Morning All,
Jumped in the car this morning and got the 'Coolant Level Low' message on the dashboard. Popped the bonnet and it was just below minimum. The cap was difficult to unscrew and when it did the 2 parts of the cap had separated . Couldn't get the other bit out of the reservoir with my fingers so jumped in my Wife's car and will sort it out later.

Two Questions. Is it common for the coolant to get low? The manual states check every week. I've only had the car just over a month .

Secondly, At work we have an Halfords across the road so can someone recommend the correct coolant to buy and do I need to mix it? I work in I.T. but cars are a mystery to me

Hope I can get the other bit out of the reservoir. Love the car but it seems to be one niggle after another since I bought the car.

Thanks.

The cap splitting happened to me as well but some careful wiggling of the part stuck in the expansion tank and it will come out. The two then clip back together. The coolant you need is the OAT type but without silicates. Comma G30 for example. Ready mixed is ok or concentrated and deionised water 50/50.

As for where the coolant has gone, many reasons but could be normal loss over time. The OAT type tends to find the smallest excuse to escape unlike the old pre OAT type. My car is soon to have the EGR bypassed to see if the coolant loss is via the EGR cooler.

Good luck!

For a one-off top-up of a small amount just use water.

My coolant level never seems to change. Did you check when you got the car, or could it have been low when you got it?

1st time I popped the bonnet since I bought it so I don't know if it was already low.

I'll top it up and keep an eye on it.

Thanks.

Yes the coolant cap is a bit of an odd design, its not fixed to the body it just grips it. Same thing happened to me.

http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic21874.html 
Hung like Einstein, smart as a horse.

Last edited by shiggsy on 2nd Jun 2015 8:39 am. Edited 1 time in total

Tpot
How are you going to do the egr bypass
I have a plate blocking mine 2008 xs
Snorkel
raised axle/gearbox breathers
Mantec tank guard
Cb radio
Blanked EGR
Sump guard
Scratches
Snolkle

The coolant level shouldnt really ever change unless theres a leak or a blown gasket, but the fact the cap had a fault might be the reason, the system could be depressurising which reduces the boiling point and thus could cause the system to lose water when its hot out of the overflow??

Hi cqr,

The mechanic is going to do mine as per Alex's post in

http://www.freel2.com/forum/topic23220.html

I'd do it myself but having no garage and living in North Wales that's a bit awkward. (78mph winds last night)!

Bought 'Halfords OAT Anti-Freeze and Coolant' and will top up when I get home (If I can get the cap off )

Well to get the other bit of the cap out I had to use a pair of needle nose pliers and a lot of force. I'm not convinced this has ever been removed in the 3 years since the car has been made.

Topped up and took out for a run. Checked an hour later and level seems fine and no drips under the car. Also checked the oil cap and dipstick for any milky residue which had none.

Will check again in a few days.