Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone had experienced a similar problem - every couple of months, my coolant alarm flashes when starting the car

from cold (once warmed up slightly, it doesn't do it). Checking the coolant level when cold, undo the expansion tank cap and the level

shoots back up again (sometimes back to where I last filled it, sometimes not).

Been chatting and looking on the forum and was concerned it might be the head gasket, but I have no 'mayo' on the oil filler cap

and the coolant is still a lovely clear pink colour so can't be sure it is this.

Cheers.

It can be one of several things.

Coolant bottle and cap £15 and worth trying first as it's a cheap fix.

Faulty thermostat

Leaking thermo switch for fans on radiator.

If it only loses coolant after high speed runs, likely to be head gasket. Have coolant checked for combustion gases.

Another easy check, unscrew coolant cap after a long run, but after the engine has cooled completely (over night). If there is pressure in the header tanks, it is the head gasket.

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone had experienced a similar problem - every couple of months, my coolant alarm flashes when starting the car

from cold (once warmed up slightly, it doesn't do it). Checking the coolant level when cold, undo the expansion tank cap and the level

shoots back up again (sometimes back to where I last filled it, sometimes not).

Been chatting and looking on the forum and was concerned it might be the head gasket, but I have no 'mayo' on the oil filler cap

and the coolant is still a lovely clear pink colour so can't be sure it is this.

Cheers.

Had the exact same proplem as you, could not find the leak anyhow I gave up guessing and went to my Skoda tech who found a very small water trail coming from the bottom of the rad near the bottom pipe. The thing was this leak was not showing tell tale signs of leaving water on the drve when parked overnight. Rad replaced and everything back to normal.If you live anywhere near Leeds I can pass on his number and he can check if its the same problem.

Another easy check, unscrew coolant cap after a long run, but after the engine has cooled completely (over night). If there is pressure in the header tanks, it is the head gasket.

Coolant system is designed to pressurise, and the cap to release pressure up to a pre-set pressure. Even if the headgasket leaked and caused excess pressure, I doubt it would remain after 10 hours.

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone had experienced a similar problem - every couple of months, my coolant alarm flashes when starting the car

from cold (once warmed up slightly, it doesn't do it). Checking the coolant level when cold, undo the expansion tank cap and the level

shoots back up again (sometimes back to where I last filled it, sometimes not).

Been chatting and looking on the forum and was concerned it might be the head gasket, but I have no 'mayo' on the oil filler cap

and the coolant is still a lovely clear pink colour so can't be sure it is this.

Cheers.

Had The Same Problem But No Coolant Loss. Took It To Skoda Did A ECU Check Nothing. They Still Have No Idea What The Cause Is

have the exact same problem mate and I point blank refuse to believe its the head gasket in a 60k vag diesel engine,, im starting with the new tank and cap which is on order and arrives tuesday.

Mine was the same, and I found the plastic end cap on the radiator was leaking slightly (passenger side). I only fou d out when I removed the undertray, as it was too slow for it to leave trails on the ground, as per the post above.

Skoda replaced the radiator for a new one for me under my used car warranty.

Thanks for all the replies (sorry about my tardy response - been stupidly busy).

Got in the car Sunday when it was really hot and the coolant alarm was on again - lifted the extremely hot bonnet and the

coolant level was at the maximum mark so now I'm not even sure there is a tiny leak! I'm dubious about the sensor now. Is it built in

to the expansion tank or can I replace it separately? Had a quick look and can see the plug connecting to the top of the tank itself,

then nothing inside due to all the thick plastic. I guess I'll have to crack the Haynes manual out again and get stuck in.

The sensor is part of the tank, a tank costs around £15.

have the exact same problem mate and I point blank refuse to believe its the head gasket in a 60k vag diesel engine,, im starting with the new tank and cap which is on order and arrives tuesday.

Have now replaced tank and cap and still have same problem. The radiator leak seems to be the next step, is there a way I can check this without putting into a garage again ????

Have now replaced tank and cap and still have same problem. The radiator leak seems to be the next step, is there a way I can check this without putting into a garage again ????

Take off undertray, have a look under the car, look for watery or pinky residue trails. The pink coolant has a dye and a leak inhibitor in it. Hence, small leaks will plug up but may then leak under stress.

J.

I have had similar problems. Was going on a long journey last Friday so topped up the coolant. I noticed a small trickle coming out the left side of the tank, it must be around the max level area so not really a major problem. My drive is on a slight incline so it usually shows a warning light, but once on the street I just restart the engine and it doesnt come back on.

After some more investigation / watching over the past few weeks, the level has not changed in the expansion bottle, yet the warning light/alarm

is on almost all the time now, despite the level being over the max mark, so I've ordered a replacement bottle so hopefully it's just the sensor.

Cross fingers !!

Well, it ended up being bad news in the end - head gasket had gone

Was leaking fluid in to the exhaust, so it could of been worse.

Also got a bargain price to fix from a trusted source, Skoda dealer = £1000, local indy = £400