-2C this morning. Started engine on my Octy 1VRS and left idling while put tools in the back, about 4mins. Got in coolant light was flashing. Hadn't seen that one before! Switched off engine as thought might be lack on coolant. Up the bonnet,took off expansion chamber, top stuck finger in, water luke warm.

Started engine light gone. Manual not much help! It says if you have info display, I don't, then if it does not go off or flashes when driving temp is to high or lack of coolant!

Coolant level OK. No other warning lights after 16 miles driving!!

Anyone any idea if I have a problem.

It hasn't happened before as it was always garaged until June'07.

Expect a few comments from our Northern friends about soft Southerners!!

A very common happening, especially when it gets colder. You could try cleaning the tank (I find that wheel acid usually does a good job), or replacing it, I recall that they are not very expensive.

Thanks for that, but coolant tank is clean and car is just over 3 years old.

dealer tried changing sensor on my 02 octavia but has just had to change tank. sender is in tank. was intermittent now ok. not dear easy to fit.

Cheers. Never thought of that!

It's suposed to be -4 tonight so will have another look in the morning if still happening will have a look at sensor.

There are two metal prongs in the tank, when they are immersed in coolant the circuit is complete and the light is off, if there is a break in the circuit the light is activated. If the prongs have deposits on them the resistance between them increases and cause a false alarm coolant light.

You got 2 options, scrape the prongs with something. Or fit a new bottle which are about £10. The scraping sometimes works, if not the fitting is simple, remove the old one held in by screws. Have a look at how the pipe is on there, then replace as you see the old one.

I did it and I have no mechanical skills what so ever.

HTH