont think that its the Japanese stuff, will try the water treatment and check it after I've driven it to make sure its not dropping rapidly. i will check on the type of antifreee with a garage i bought it from.

Thanks for the reply

Bel

[haydn callow]

The alarm won't actually go off if the coolant is weak but it may have a "extra" long test beep/flash and it may also "stutter" a bit untill warmed up.

[teddy]

I just collected my Bongo a few days ago and the dealer had put in an coolant alarm but I dont know what make but he told us that it will be set off if the concentration is too weak.

[haydn callow]

Don't rely on that Teddy......If you had just plain water in then o.k....it would do all sorts of funny things...But if the antifreeze mix dropped to say 20% from the 30% plus you have in there you probably would just get a slightly longer "test beep/flash.

[rita]

Hi,

Thanks, the coolant was changed before I bought it so I dont think that its the Japanese stuff, will try the water treatment and check it after I've driven it to make sure its not dropping rapidly. i will check on the type of antifreee with a garage i bought it from.

Thanks for the reply

Bel

e

Hi,check that the screw connections on the header tank are tight.

[haydn callow]

Hi,

Thanks, the coolant was changed before I bought it so I dont think that its the Japanese stuff, will try the water treatment and check it after I've driven it to make sure its not dropping rapidly. i will check on the type of antifreee with a garage i bought it from.

Thanks for the reply

Bel

e

Hi,check that the screw connections on the header tank are tight.

They won't leak and if they were loose the alarm would be "stuttering"

The alarm worked as it should and gave due warning.

[rita]

Hi,

Thanks, the coolant was changed before I bought it so I dont think that its the Japanese stuff, will try the water treatment and check it after I've driven it to make sure its not dropping rapidly. i will check on the type of antifreee with a garage i bought it from.

Thanks for the reply

Bel

e

Hi,check that the screw connections on the header tank are tight.

They won't leak and if they were loose the alarm would be "stuttering"

The alarm worked as it should and gave due warning.

Hi,
I cant understand why the alarm triggered when (quote)coolant level is between Full and low.

[haydn callow]

Thanks, the coolant was changed before I bought it so I dont think that its the Japanese stuff, will try the water treatment and check it after I've driven it to make sure its not dropping rapidly. i will check on the type of antifreee with a garage i bought it from.
Thanks for the reply
Bel

Hi, check that the screw connections on the header tank are tight.
They won't leak and if they were loose the alarm would be "stuttering"
The alarm worked as it should and gave due warning.

Hi, I cant understand why the alarm triggered when (quote)coolant level is between Full and low.

Because...if the alarm was fitted as per the template provided in the kit.....the coolant sensor should be half way between Full and Low.....when you go uphill or perhaps round a R'bout this would leave the sensor out of coolant and trigger the alarm as designed.

[Sluggy]

Hi Haydn, sorry to butt in on this thread guys but my coolant alarm seems to have been playing up a bit recently. It has an extra extra long beep when cold, in fact it lasts for upto 5 minutes, very loud. I had the coolant changed at the beggining of summer at wheelquick and we've probably done no more than 1500 miles since... is this a problem with the strength of mixture?

[haydn callow]

I doubt it is a problem with the coolant mix.
It could be the level has dropped to just a "smidge" below the sensor and it takes 5 mins to heat up/expand enough to cover it.
Check that first ....Make sure you are on the Full line cold.
Then report back.

[Sluggy]

bob on! it was a little low. I still had a slight whine that happened for about 5 minutes mid journey today which seems to be affected by the electrics eg it pulses when the indicators are on (dying as the light flashes on but coming back when it is off) or I can stop the whine temporarily by putting the rear heated window on. this is a problem I've had varying in intensity since it was fitted. it did subside for about 3 or 4 wks after the coolant was changed but this seems like a very short time to loose concentration?

thanks for the help Haydn

[haydn callow]

It would be interesting to know where the "switched live" feed for the alarm has been taken from......I would move it (try the back of the ciggy lighter socket)....or...could your battery be on the way out....
Clever things these alarms....they detect all sorts of problems....One thing for sure....There is nothing wrong with the alarm itself....