Before i start i want to mention that i did search and read several threads about the coolant light but i'm still trying to figure this out,

A few weeks back my coolant light was coming on and off mainly on the freeway. I checked the coolant res and it's difficult to determine if its at the right level. I can see the Low and Full lines on the side of the tank, but i can't see the coolant level from the outside of the tank (i've tried flashlights, etc).

I found in one thread that the full line was at the bottom of the vertical slits on the sides (inside the tank) and my level was a centimeter or two below that. So i added some coolant until it was at the bottom of the slits, then that seemed to fix the light coming on.

Now i'm getting the coolant light again (on and off, mainly on the freeway), and the level is where it was at the first time i checked it, a centimeter or two below the slits. Being that coolant is cycled i'm curious to why the level has dropped, does it sound like i have a coolant leak? I haven't noticed any leaks under the car. Thx for reading

details on the car, 04 MT 55K miles.

 

Tis simple, you have a leak somwhere. Either the engine or atmosphere.

Put coolant in, coolant comes out at a faster rate than normal, there's a leak. Unless i've missed something.

 

Noticed any sort of power loss or smoke behind the car? Temp needle move any further toward the hot side than normal?

 

thx for the replies guys

no significant power loss, I've noticed some low rpm power loss but i assumed that was from running the same coils/plugs for the last 55k miles (i think).

haven't noticed any smoke but then again haven't really checked, and the temp needle seems fine, never really moves past the 40-45% mark.

If it's a leak are there any hoses i can check myself before i bring it to my mechanic?

 

I think you coolant level sensor is going..Its a common problem in earlier models.

Mine did the same thing 3 weeks after I bought my 8.. The light has been on for last 13 months now. Coolant level has been the same..I agree its so difficult to determine if its low or not..Just keep a constant eye on your coolant level for a few weeks.