Coolant warning light, Passat 1.9 TDI

[lancspassat]

My coolant warning light has suddenly illuminated, telling me to "STOP" and "consult service manual". I have checked the coolant level and it appears to be OK. I recently had the car serviced (long-life 40K miles) at a "German Car specialist" but probably not a VW approved garage. They were unable to access or to change the service mileage indicator - is that relevant? Is there any obvious reason I am missing, like, for example, can the computer detect if the coolant antifreeze concentration is wrong? I'd appreciate some knowledgeable help. Thanks, John

[MalcQV]

This has just happened to mine. Had it about 2 months and losing faith in German reliability, but then I owned a Honda before which never failed

I was on the motorway and pulled over to the hard shoulder, lifted the bonnet and coolant etc looked in order. The temp gauge had moved right over to the right. After about 5 mins I started the car, the temp gauge read "normal". I pulled out and kept below 40mph. After a couple of miles it did it again.

Managed to limp home. I have noticed the heater (climatronic) will not blow warm air at all regardless to how hot I set it. I took it for a quick run today, temp gauge rose to normal within minutes, the heater never blew warm air.

I am thinking thermostat seized and if it was down to me that is where I would start. However it is under warranty and it is booked into VW on Monday. I will report back....

[MalcQV]

The car is not back from VW yet, but it is the water pump (so far ).

I am pleased (I think) as they offered me a cam belt change (including tensioner) for a fraction of the normal cost as they have to take off the belt to replace the water pump it seems.

The car has done nearly 48k and just coming up for 4 years old. I am told the belt change is either 60k or 4 years, I assume this is correct as I do not have my service book.

[lucycampbell]

Yes - I believe that the current recommendations from VW are 60K or 4 years. Lucky you - getting the cambelt done for free. You might find that the service booklet doesn't actually state these new timing schedules. My service booklet stated 120k and no age and the cambelt split at 70k 4 years and 3 months causing masses of damage to the engine (it was actually a Golf but the recommendations are the same). My VW dealer didn't bother telling me these new recommendations from VW - I think they just expected me to know it !

[lucycampbell]

Sorry - just realised that you have been quoted a fraction of the cost not free. FYI - Mine cost about £2000 which included a new cylinder head. The dealer originally said that the cambelt was £500 on its own.
Good luck !

[stewart27]

just had this happen to me today, very cold this morning though maybe -2 or so, left car at home and got wifey to take me to work but would appreciate some ideas, manual suggests check coolant level or fan fuse, though fan would not have come on anyway at this temp unless the car already knows fuse is gone before the fan is needed. Faulty sensor on header tank is another possibility but would just very cold weather cause a temporary problem?