Notices
 
 

  

User Tag List

Thread: A3 Coolant Problem

Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. A3 Coolant Problem 
    #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    england
    Posts
    4
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)
    Hello,

    I wonder if anyone can give me some pointers / advice please ?

    Basically I've recently bought a second hand Audi A3 (51 plate - 66,000 miles) and it's been running fine for the last couple of months, although there was a coolant leak when I bought it so this was fixed as it was due to some problem with the radiator or pump or something (apologies, but I'm not technical as far as cars are concerned!)

    Anyway, I've suddenly noticed oil patches on the driveway so it looks as though there is a problem there.
    Also, the coolant warning light has started coming on the dashboard and the temperature gauge shows 120 once i've been driving for about 10 minutes.

    I've topped up the coolant as it was showing under the minimum, but the next day, the same thing happened.

    What is likely to be the cause of this ?
    Is it serious ?

    I'd appreciate any advice anyone can offer.

    Thank you.
     
    0 0 0
     

  2. Re: A3 Coolant Problem 
    #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    6,322
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)
    Are you sure it is oil,on the driveway and not antifreeze??.If the temp gauge reads 120 degrees the engine is surely over heating,and that could be down to a number of faults,coolant pump,head gasket,thermostat,cooling fan.
     
    0 0 0
     

  3. Re: A3 Coolant Problem 
    #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    england
    Posts
    4
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)
    Thanks Kenney.

    I've had it into the garage and he has pressure tested the car and found no leak !

    There was oil leaking but this was due to the oil cap being missing (I knew this was missing and I had one on order).

    I checked both the oil and coolant before driving it tonight and both are full.

    However, I've just driven it and after about 5 minutes / 3 miles, the coolant light came on and the temperature gauge went up to 120.

    Could the sensor be at fault, or is there definitely something else ?
     
    0 0 0
     

  4. Re: A3 Coolant Problem 
    #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    6,322
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)
    If the engine temperature is in reality 120 degress,then the engine is overheating,and the fact you are loosing coolant,does also suggest it is overheating.The normal procedure,is first, to check,if there is any signs of exhaust gas in the cooling system,if there isn't,then the next step is to check the thermostat,and then the water cooling pump
     
    0 0 0
     

  5. Re: A3 Coolant Problem 
    #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    england
    Posts
    4
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)
    I don't believe I'm losing coolant now - I think the spots on the driveway were the oil from the missing oil cap.

    I filled it a couple of days ago and the level has remained the same (at least as far as I can tell)

    There doesn't appear to be anything else in with the coolant (it's just a light pink colour)

    How will I know whether the engine is really 120 degrees, or whether a faulty sensor is saying it is, when in fact it's not ?
     
    0 0 0
     

  6. Re: A3 Coolant Problem 
    #6
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    2,901
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)
    Change (or test) the sensor first as its easiest and cheapest. If that dont fix it then you need a new water pump I reckon.
     
    0 0 0
     

  7. Re: A3 Coolant Problem 
    #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    england
    Posts
    4
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)
    Thanks Isaac - how can I check the sensor ?
    Is it something I can do myself, or will I need a garage to do it ?
     
    0 0 0
     

  8. Re: A3 Coolant Problem 
    #8
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    2,901
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)
    You could test its internal resistance at various temperatures, easy if you know what to do.But if your removing it anyway, I would just replace it as they arent expensive.
     
    0 0 0
     

  9. Re: A3 Coolant Problem 
    #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    6,322
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Quoted
    0 Post(s)
    Quote) I've topped up the coolant as it was showing under the minimum, but the next day, the same thing happened.?????????
    Anyway,if the engine is running at 120 degrees you will not be able to touch the coolant hoses,or the top of the radiator,If you can hold your hand on the top radiator hose,for a short peroid,then,the engine is not running at 120 degrees
     
    0 0 0
     

Similar Threads

  1. Please Help A3 TDI turbo problem
    By Paul F in forum Audi A3 - 8P - 2004 - 2012
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: 22-01-2010, 08:17 PM
  2. Please Help Audi A3 (53 plate) 2.0 TDi Emission problem
    By csducks in forum Audi A3 - 8P - 2004 - 2012
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 13-04-2009, 04:31 PM
  3. World Debut For The All New Audi A3 Cabriolet
    By stuart in forum Main Site - News
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 01-12-2007, 06:56 PM
  4. Audi A3 sportback strikes the best balance
    By stuart in forum Main Site - News
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 31-07-2004, 08:36 PM
  5. Unique look for Roomy New Audi A3 Sportback
    By stuart in forum Main Site - News
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 23-06-2004, 10:36 PM
Bookmarks
Bookmarks
Posting Permissions
  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  


 



  


Disclaimer: VW Audi Forum is an "independant enthusiast website", administered in line with guidelines supplied by VAG in the UK, and is in no way related to any of the Worldwide Volkswagen,Audi,Seat,Skoda,Bentley,Bugatti,Porsche or Lamborghini group of Companies. For official up to date information on any of there vehicles, please visit the official websites. Any comments made throughout this website, are the views of the respective poster, and in no way represent the views of the VW Audi Forum Administration, or the worldwide Volkswagen & Audi Group of companies.


VW Audi Forum do not vet and are not responsible for any information which is posted in this forum. All content is viewed and used by you at your own risk and we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information.


Copyright: Certain "words", "phrases" and "Images" used on this website by the Administration are "Copyright" of Volkswagen GB, Volkswagen AG (Germany), Audi GB, Audi AG (Germany), Volkswagen Motorsport GB, Volkswagen Motorsport AG (Germany), Audi Motorsport AG (Germany), Volkswagen Racing GB, Bentley, Bugatti, Porsche and Lamborghini. No image can be replicated by anyone WITHOUT the relevant Companies written permission.


All trademarks and copyrights remain property of their respective owners.

No part of the VW Audi Forum website or forum may be reproduced without written permission from the site administration


PLEASE NOTE - PERSONAL ABUSE, ABUSE AGAINST THIS OR ANY OTHER WEBSITE OR ANY COMPANY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. OFFENDERS WILL BE MODERATED OR EVEN BANNED.


This website and forum are best viewed at a minimum resolution of 1024 by 768.



  



- VW AUDI Forum - The #1 Volkswagen (VW) Group Forum - Volkswagen (VW) - Audi - Seat - Skoda - Bentley - Bugatti - Lamborghini - Porsche - Scania - MAN - Ducatti - VW Audi Forum -


- www.vwaudiforum.co.uk - www.vwaudiforum.co.uk -