Last posted on here end June just before we went on holiday to the French Alps with our brand new Octavia TDi 140 having received some very helpful advice from forum members re the DPF warning light coming on which had worried us.

The journey in the Octavia was great - really relaxed - despite a blow-out due to a nail in a tyre on the way down. Fortunately we had come off the motorway and husband was able to change it and local garage then repaired it for 23E.

Tip from Peter re the tolls tag was great - we gained time at each toll as didn't have to slow down to pay and also felt smug as we sailed past the pay queues !

Unfortunately I am back with another issue and hoping members can help again. The coolant warning light came on on Monday and when we checked the level of the coolant it was significantly down. Car seemed to be running fine up to that point. We haven't noticed any puddles under the car so no initial evidence of leakage and not sure where it has all gone.

Husband insisted Skoda assist towed car to Skoda main dealer so it hasn't been driven at all since the light came on. Its now with the garage. Rang them this morning and they seem at a bit of a loss - have had initial look but can't find anything obvious as to where coolant has gone but confirm levels are right down especially in the "header" ? (not sure I've remembered that right).

Has anyone had a similar issue please especially recently with a new Octavia or any ideas as to what it might be ? Very upset as really enjoying the car !

I am sure there have been posts previously where the header tank (the plastic reservoir you see the level in) itself had a very small leak so when under pressure it would very slowly lose coolant.

The other thing is - was the lid on it tight? If not, the coolant will evaporate when hot causing a drop in level.

Otherwise it is a slow leak, head gasket or porous/faulty cylinder head. I doubt the last 2 on a new car though.

Dealers can pressure test a system to check for leaks.

or could be the radiator. All it needs is a small stone hitting it at speed and you have a small undectable leak that over time will cause the same issues.

K-Seal will sort a slow radiator leak out - I know private rally teams that put it in as standard before they get a leak!

There are a few possible causes, EGR cooler is one of them and there are some reports of casting faults in the cylinder head. Dealers have information on both of these concerns and how to check them.

My last Octavia 09 plate did the same at about 1 week old. Turned out to be a leaking pump or so garage told me.

Since that happened another one of our fleet cars did the same, possible a common-ish fault.

They also replaced the timing belt as coolant got onto it and could have destroyed it over time.

Yes there was/is a bulletin for leaking pumps in a fairly small chassis range, seen a couple but not for a while. It's quite obvious though when inspected.

If the Octy is circa 2005 to 2008 then it could be the EGR or at the worst a porous cylinder head. If it is the head I really do hope you have warranty cover or get a significant goodwill contribution because that would be a BIG bill. I had an Audi A3 which had to have a new head (which completely solved the problem) but relieved me of £2000. That was mates rates - the head was over £1000 plus VAT on its own. This is the reason I wont buy a VAG 2.0 TDI ever again. Sorry, grumble over, I hope you are lucky and its just a cracked header tank or a loose pipe!

He's already said the car is a new CR140 so he will be covered by warranty.

Hi, I have just got my VRS back from the garage today with the same problem. It turned out to be a coolant pipe which runs infront of the cambelt cover. It had a small hole on the underside of the pipe. Which explained the lose of coolant in the header bottle.

The pipe was cheap but the labour is not due to the turbo needed to be removed to replace pipe as it runs behind the engine and the pipe will not fit on with the turbo fitted.

Thanks very much all for helpful responses. I haven't heard back from the garage so will be calling them tomorrow and checking they have considered the possibilities suggested. I am hoping whatever is wrong is covered by the warranty since its new and we've only had it about six weeks.

Darren - following on from Silvergamer's post did any coolant get on to the timing belt itself ?

Hi,

When it was leaking no as it was dripping to the left side of the pipe which is the opposite side of the cambelt. When it was taken appart at the garage I think they drained it first as I carn't see anything wet on or around the cambelt side of the cover.

The garage I go to are very good (Skoda approved).I took my other octavia's there before I got the VRS and I do trust them with the my car. I have never had any problems using them.

Hope you get your sorted.

Not been on here for a while as new Octavia is behaving itself ! Thank you Darren for response. We do wonder whether the reservoir cap just wasn't on properly originally but so far so good.