Coolant Levels (LT-1)
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 121
Likes: 24
From: Tucson, AZ
Coolant Levels (LT-1)
Wondering what our cars think "low coolant level" is relative to the amount of coolant in the recovery tank, because I just checked it and its empty, but the high fill tank is brimming full. I suppose I don't check it as regularly as I ought to, but I've never had a sign of a leak or any temperature problems whatsoever.
Earlier this year I did the opti and had the coolant flushed, but I can't say I ever really knew what level it was at immediately following picking it from the shop.
Car stays cool just fine, warms up further without the fans always-on with the AC just like normal.
Really just need to know if I can top it off like usual, or if these cars prefer to have a homogenous mix of product type in the system and I need a flush and refill.
Now that I think about it, I suppose it's due for a new radiator... all original after 30 years in Arizona.
Earlier this year I did the opti and had the coolant flushed, but I can't say I ever really knew what level it was at immediately following picking it from the shop.
Car stays cool just fine, warms up further without the fans always-on with the AC just like normal.Really just need to know if I can top it off like usual, or if these cars prefer to have a homogenous mix of product type in the system and I need a flush and refill.
Now that I think about it, I suppose it's due for a new radiator... all original after 30 years in Arizona.
Last edited by b_willmon_; Nov 1, 2024 at 02:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 121
Likes: 24
From: Tucson, AZ
Edit : as always I find more information on the forum /after/ I make a similar posting 
Seems like I might just have a clogged line somewhere and the tanks aren't exchanging properly? I guess since there's no indication of overheating it's - fine? At least until the next time I take it to the mechanic's?
Seems like I might just have a clogged line somewhere and the tanks aren't exchanging properly? I guess since there's no indication of overheating it's - fine? At least until the next time I take it to the mechanic's?
Last edited by b_willmon_; Nov 1, 2024 at 04:23 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The hi-fill tank should remain full to the brim when checked cold. It should pull coolant from the overflow reservoir as needed. I maintain about an 1-1/2 to 2-1/2" of coolant in the front reservoir.
The LOW COOLANT 'sensor' (I think it is actually a float switch) is in the hi-fill tank.
The LOW COOLANT 'sensor' (I think it is actually a float switch) is in the hi-fill tank.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 121
Likes: 24
From: Tucson, AZ
Interesting. 3.5 gallons went in when the opti was done, so there's clearly a leak somewhere - the engine bay smells sweet on occasion like it's burning, but there's no distinguishable note in the exhaust nor any smoke.
Did more homework and now I know what coolant colors mean! Got the green and I'll top it off this weekend.
Did more homework and now I know what coolant colors mean! Got the green and I'll top it off this weekend.
