G'day,
My fd3 is in near showroom condition outside and under the bonnet.
Today I start him up and the coolant light and alarm go on. I add coolant and restart.
Five minutes into the drive it starts again.
The car is NOT overheated and is not performing like there is any issue.
I have noticed recently that I add coolant more frequently than normal but we have had an unreal hot summer. I
have also noticed my oil gauge will flop around like a fish but oil levels are fine too.
The engine is new (2016) and the car does not give me problems.
Does anyone out there have a pointer to where I can start to look for the problem?
Many thanks in advance. Jeff

 

the oil pressure thing is normal. replace the sensor if you want that to go away.

the coolant issue.... you will want to do a coolant pressure test and see where your coolant is going. having to add like that is not normal unless some work in the coolant system has been done recently and it wasnt bled properly. most important is if its running properly and isnt smoking then it should be an easy fix

 

Hey thank you,
No smoke, not running like a heat-stressed car, just the bloody alarm and red light on the dash.
Thank you for the heads up on the oil gauge too.

Kind regards
Jeff

 

Before replacing the sender, try unplugging the single wire spade connection and clean it thoroughly. It’s located right under the oil filter pedestal and that connection can get fouled.

How are you monitoring temperatures? Don’t rely on the stock gauge, it’s not linear. If you don’t have the ability other than the stock gauge, than I wouldn’t drive the car until your coolant leak is sorted out.

 

The car is not modified in any way; so, yes I rely on the dash gauges for heat, oil and fuel.
The car is booked into the mechanic that knows it bumper to bumper and it will not be driven anywhere until it can be put in their garage for assessment.
Thank you for the advice.

 

I'm just stating the obvious because I didn't see it on the list. The cooling system has been burped right?

Also, I'm sure I'm not the only one who will recommend that you get an aftermarket AST for your car (Nice FD by the way). The stock one is made of plastic and prone to invisible hairline cracks.
Relatively cheap, you can do it yourself with some pliers and a screwdriver, and can save you some serious headaches.

 

G'day,
Who knew (?) certainly not me and I really appreciate this.
What is another 450nzd plus shipping and 15% tax for the old boy.
I will definitely follow your advice through.

Um, yes........the cooling system was burped.
Thanks again for your advice and help.

 

G'day,
Update on this; Opened the passenger door and found my coolant in the foot well of the passenger side.
Wet and dry vac and then lifted the carpet and went at it until gone.
Second worst nightmare, the heater core..........first worst nightmare is the loss of the computer (but that has not happened yet).
Rexy is with the mechanic and having a bypass done so it is drivable over the Easter break.
Will now wait until the part arrives.
Again I really appreciate your help and advice.
Jeff

 

This happened to me. It turns out an O ring broke where the heater return hose goes under the dash and through the firewall. It might be possible to replace it without removing the dash! I kicked myself once I had the dash out, heater core and all, and realized it was just an old O ring that was visible before tearing everything apart.