AGAIN.

3rd time the light has come on now in 2 weeks. Each time the engine coolant level has fallen to minimum, have had to revert to putting water in for the moment until it's service.

What could be wrong, I know it's not a dodgy sensor now as it is definately dropping, is putting water in making it drop so quickly?

Well, if its going in, and dropping, it must be leaking out somewhere. Might be worth running the car, then getting in under it at the front to see if there's any drips, particularly around the radiator and its pipework.

It usually only leaks out when engine is running and the coolant is under pressure.

Thanks, it should be under warranty anyway, the question is...

Will it be ok to just use water for until the 10/03 when it's service is due? At the moment it's just dillute engine coolant, but soon there is only going to be water and no engine coolant oil left.

Will it be ok to just use water for until the 10/03 when it's service is due? At the moment it's just dillute engine coolant, but soon there is only going to be water and no engine coolant oil left.

In the weather we're having at the moment, you're definitely going to want some anti-freeze in there I would have thought or it could get expensive!

Chris

Hellfire: I had a similar problem last week. One of the heater return hoses running from the bulkhead to the engine block developed a pinhole near a hose clip that squirted a fine spray of coolant out when under pressure. Over time the level dropped to the point where the alarm sounded (loud, isn't it?). A pinhole or 1/4" tear in a hose with a tight bend in it can be very difficult to spot.

I'll pick some up from my parents tonight then

Get the dealer to do it under warranty, no sense in taking any chances

Mike, it's in for it's service on the 10/03 so I might aswell wait until then, I reported it to them today so it will be added to the job sheet "to do list".

I am also picking up some coolant from my parents tonight aswell just to keep it topped up until it's fixed.

Whats the difference between blue and pink engine coolant?

I just got asked which one I wanted by ASK in Leeds, I didn't know. I think the vRS has pink engine coolant but I could be mistaken?

I'm 100% sure mine is pink

My 2002 Octavia 4X4 has pink coolant - ie G12 Coolant additive. G12 has now been replaced by G12+ which is more purple than red. G12+ can be mixed with cars using blue coolant (G11) used in pre 1997 cars. However blue (G11) coolant MUST NOT be mixed with G12 or G12+ coolant in any post 1997 car as it clogs up the heater matrix and may corrode aluminium parts.

So, to quote Lummox:

If its red, use G12+

If its blue, use G12+.

If you have any G12 left over, like I have, that is safe to mix with G12+.

Spot on Denis

Also dont do what one of our customers did and top up your PAS fluid with ATF fluid (red dextron 2/3) that gets rather expensive.