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Hi all. When the car is cold and it starts up first time in the morning I get the the coolant message below. When I check the coolant level I see it is below. This is the first time this is showing since 2012. It's a 2009 model. The message doesn't show up again after the car has been driven 2-4 hours earlier.
Should I have Audi service check it out or add enough coolant so it covers the MIN sign (second screenshot)?
I would bring it up halfway between min and max and see how it goes. My 3.6 sprang a coolant leak a while back. It was really slow but eventually left drips on the ground. If the level goes down without any drips, something like a blown head gasket could be on the list of suspects. Use the correct G12+ or G13 coolant.
So, nothing wrong with buying the premix 50/50, but you can buy the full strength, undiluted for few dollars more, and that will mix /dilute down into multiple gallons of coolant, and when chasing a leak or just maintaining a slow leak, you don't want to keep running to the store and popping off more dead presidents for the convenience of them diluting your coolant, or do you?
Also, you don't ever want to take your car to Audi dealer unless it's under warranty, or you own your own private island. If you don't DIY, then locate a good independent mechanic who knows German cars/Audis. Anything you do will cost about half of what the dealer charges for labor.
Your car is old enough there could be a number of possibilities as to the leak source, whether it be a cracked fitting, hose, connect pipe,coupler, etc. If it's under the hood, you should be able to smell coolant, especially if it's dripping down onto the engine cases and then evaporating off the hot cases. I'd start by topping it off so the max is just covered over by coolant, giving you an easy reference point. Check it regularly cold for a few days after filling to be sure no air was trapped/released and top it off to same level point as needed, then monitor less frequently, etc., and see what happens with the reservoir level. On mine, i can roll the window down and catch the scent of coolant, but inside the car you get absolutely nothing with the windows closed up tight, not a whiff. Sniff at the hood seams while it's running, or turn off and lift hood and breathe in...is that the sweet, sickly smell of coolant methinks?
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Low coolant level (2009 Q7 3.6L)
