2002 S60 diagnose a coolant leak ?

[db130]

The coolant level sensor can trigger the low coolant light if the float inside the coolant reservoir is stuck in the low position. If your reservoir is rusty, then maybe the buildup is preventing the float from working correctly.

While the coolant level sensor is plugged in to the bottom of the coolant reservoir, it never physically touches the coolant. Meaning, you could remove the coolant level sensor from the bottom of the reservoir and the reservoir will not leak. If you remove the sensor from the reservoir(but don't disconnect the plug for the coolant level sensor), does the coolant level light come on as you drive normally? If so, then you need a new reservoir.

Here's a picture of my S70's coolant reservoir. Your S60's coolant level sensor will have a different plug than what's pictured, but they plug in to the reservoir in the same manner.

[butthole]

I'm about to do a flush and change the expansion tank and check the sensor but I checked the fluid level this morning and it's definitely lost some coolant

Paid $50 for new coolant, don't really wanna lose it to a leak lol.

A note, I've got OBDII codes springing cylinder 4,5 misfire and random cylinder misfire (just begun to idle really roughing when starting up. Not a bad gasket I hope? Though it's had cylinder misfires in the past usually from bad ignition coils.

[precopster]

Water will speed a head gasket's demise.......corrosion.

[butthole]

WOO HOO! I think I found the leak (either that or it's air-con condensation T_T) Can anyone tell me what this is? (The drip is in centre of pic) This is the leak location in perspective.



Anyway I changed the expansion tank (look how rusty and filthy it was lol)

Yet the coolant that flushed out was spotless (bit of rust came on the second run) anyway before I put the new coolant in I guess I might sort out the leak. It leaks at a rate of about 1 drop per 45 seconds.

[precopster]

The 2 pipes in the firewall are heater hoses. They are quick release fittings. A squeeze on the narrow inner section and a twist and they will pull straight off.

[nickbw898]

Another point at which coolant loss can happen undetected is at the turbo where the coolant hard pipe connects to rubber pipe. Has your got a turbo?

[butthole]

Another point at which coolant loss can happen undetected is at the turbo where the coolant hard pipe connects to rubber pipe. Has your got a turbo?

Yeah it does, that could be promising. At this point I'm thinking it's a head gasket because AFAIK I only lose coolant when the engines running (plus no puddle). In which case I might as well swap the engine. I need to get my hands on one of those combustion gas leak tests.

However if the leak was at the turbo could that also lead to combustion gases getting into the coolant?

[precopster]

Where are you located? I can test for you if you're close by.

[butthole]

Thanks for the offer but im in brissie