Stefano Scalia

So, I'm away on a little vacation (4 hours from my home) and I go to start my A4 and bam, coolant warning in the center display... ok, switch off car...

the expansion tank was EMPTY. Bone dry.


Oooooook.


So I go to the VW dealership, find some G12, distilled water, put that in there a few minutes ago. Top it off, per-se.

Go for a spirited drive, stop, check the coolant resevoir. Looks OK, start to unscrew the cap and BAM, all this coolant start shooting out of the bottom of the thing, keeps on coming. Is this because the car is hot? It's like the coolant not in the expansion tank/overflow tank was hidden, and when I added I added too much.

Any ideas? I'm probably going to take it to a mechanic tomorrow.

diagnosticator1

that opens when the cap is first loosened. It sounds like the cooling system was not purged of air properly after you refilled it.
Allow the engine to cool, then, refill slowly, when the level in the tank is stable, start the engine and let it idle with the coolant tank cap on but loose enough for air to escape as coolant circulates thru the system. You will need to add more coolant to top off after the engine is at full operating temp. The radiator fan should run at least once, before you top off and tighten the cap all the way.
Edit: It is obvious without saying, but have the cause for the coolent loss identified and fixed as soon as possible.

JsprZ

good stuff

a4tis™[Bye Turbo]

bingo

Tgr_Clw

wow. it's nice having you on the b6 forum. great reply.

diagnosticator1

Thanks for the feedback guys, good to hear the info is useful. ^^^^^

a4tis™[Bye Turbo]

definitely - i've found your technical knowledge to be invaluable