Low coolant warning

[MrJollygood]

Just went to leave the office and driving across the carpark I got the red low coolant warning light. Stopped immediately, opened bonnet and the coolant level is very low.  No obvious leaks or loose pipes or anything like that. I've left the cap off incase it's a pressure issue (?) but the coolant is about an inch below the min mark - odd that the warning light only just came on?!

I'm booked in for a service next week so will get it checked over but for now am I safe to drive on (I can still see pink coolant so I imagine there is still a few litres in the system) or should I try and find some distilled water and coolant and top it up - there's a garage 15min walk away. Is it G13?

Greig

[fredgroves]

It will have been triggered because of the temperature. It was already just above the min level then tonight's cold will contract it more to below the sensor. If you drive, you will find later that the warning light goes out... It does need a top up but don't worry too much. Mine did this a few times recently before I got around to topping it up... With a tiny amount to bring it back to the correct level... My opinion is that that much fluid will hardly have been make or break. The warning is set very early to prevent serious trouble.

[MrJollygood]

Thanks Fred - it's quite far below the min level but as I said I can still see fluid so I assume there's still plenty in the system. It is bloody freezing here tonight!

[fredgroves]

Exactly the same as mine was then the other week. I did drive round looking at the engine temp gauge but it wasn't any higher than normal. When I stopped, went and did some work for an hour and came back to the car (ie let it all shutdown), the warning didn't come up again... Not until the next cold morning, so it's definitely just low enough to trigger the warning with contraction... Btw I used a bottle of Vw coolant which I bought a couple of years ago for my mk7 when the infamous factory air lock triggered a sudden level drop!

[Finglonga]

Bet it is the thermostat housing, very common issue, had mine replaced under warranty a couple of years ago and it is weeping again now.

[Ryan90GTI]

I've had this problem, mention it when it goes in for service. Just tell them you're having to top the coolant up every month.

Is your car under warranty?

[MrJollygood]

Thanks guys - still working late in the office (fun times!) but will see if it comes on again when I set off in a bit. Will emntion at service. No warranty, it's a 2013 car with 45k on it...

Greig

[Ryan90GTI]

Sh!t, I'd put some money aside if I was you. Mine was about the same mileage when I had this issue, have you had the car long?

[clubsport]

Unfortunately, it does sound like the thermostat housing issue, based on year and mileage. Clearly not an accurate diagnosis on the internet.

On a slightly more positive note, VW are aware of the issue.
If the car has VW service history, there is a very good chance they will help with parts and a contribution to the labour cost.
The assistance offered is down to the dealer and how effective you are at expressing your level of "disappointment".

[Finglonga]

Would avoid a dealer then and get a good independent garage to sort it out as it takes around 3hours and they are usually half the price of the main stealer.