Serious problem with my car??? :(

pendulum

Wait, you said that after the problem started, you topped up the water a little even though it did not need doing.
IF that statement is true (i.e. you actually managed to top up the coolant and not the screenwash, brake fluid reservoir (shudders) or something else) then the water level was fine when the problem started, so almost certainly fine before it went to Kwik Fit. Low coolant level isn't the problem. I wouldn't put it past Kwik Fit to drain it so they could sell you more coolant.

Get it to a proper garage ASAP. You know nothing about cars and WILL be sold things you don't need there. This problems is beyond Kwik Fit's scope and they should have told you this when you took it in. If you paid anything, you've been had by them already.

YorksClare

If the water level does prove to be okay and you are driving a diesel, there is another potential cause for that fault. I discovered it when driving my boyfriend's car, and it was scary at the time but is relatively easy to solve - if you have a technical mind, that is!

The problem was that we had been driving a lot in the damp but warm weather, and the diesel engine has an exhaust gas regulator - or EGR. This had several sensors in it, for gas mixture (I believe) and temperature. If the sensors think something is wrong then you find that the power is not there at high speeds or when you want to accelerate uphill and the warning light comes on.

The dealership wanted to charge stupid money to run the engine diagnostics, but we found that it is fairly easy to remove the sensor assembly, strip it down, clean out the water (remember I said about damp weather? it had permeated the sensor assembly) and then refit it.

We had to run the car at high speed again to cancel the engine warning lights (don't ask why - it works once you get over 60mph, that's all we know!). Job done.

But it sounds as if you need to work out where the water is going first, preferably before you drive much further. Have you tried tanking it up on water - check you're getting the right stuff in the right parts of the engine of course! - and then running the engine to see if there is steam or a leak? A sheet of thick cardboard on the floor underneath might be a useful telltale. If the water is not coming out, then you can look into the other options. Best of luck!

katevw1

Hi,
Our W reg focus did this not long ago. There is a hose that runs along the front inside the bonnet. It was leaking the water, not the water tank. However, it could be a radiator problem which is what we were told by a know it all guy and he said we were looking at mega bucks to fix it. He was not a mechanic, just likes sounding out he knows about cars! Thank god it was the hose and it didn't cost too much to fix. Hope you get yours sorted.

RichGold

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

you did top right right water up didn't you? and not topping up the washer fluid bottle and Kwik Fit topped up the water?

although if you leave the engine running for a while once the water is topped up, if there are any leaks you'll have a puddle under the car

And if you cant see water leaking out then you may be able to hear it hissing from a tiny leak somewhere.

Kilty_2

I'd also like to add that the (!) indicates a problem with the braking system.....

thegirlintheattic

^^^ Although that would suggest either two problems or an electrical fault as off the top of my head I can't think of something that would set off the engine management warning and the brake warning.

Are you sure you didn't have the handbrake on? (!) also indicates when the handbrake is engaged.

N3WLIFE

Hi guys thanks for the input. It is a petrol car. I havent driven it since, i've been waiting for someone to come look at it. Checked the water again and its still at the same level as when I put it in last (I suppose because I havent driven it)

I do start the engine every day, and it starts fine now, the lights dont come on now when the engine starts and runs.

However when I turn the key once the oil warning light, battery, exclamation mark and engine management light do stay on after the others go off. Havent really noticed before if thats normal or if that is definitely indicating that there is a problem?

Also with regards to the exclamation mark light, its not the same as the handbrake light, it is a yellow light. The handbrake light is red. the guy at kwikfit said that its just a general warning light to alert you that there is a problem somewhere.
Not sure I trust anything kwikfit say.......

The guy also said just drive it and monitor it, do you think I should? The has got to be a leak somewhere! The kwikfit would not have a chance to drain the tank as my ex and I had our eyes on him at all times. And it was DEFINITELY the water tank I filled up! LOL

I would really like to be able to work out the problem myself-I think I need to enrol in a car maintenance course!

Thanks again