4 replies to this topic

[claire_jayne]

Hi

I am experiencing alot of problems with my streetka, it seems to be one thing after another.

The latest one is the temperature gage light keeps coming on even after i have filled the water up.
As soon as i go to drive it again the light comes on.

Any ideas what could be wrong ?

Thanks

[MScotts]

Hi.

I would be tempted to fill your coolant resevoir with anti-freeze, not water.

Daft question I know, but is it the coolant resevoir that's being topped up and not the windscreen wash! Sorry, just trying to eliminate the obvious.

[claire_jayne]

MScotts, on 12 February 2012 - 01:37 PM, said:

Hi.

I would be tempted to fill your coolant resevoir with anti-freeze, not water.

Daft question I know, but is it the coolant resevoir that's being topped up and not the windscreen wash! Sorry, just trying to eliminate the obvious.

Hi

Yes it is the coolant resevoir which is being topped up.

What difference would anti-freeze make instead of water ?

Sorry im not very clued up about cars.

Thanks

[MScotts]

In the winter you should have at least a 50% mix of antifreeze and (distilled) water. By adding water you're diluting the coolant mix, and in winter conditions like this you will lessen the ability for the coolant system to stay un-frozen when the car's sitting 'cold'.

As indicated above, distilled/ ionised water is best to be used as that won't ''fur up'' the coolant system. Think kettles & Irons and how knackered they get internally.

Back to your issue:
- Are you constantly having to top up the coolant system?
- Is your engine fan constantly running?
- Check the engine bay for any wires that could have come adrift - e.g. one that connects the coolant light to the thermostat on the engine.
- Check the oil cap for anymayonase-like signs - that would indicate water is being mixed with oil - emulsified... Also, with the engine running, check the coolant resevoir (expansion tank) for abubbles - these could be quite small and be constant a 'stream ' of bubbles.
- Check to see if your passenger footwell is wet as it could be your heater matrix (small radiator inside the cabin - usually tucked inside the dashboard.

[GingerTom]

Google Streetka overheating and you will see it's a very common problem normally caused by the thermostat or water pump.