Losing coolant
03-04-2008, 02:32 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,531
Losing coolant
Hi, I got my car 2 weeks ago. I week ago I checked the fluids and coolant was below minimum, so I filled it to the full line.
I checked it today after 700km of highway, and it's below the minimum line again ?!?
What could be causing coolant loss like that? doesnt seem to be dropping under the car.
I think I got a coolant smell when driving, not sure.
And another question, when I turn on the front defogger, it turns on AC to dehumidify, but it blows cool air even though the temp is set to 73-74. Normal?
Thx
I checked it today after 700km of highway, and it's below the minimum line again ?!?
What could be causing coolant loss like that? doesnt seem to be dropping under the car.
I think I got a coolant smell when driving, not sure.
And another question, when I turn on the front defogger, it turns on AC to dehumidify, but it blows cool air even though the temp is set to 73-74. Normal?
Thx
03-04-2008, 07:59 PM
#6
Wink. I'll do the rest.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Coral Springs, FL
Posts: 860
Hi, I got my car 2 weeks ago. I week ago I checked the fluids and coolant was below minimum, so I filled it to the full line.
I checked it today after 700km of highway, and it's below the minimum line again ?!?
What could be causing coolant loss like that? doesnt seem to be dropping under the car.
I think I got a coolant smell when driving, not sure.
And another question, when I turn on the front defogger, it turns on AC to dehumidify, but it blows cool air even though the temp is set to 73-74. Normal?
Thx
I checked it today after 700km of highway, and it's below the minimum line again ?!?
What could be causing coolant loss like that? doesnt seem to be dropping under the car.
I think I got a coolant smell when driving, not sure.
And another question, when I turn on the front defogger, it turns on AC to dehumidify, but it blows cool air even though the temp is set to 73-74. Normal?
Thx
Dude - look into my eyes and tell me. Are you really having all these issues? or you just playing with us?
03-05-2008, 02:04 AM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
Posts: 8,143
Kryogen - Sorry about your coolant leak. That is something that is going to have to be fixed. I assume there are places (maybe the dealer) who have a way to find where the leak is (maybe by applying pressure?).
As to your HVAC system putting out cool air whenever your windshield defroster is on, I have found the 'conversion point' where it switches to warm air when defrosting is between 76 and 78 degrees on my Maxima. Yours is probably the same. Since it is very consistent with this cutoff point, I have grown used to it, and have no problem with it.
As to your HVAC system putting out cool air whenever your windshield defroster is on, I have found the 'conversion point' where it switches to warm air when defrosting is between 76 and 78 degrees on my Maxima. Yours is probably the same. Since it is very consistent with this cutoff point, I have grown used to it, and have no problem with it.
03-05-2008, 10:00 AM
#8
Had an Altima that was losing coolant in the overflow, it was leaking out slowly but not leaving a puddle on the ground, the radiator was fine and always full so I never questioned it, problem started at around 20k, probably put another 60k on the car and traded it in
03-07-2008, 07:48 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 1,994
Glad the answer was this simple.
In my Dodge pickup truck I had a slow anti-freeze leak into the motor oil. I only found it because I sent in an oil sample to be tested. The old oil was just fine, but they found the anti-freeze in the oil. Turns out that both heads had small cracks around the holes for the bolts that bolt the head to the block. While head gaskets have been known to leak, this crack problem is probably more prevalent.
Bottom line: Get you old (just drained) motor oil into the lab for a test. This test will tell you if you have anti-freeze in the oil and also how much life remains in the oil that you are throwing away. The test is definitely worth the small cost.
In my Dodge pickup truck I had a slow anti-freeze leak into the motor oil. I only found it because I sent in an oil sample to be tested. The old oil was just fine, but they found the anti-freeze in the oil. Turns out that both heads had small cracks around the holes for the bolts that bolt the head to the block. While head gaskets have been known to leak, this crack problem is probably more prevalent.
Bottom line: Get you old (just drained) motor oil into the lab for a test. This test will tell you if you have anti-freeze in the oil and also how much life remains in the oil that you are throwing away. The test is definitely worth the small cost.
03-08-2008, 05:27 AM
#17
Wink. I'll do the rest.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Coral Springs, FL
Posts: 860
Here is an example. Let's just say you have a question regarding how often you should change the car's oil.
"Guys, how often should I change my car's oil"?
OR
"Guys, I know that the ""MANUAL""" says I need to change my car's oil at xxxx miles, what do you think? What have you guys been doing?"
Which one do you think sound best and will get you the most reply?
Also - you may want to try using this when opening your threads "Guys, I know this question may sound stupid, BUT......."
I haven't been in this forum for very long, but I have found that the people here are for the most part friendly, you just have to word your questions intelligently.
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