Coolant warning light

Russ · « **on:** January 03, 2009, 08:14:54 PM »

So sometimes when I start the engine in my Jetta cold (and particularly when it's cold outside too) my coolant warning light will flash, accompanied by a few short beeps. If I shut the car off after it's warmed up and start it up again, I get no such coolant warning.

I've checked the coolant level and it's not low at all, it's perfect. Additionally my temps stay in operating range when I'm driving too. Do I have a sensor going bad maybe?

Speaking of coolant, if it were low where would I get some more? It's pink, I know that, and on the side of the container it indicates i should use G12. I'm assuming it's not alright to fill it with generic "mix with anything" coolant from the auto parts store, correct?

The engine, btw, is just a 2.0L 4cyl.

dubtech · « **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2009, 01:14:22 PM »

Russ, that's a pretty common problem. You can try scraping the electrodes in the coolant reservoir with a flat blade screwdriver to clean them off but if that doesn't resolve the problem then replace the reservoir.

In rare cases the coolant will leak past the plug for the sensor and the pressure from the cooling system will force coolant into the wiring harness leading to a condition called "coolant migration". I've seen a few (as in 5 or so) cars do it over the years and it's pretty odd to see the electrical connector on the back of the instrument cluster leaking coolant. I seriously doubt you have this problem but I always look for it when cars come in with the coolant light flashing.

And yes, you should only use G12. Not Dexcool, not universal, only G12.

Russ · « **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2009, 11:28:16 PM »

Thanks for the tip, I will try scraping the sensor. If it comes down to reservoir replacement, about how much will that cost?

And where can I buy G12, just to have some on hand if I need get low? Does the dealer sell it?

travisyoung · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2009, 06:59:12 AM »

Yes, the best place to get the coolant is the dealer and we should have the resevoir in stock, about 30 is a guess

Russ · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2009, 06:18:15 PM »

Hey, I meant to follow up and say thanks for the help. I did take a flat blade screwdriver and scrape the electrodes (they did not look all that cruddy though). Since then my warning light hasn't come on since.

Thanks!

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Topic: Coolant warning light - 2003 Jetta (Read 2737 times)

Russ

Coolant warning light - 2003 Jetta

dubtech

Coolant warning light - 2003 Jetta

Russ

Coolant warning light - 2003 Jetta

travisyoung

Coolant warning light - 2003 Jetta

Russ

Coolant warning light - 2003 Jetta

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