Coolant Leak

[polar rex]

First problem with my 2016 ....just before taking the car in for the 15K check got a "check coolant " light on the dash. Had pre-flighted the engine compartment 200 miles/2days previously and found no issues. Coolant level had been stable for the first year of ownership. No drips or residue on the garage floor. Service Department checks during 15K service and says no leaks found and tops off the reservoir. 200 miles later, the reservoir is noticeably lower again. Return to dealer, recheck, same response. Service guy claims it could be evaporation (like evaporation just started three weeks ago). Swears up and down there's no coolant in the oil (head gasket problem). I suspect aliens have found a way to suck G13 out of the car as I drive down the road.

 

[S3Fan]

Have them do a pressure test. Coolant doesn't evaporate since it's a sealed system.

 

[polar rex]

They claim to have done a pressure test with negative results. I have pointed out the closed system/evaporation argument but every time I speak to the service department I get the same BS diatribe. I'm not a real happy camper at this point.

 

[AlltrackMike]

They claim to have done a pressure test with negative results. I have pointed out the closed system/evaporation argument but every time I speak to the service department I get the same BS diatribe. I'm not a real happy camper at this point.

Call Audi Customer Service and have them open a case (800) 822-2834. Unless you are checking the reservoir at different temperatures IE when the engine is hot vs. cold, there should not be any evaporation whatsoever in our cars. In fact you can call an independent Audi shop and ask.

 

[polar rex]

Here is the latest info....Audi TSB #2039777/3 states "air gets into the cooling system during production or when refilled during previous repairs. As this air escapes, the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank can drop below the minimum. A drop of the coolant level because of air in the system is possible even after the vehicle has exceeded 15,000 miles. Because of the remaining air, the coolant level can drop a few times." We'll see.

 

[LonestarS3]

Here is the latest info....Audi TSB #2039777/3 states "air gets into the cooling system during production or when refilled during previous repairs. As this air escapes, the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank can drop below the minimum. A drop of the coolant level because of air in the system is possible even after the vehicle has exceeded 15,000 miles. Because of the remaining air, the coolant level can drop a few times." We'll see.

Thats interesting to know, just ran out a checked mine as well lol.

 

[Custardsucker]

Check to see if there is any pressure in the system when the engine is at full working temperature by either squeezing the hoses (they should be firm) or by releasing cap (be careful). If no pressure then you need a new cap. Had exactly the same issue of coolant loss on an A4 and new cap cured it, cheap and simple.