- Slow drop in coolant level. Coolant enters the combustion chamber in small amounts. This can take quite a long time.
Attention! A similar situation may also occur if the cooling system is leaky.
- When the engine is warm, a white plume of gases comes out of the exhaust pipe. Significant losses of coolant. Coolant penetrates the combustion chamber in large quantities and evaporates there, leaving together with the exhaust gases.
- When the engine is running, air bubbles come out of the open expansion tank. The coolant in the radiator bubbles and splashes. Combustion products are squeezed out into the cooling system.
- The surface of the coolant is colored rainbow or black. Oil from the lubrication system enters the cooling system.
- There is a grey or brown emulsion on the dipstick or there are droplets of coolant in the oil. Coolant is entering the lubrication system. Warning! The presence of liquid in the oil can damage the bearings. Replace the cylinder head gasket immediately. Do not start the engine.
Thermostat defect
The coolant temperature gauge needle moves slowly. The engine warms up more slowly, and the heater does not reach the required power. The thermostat valve plate is stuck open (for example, due to deposits) and the channel to the radiator is constantly open.
- This does not pose any particular danger, but the thermostat should be replaced without delay.
The temperature gauge needle, despite the fact that the coolant level in the expansion tank is normal, is deflected to the extreme right. The coolant temperature indicator light is blinking. The radiator and its lower hose are cold.
- The thermostat plate is blocked (possibly due to a defective thermostat gasket). Driving cannot be continued, the engine may overheat. Replace the thermostat immediately.
The temperature gauge needle is deflected to the extreme right. The coolant temperature indicator light is flashing
4-cylinder engines only. V-belt is loose or broken.
- Check the belt tension or replace it. Insufficient amount of fluid in the cooling system
- Top up the coolant
The temperature sensor wire shorts to ground (-).
- Disconnect the wire from the temperature sensor. The arrow should move back and the red lamp should go out, otherwise check the wire.
The thermostat does not allow liquid to pass from the radiator (the radiator is cold).
- Remove the thermostat and drive without it or tow it. The electric radiator fan does not turn on.
- The electric fan is faulty. Check the radiator blower electric fan.
Defective safety valve in the expansion tank cap.
- Check or replace the expansion tank cap. Defective coolant temperature indicator stabilizer.
- Replace the stabilizer.
The radiator fins are clogged.
- Clean the radiator.
The coolant temperature gauge responds poorly to rising temperatures, and the heater does not reach the required power
The thermostat does not close completely and the heated coolant enters the radiator earlier.
- Clean or replace the thermostat
The coolant temperature gauge needle barely moves. The heater operates at normal power
Defective coolant temperature indicator stabilizer.
- Replace stabilizer
Coolant temperature gauge sensor defective.
- Replace the sensor