Accurate to check coolant level on a cold engine?

[TexGEOas]

Is checking the coolant level while engine is completely cold (sitting in garage overnight) an accurate enough test? Or, must the engine be warm?

My coolant appears to be low while cold... backlighting with flashlight and still can't see fluid level at sides... but can see "color" if illuminating from the bottom of the reservoir. Looks like it needs a little but don't want to add on a cold check if a warm check is the better solution.

Appreciate any tips.

George
Argyle, TX
2012 RTS-SE5

 

[boborgera]

Haven't looked in a while but most coolant reservoirs have a hot check line and a cold check line....

 

[Jeriatric]

Instructions for filling coolant after coolant removal is to fill to the upper level mark. That would constitute a cold fill, so checking it cold would mean the level should be at the upper level mark.

 

[Chupaca]

Let's see..!!

most do not recommend checking when hot for it is very dangerous to work with cooling systems in that condition because of pressure and heat...best check it cold so you can add then if needed...!! :thumbup:

 

[happyspyder2039]

Agree. Hoped the maintenance manual would spell it out. But, it didn't. Only go that route (MM)because some won't believe a thing that's said unless it comes form very select individuals. That, makes me wonder if they can think, or deduce for themselves. OP excluded. Of course.

Agree! Check when Cold just like on any other vehicle....

 

[rcturner]

If you shine the light in from the top you can look in from the bottom and see what the fill level actually is. I just did mine tonight and it was no problem. Cold is OK.

 

[paulbrinker]

Checked my maintenance manual and it definitely states to check coolant with the engine cold. As said early, never open the system with a hot engine because it could scald you.

 

[jthornton]

Just reading the service manual and doing a search for "check coolant" and found a warning to check coolant level when engine is cold. In another section it says to bring the engine up to full operating temperature then check the oil and coolant...

JT

 

[happyspyder2039]

Just reading the service manual and doing a search for "check coolant" and found a warning to check coolant level when engine is cold. In another section it says to bring the engine up to full operating temperature then check the oil and coolant...

JT

If you change out all the coolant then it says to run for a short time with lid off to burp the system as i recall to remove air

 

[Bob Denman]

Coolant level... check when cold
Engine and transmission oil... check when at operating temperature
Got it! :thumbup: