Low coolant level

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Sep 13, 2007 | 09:33 AM

s eight

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Joined: Nov 2002

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Low coolant level

last night temp went way up while driving home and warning light came. will low coolant level cause this or can it be more serious?
where can I purchsde the Audi coolant from?
Thanks

Sep 13, 2007 | 09:38 AM

saabSean

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Re: Low coolant level

Which warning light went off? The low coolant warning?

If it is low coolant, then yes, you can overheat. My low coolant problem went away after my shop swapped out the cap on the coolant tank.

Sep 13, 2007 | 10:05 AM

4Driver4

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No.

Low coolant will trigger the light, but if the gauge went all the way up you have other problems. I hope you didn't drive far like that.

I'd start with a new coolant temp sensor.

Sep 13, 2007 | 12:12 PM

SNAFU 4

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First... what car and engine? Also...a few thoughts:

If you are low enough on coolant to trigger a light... then you do have another problem. That much coolant should not just vanish, more than likely you have a leak somewhere. Check the overflow tank first. I actually had to have my radiator replaced (under warranty thankfully) for a small leak.
Also, if the gauge shoots way up it could be the sensor, or it could be you frying the engine. Stop, don't drive and inspect.
You could get the coolant from Audi or VW... water will work fine in a pinch (if you plan on flushing anyway).
Also, definitely elaborate on which warning light (low coolant or high temp) and what was your water and oil temp at during that time....

Sep 13, 2007 | 12:39 PM

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

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Good points. Coolant = G12+, mix with distilled water. If you are losing coolant inside the engine

then this is a serious issue and can kill the engine in short order due to sludge formation. You can usually smell the coolant if it is leaking outside the engine and onto a hot surface. Expansion tanks will leak sooner or later and they are relatively cheap to replace.