Low coolant from the factory?

2KWK4U · 06-30-2008, 11:29 AM

My father test drove a GXP today. He told me that about 30 seconds after he "got on it a little" (2nd gear only) the low coolant and temp warning lights came on.

Has anyone ever gotten one with low coolant from the factory, or should he be concerned about electrical gremlins?

2KWK4U · 06-30-2008, 11:33 AM

Additionally, is it normal for the fans to run in a GXP after key off? I'm guessing it really was a low coolant/overheating issue, but I'm a little worried nonetheless. Please let me know if that's normal.

beecee · 06-30-2008, 11:38 AM

I wish I had a picture and now I wonder if it's a 2008 problem.... did he test a 2008?

If I open my hood there is a hole rubbed through the hood insulation and it's beginning to rub the paint down to the metal. This was done by the coolant overflow reservoir or whatever it's called.
This caused my car to think the coolant was low when on a down incline.

I'm waiting to bring it in for service but I got some more dexcool at K-fart and added a little more (because it was a tad low) and I applied pressure onto the reservoir to try and straighten it out.

That may the problem but I doubt it BUT you never know.

Now... everyone with a 2008 go open those hoods and check if your reservoir is straight.

2KWK4U · 06-30-2008, 11:42 AM

Yes, it was a 2008

EcoBoost · 06-30-2008, 12:01 PM

Both things are considered 'normal'.

The GXP has a sophisticated cooling system that can be a bit of a challenge to completely fill and purge all air pockets. Sometimes, the only way to achieve the last few percent of the air purging is to cycle the car cold to warm several times. As this occurs, the coolant will flow out of the reservoir and into the system, triggering that low coolant lamp.

Ys, the variable speed fan will run on this car even with key off. It's also sophisticated enough to know how not to kill your battery, so no worries.

2KWK4U · 06-30-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EcoBoost

Both things are considered 'normal'.

The GXP has a sophisticated cooling system that can be a bit of a challenge to completely fill and purge all air pockets. Sometimes, the only way to achieve the last few percent of the air purging is to cycle the car cold to warm several times. As this occurs, the coolant will flow out of the reservoir and into the system, triggering that low coolant lamp.

Ys, the variable speed fan will run on this car even with key off. It's also sophisticated enough to know how not to kill your battery, so no worries.

Thanks, Bill. Hearing this from you sets my mind at ease.
So, is the overheat condition normal as well, though?

JustMike · 06-30-2008, 12:05 PM

So how did he like it?

2KWK4U · 06-30-2008, 12:13 PM

Pretty sure he liked it enough that he's seriously considering one of his own. He might just go for an N/A, though.

The truth is, he was test driving it for me. I'm already pretty much committed to buying it, they have a CC deposit from me. I just want to be sure I'm not getting a lemon before I sign the paperwork (being fed-ex'd to me) and store it for 10 months. At this point, if I back out, the worst they can do is try and keep my $300 deposit.

EcoBoost · 06-30-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2KWK4U

Thanks, Bill. Hearing this from you sets my mind at ease.
So, is the overheat condition normal as well, though?

You're welcome

I'd bet that the overheat condition will disappear now that the required coolant has descended out of the reservoir into the cooling system. It should be topped off cold, then re-driven. If the problem persists, it should be scrutinized further, but odds are it will be OK now that it's done 'burping' the air out.

One would think this would have been done at the factory or in PDI, and it probably was looked at at that time...but I know these cars are finicky in this regard, so I am not shocked it showed up with some air still in the system.

beecee · 06-30-2008, 12:27 PM

Here is what mine looks like. Chances are it's a fluke and just on mine but it doesn't hurt to crack out a level and make sure your 2008 reservoir is level as well.

Morfious · 06-30-2008, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EcoBoost

Both things are considered 'normal'.

Ys, the variable speed fan will run on this car even with key off. It's also sophisticated enough to know how not to kill your battery, so no worries.

I too had the coolant low from the factory and had to top it off 2x. So far it has been running just fine without any additional additives. Last top off was over 4 months go so I think I'm good to go now.

As for the smart battery thing, it will fail after about 2 weeks of inoperation. Lucky thing I had AAA that day. I left my car parked (no lights on or radio etc) in my driveway for 15 and it would not start and I could not jump start it either. Dealer charged the battery and all was good again. I have since purchased a battery tender Plus to keep me charged.