1.6 THP 155 [62 Plate] – Coolant Loss

[Westy_155]

Last year I noticed that both the coolant and brake fluid levels were below the minimum markers.

I topped the brake fluid up straight away and contacted the dealer I purchased the car from. I was told to keep an eye on the brakes, look out for any leaks and just top the coolant up with water.

As the car was less than a year old I was unsurprisingly not impressed with their response.
I took my car to the dealer and they told me the coolant loss must have been an air-lock from the factory and not to worry.

But two weeks ago I noticed the coolant level was again below the minimum marker.

My car was inspected today by the dealer. They told me that they couldn’t find any leaks in the system so they spoke to a ‘service expert’.

He has said that coolant loss is standard with this engine as the turbo gets so hot; it makes the coolant literally disappear.

I’m naturally a little sceptical about their statement, so was wondering if anyone else has had any similar issues or been told the same thing?

Thanks.

[Chris_Blue]

I drive mine pretty hard occasionally, and probably a bit fast whizzing around town
Mine (Coolant) hasnt dropped at all ever since Ive had it (Just coming to a year)

Brake fluid not moved either, and theyve been red hot sometimes

Biig piece of cardboard under the possible leak areas when you park up is useful (Engine, wheel)

[Rickzayne]

take the bus, no leaks. yey

[Chris_Blue]

take the bus, no leaks. yey

How would taking the bus ensure no leaks? LOL

[Rickzayne]

no evaporation then!!!

[Chris_Blue]

^ What about the leaks?

[Rickzayne]

There isn't any!!! Citroen don't lie!!!

[Chris_Blue]

Ah. Citroen is a very special car manufacturer
Bet ure glad you stuck with them Rick eh?

[Jonbays]

This is what we call BS. It's a closed pressurised system that is meant to get hot. What they mean to say is we haven't pressure tested the system because we couldn't be arsed and don't believe a word dumb customers tell us about the problems their cars have and it's going to be easier and a better paid job for us to fix it after the problem gets worse.
QUOTE=Westy_155;139993]
He has said that coolant loss is standard with this engine as the turbo gets so hot; it makes the coolant literally disappear.
Thanks.[/QUOTE]

[Clean Your Ride]

What they mean to say is we haven't pressure tested the system because we couldn't be arsed and don't believe a word dumb customers tell us about the problems their cars have and it's going to be easier and a better paid job for us to fix it after the problem gets worse.

That's a very cynical view Jonbays. Citroën surely would never stoop so low?
As Rick says, Citroën don't lie........

Sent from my Experia Z tablet using Tapatalk

[Jonbays]

Brake fluid will slowly over years drop from the maximum to minimum level as the brake disk pads wear out and more fluid is in the callipers as they extend further out. It is a hint that the pads and disks need replacing perhaps. I have replaced pads and disks on cars many times and noticed the brake fluid level returning to its full from minimum marking. I still like to flush out all the old and replace the fluid as it does absorb water over time anyway. I would check the brake pads and disks (the front ones do all the work and wear out fast) and then keep a careful eye on the brake fluid as small leaks can be big problems.

[Arn63]

Mine had the same problem at first they changed the temp sensor and housing.Mine would only lose small amount of coolant.Check level of coolant when cold take a picture of bottle level with date and picture of mileage run it for a week and check.Then go back to dealers and show them.If they won't look into it go to different dealer and CUK.

[pmatil]

My dealer said the same when I asked about the coolant loss. Although the loss is very minimal, and I only noticed it after a year after I purchased the car. Definitely keep an eye on it now.

[Westy_155]

Brake fluid will slowly over years drop from the maximum to minimum level as the brake disk pads wear out and more fluid is in the callipers as they extend further out. It is a hint that the pads and disks need replacing perhaps. I have replaced pads and disks on cars many times and noticed the brake fluid level returning to its full from minimum marking. I still like to flush out all the old and replace the fluid as it does absorb water over time anyway. I would check the brake pads and disks (the front ones do all the work and wear out fast) and then keep a careful eye on the brake fluid as small leaks can be big problems.

Thank you for the advice.
The brake fluid seems ok now. I can only assume that there wasn't' enough in it from new and it was missed during PDI at the dealership.

[Westy_155]

Thanks for all your comments. I think BS might be the best description.

I have lots of boring photos on my phone of my coolant bottle and the lack of coolant in it
I have contacted Citroën directly and they tell me to contact the dealer.

I've also contacted the finance company to ask where I stand with returning the car.
As Citroen say there's is nothing wrong with the car, the best solution would be to part-ex with another company (as long as they offer more than the finance still owed).
Or I can email an official complaint which will take up to 8 weeks to get a reply.