This past week my temp gauges have been going up to 3/4 up to H which is quite odd; it is usually only below 1/2. I recently went to the gas station and my coolant was leaking all over the place. Took it back to my house and checked it out myself. Ran test and the hoses are fine; water pump is working. Thermostat might be busted but not sure if not radiator I think should be replaced.

Anymore Ideas of what it could be. My last resort is to take it to the dealer. I have a lot of expenses right now.

 

What year is your 8? How's the condition of your reservoir? Cooling fan working?

 

2005; yes the cooling fan is working. no damage on reservoir; the drain on the reservoir is leaking the coolant cause it cant get anywhere else

 

Have you done any work to the cooling system like removing/replacing the thermostat or water pump?
Have you removed any coolant lines? Might want to check each clamp anyway in case one isn't seated fully around the hose.
Is coolant coming out of the weep hole on the water pump (which would indicate seal failure)?
Did you spin the water pump pulley to ensure it wasn't seized?
If you clean up the coolant and run the car again, can you generally tell where its leaking?

 

I left it at my buddys shop; we took everything apart today. Thermostat seems like its broken and we arent sure where it is leaking at the moment. Hoses seem to be all in tact. I'll double check the water pump pulleys but I'm pretty sure its not that.

 

The reason I asked about the reservoir is that because the material of the lid and the bottle/reservoir is different. And the lid will deform over time due to heat and cause pressure lost.
I imagine your coolant light comes on after a period of high rev. Check your radiator cap and see if it's tied, if it's loose, then the lid is deformed.

Just my assumption on the issue, sounds like your thermostat so far tho...

 

Can you explain how you guys determined it was broken?
Usually the valve just sticks when it fails... which can be tested with boiling water and a thermometer.

 

I'll get back to you on that when I head back later today to check it out.

 

Yeah the thermostat was not opening so coolant could no get anywhere then just drained. Replaced and car works fine