I have a 2004 Saturn Ion 2. We bought it new in the summer of 2004. Just recently the coolant light has been coming on, alot. I keep adding more to it. Neither my husband or I have seen any coolant on the driveway. Any ideas?
2006-10-17 10:17:09 · 14 answers · asked by tessasmomy 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
We started with a new cap. Have plans to take it for an oil change this week, most probably on Thursday--it is just now due for one.
I think it is probably the head gasket, too, but we are going to have the dealership look as they change the oil.
2006-10-17 12:42:40 · update #1
I hate to say the only thing that comes to mind is a blown/leaking head gasket. If that's the case the coolant is sucked into the engine and vaporized. It goes out the exhaust pipe.
You can have a pressure test done on your coolant system. The radiator is pressurized and you look for the leak in hoses, connections, etc.
If it is the head gasket then one of the cylinders will read low when doing a compression test on the various cylinders.
Good Luck!
2006-10-17 10:26:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Two ideas, first check the oil.. If the oil looks tan instead of dark brown, then you have a serious problem!!! That means you have your coolant in the oil... Check the oil first... Second, check for any "hissing" sounds, that may occour if the gasket is broken. Thus leaking coolant onto the exaust manifold, then evaporarting the coolant.... That is why you do not see anything on the drive way... And one more idea is to check the hoses for cracks and holes, do this after the car is warmed, do not touch the hoses, heat will be great.. Do a visual inspection to detertman if that is the problem area, good luck!!!
2006-10-17 10:26:32 · answer #2 · answered by topher 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
unscrew the overflow bottle lid, it could has for a 2d because of the fact the rigidity releases, if theres alot of rigidity then your head gasket has blown. Does it start up high-quality interior the mornings or is it lumpy for some seconds- an illustration of the water leaking into the cylinder so once you initiate up that cylinder would not ingite the gas as its have been given water in it. in case you have a leak you sometimes see a pink or white deposit the place the anti freeze interior the water has crystalized from the warmth the place its evaporated, if there are actually not any leaks and the water remains going then its a physically powerful sign the pinnacle gasket has long gone. Alot of the time you are not getting water interior the oil or vice versa because of the fact the gasket can actual leak between the cylinder lining and the water jacket the place the water circulates. If the antifreeze concentration is in simple terms too sturdy this could actual consume away on the pinnacle gasket over the years, that's why its considerable to have something like a 50/50mix. look on top of the coolant interior the overflow bottle, has it a action picture ontop of it, this'll be oil if there is. verify the ingredient of the bottle as oil will carry on the brink of this and could make it look brown whilst seen from outdoors
2016-11-23 16:25:19 · answer #3 · answered by suire 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some options:
if your piston rings are worn or you have a blowing cylinder head gasket, then the coolant could be getting into your pistons, and contaminating your oil.
Take the oil filler cap off & check for white 'mayonaise' that is a water & oil emulsion. If you have this then it's bad news.
or:
leaking hose/radiator (when hot) pop the hood & look for rusty stains.
or
loose radiator cap (unlikely, as it's happened lots)
make sure that you don't drive with low coolant as this may overheat the engine and damage the cylinder head.
2006-10-17 10:31:13 · answer #4 · answered by Me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably have a either got a cracked head block or a broken head gasket seal.
Let your engine idle for a bit whilst on the driveway and then rev the engine a bit whilst in neutral, if the colour of exhaust go's white thats water vapour in the exhaust fumes.
Watch your milage as well.
The best thing I would recommend is you get your engine checked by a reputable engineer.
2006-10-17 10:31:27 · answer #5 · answered by jason12211 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I thought my radiator was leaking. Turns out it was just a bad cap which I replaced for $5. I finally figured it out by just turning the car on with the hood open and watching for the leak.
2006-10-17 10:27:52 · answer #6 · answered by lepninja 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're losing in some manner. Check the thermostat it may be defective. If it backs up through the overflow container you may only see wet right after driving
2006-10-17 10:21:25 · answer #7 · answered by waggy_33 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take it to a radiator shop and have them flush it out and pressure check it. It might not be a large leak if at all.
2006-10-17 10:21:15 · answer #8 · answered by Biker 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's probably blown a head gasket, add block sealer, or sodium silicate from the local drug store :(
2006-10-17 10:38:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
might be leaking into your heating vents through a hole in the coil do you smell antifreeze when your driving
2006-10-17 10:21:23 · answer #10 · answered by Mike C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋