Hi there people, my lovely 2002 3.0l v6 S Type has an issue with regards to coolant. I'm not sure if its leaking or the is an issue with the level sensor. The symptom is that the error message "ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL LOW", but on investigation, it is ok, not at the max but not far off (when cold). But to throw a spanner in the works, I did have to top it up yesterday then when I got to work this morning, there was alot of water coming out. This could be due to me over-filling as I filled it right up when it was cold, so not sure if it's leaking out or if it was expansion forcing water out. Please advise me!! Many thanks.

Josh

Josh, you need to get the radiator filled to the correct level, then test it hopefully it is overfilled. what does the coolant and oil look like is it clear of any milky like stuff floating around, or signs of water in the oil? of excess water or steam from the exhaust, is the temperature in the normal range?

You may be able to remove the water level sensor and clean it unless is all digital. I have never needed to check mine but other members can help you on that point.

You can get the system pressure tested and tested for carbon/cylinder heads at a decent repair shop.

In the old days we just unplugged the sensor and short the wires to test, but as I said it may be digital, so don't try that till you find out.

Hi Josh, I don't know if you have read what I wrote in this forum in answer to Mark's post "Water leak". You yourself had posted earlier in it that you had the same problem. If you haven't read it are you sure it is a coolant leak and not condensate from the air conditioning? Just a thought, but it is just possible that your coolant level sensor is faulty and throwing you down the wrong track. Best wishes and good luck Geoff.

It was the coolant sensor I think (I changed it and it seems to be ok now). It wasn't condensation from the air con Geoff, it was definately coolant. I posted this after posting in "water leak", trying to give as much info as possible. Anyway, disaster averted for now, many thanks for the advise.

 

Josh

Hi Josh, glad to read you think you have the problem "cracked", hope you are right. Fingers crossed eh! Best wishes Geoff.

Unfortunately I haven't cured the fault!! At work yesterday, there was another puddle of coolant underneath the car and the level was really low when I went to come home. Changing the sensor wasn't a complete waste of time though as testing showed it was faulty anyway. Will have to try and remove the plastic covers around where its getting wet. Am I right in thinking the expansion tanks are prone to cracking on these cars?

 

Josh

Hi Josh,

 

Water leaks  ---  I did see somewhere that the expansion tank can get a bit leaky, and if you can find where it is leaking  --  hose or tank  -- you all be able to do the job yourself, knowing your way round cars as you do.

 

Just Jags sell new tanks dependant on model between £45 and £55.  You might be able to get a second hand one cheaper locally.

 

Reagrds,

 

Peter.

Peter,

 

Would a second hand one be worth the cost saving being as though it could suffer with the same issue? I will try to see if it is leaking around the tank, I'm hoping it is as it looks pretty straight forward to do.

 

Josh

Josh,

 

If you find that the expansion tank is leaking, I would personally go for a new one.  There would not be much difference in the cost.

 

There are several other suppliers of genuine Jaguar parts as well as Just Jags, --  the David Manners Group, and there is also a Taunton Jaguar dealer, although I am not sure of the exact name other than Taunton Jaguar.

 

In the days when I got my hands oily, I did change a water pump on my wife's Mk 3 Viva which also included the expansion chamber, which only took an hour.

 

You will have no trouble.

 

Regards,

 

Peter.

Many thanks Peter

Hi josh was it a faulty expansion tank my 2007 s type has same problem when driving seems ok put when you park up water /coolant leaks out from underneath somewhere taking it to garage on Monday hopefully get faulty diagnosed. Also low engine coolant may have knackered heating control valve as no heat in cabin.

 

regards

mark