Engine fluid mix up

davidspd

I have a 2002 Ford Fiesta and have managed to put powersteering/automatic transmission fluid in the engine coolant reservoir by mistake .

The car has run for roughly a week without any noticeable effects (yet). Have I done any permanent damage? And if I need to get it to a garage can anyone give me a rough idea of the cost of sorting it out.

Thanks

thescouselander

Not sure if that would cause any problems. I suggest you drain the coolant, flush the system through and fill with new coolant. It sholdn't cost too much to do - its easy enough to DIY.

Volcano

What scouse said.

If you can't do it yourself for whatever reason, just ask the garage to flush your coolant system through and refill "as it hasn't been done since I've bought it 2 years ago and the water looks a bit manky".

No need to mention the mistake, you don't need them to start sucking their lips and pretending you need a new radiator/hoses etc.

vansboy

& if you do it yourself, remember to have the heater controls set to HOT position, when, doing it.

This'll mean it gets right through the system.

& use fresh antifreeze, too - even though it's summer soon.

See my comments in http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1622249

VB

anewman

Get the garden hose out and get the water flowing through the system well. If possible it might be a good idea to remove the radiator and back flush it.