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Expansion tank not refilling from refill tank -warning light

Posted: 03 Jun 2017, 16:36
by JodieandBorja
Hi guys, we have just hit France at the start of an epic 6 month journey.

After around 2 hours driving the temperature warning light started to flash - although the gauge itself remains exacty midway.

We have topped up the refill tank (behind the number plate) with coolant and water 60/40% to the max level.

The expansion tank itself remains just on the minimum line.

Perhaps the refill tank is not topping up the expansion tank as it should?

The engine itself seems to be running ok but the continual warning light on the temp gauge is nerve racking.

I would like to add photos but can't do so from my rubbish phone. Will try to do so when get on the internet.

Any advice most appreciated as we are now in France and there's no turning back!

Jodie and Borja

Re: Expansion tank not refilling from refill tank -warning light

Posted: 03 Jun 2017, 17:16
by multisi
Let it cool right down then top up the expansion tank to the brim. Look for leaks while its cooling down.

Re: Expansion tank not refilling from refill tank -warning light

Posted: 03 Jun 2017, 17:23
by JodieandBorja
Hi, thanks for the reply. We can not top up the expansion tank directly, it has a fixed cap and very short feeder tube to the refill tank behind the number plate - it's the refill tank we have topped up. We topped a couple of weeks ago and the levels in both tanks remain unchanged. We think perhaps the system is gunked up and might need flushing? Either way, the temp gauage remains at medium (despite the flashing warning light).....perhaps an issue with the sensor?
j and B

Re: Expansion tank not refilling from refill tank -warning light

Posted: 03 Jun 2017, 17:30
by multisi
Fixed cap ! The light is flashing because the coolant level is too low. What engine do you have ?

Re: Expansion tank not refilling from refill tank -warning light

Posted: 03 Jun 2017, 17:34
by Oldiebut goodie
If the tubing is too short remove it then take the cap off. Don't understand what is meant by 'fixed cap' either.

Re: Expansion tank not refilling from refill tank -warning light

Posted: 03 Jun 2017, 19:32
by kevtherev
Neither tank should have a fixed cap!

Re: Expansion tank not refilling from refill tank -warning light

Posted: 03 Jun 2017, 21:30
by Mocki
If the header tank is full to the. Rim and the light still comes on , pull the plug off the sender and short the two pins . If the light doesnot now come on it's the sender at fault and may just need removing and cleaning up .


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