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Loss of Coolant

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Step Action Yes No
DEFINITION: Loss of coolant in the coolant system internally or externally.
1 Inspect the coolant level.
Is the coolant at the correct level?		 Go to Step 6  Go to Step 4 
2 Fill the cooling system to the correct level.
Is the action complete?		 Go to Step 5  -
3 If the engine is suspected to have a coolant leak into a cylinder, the coolant can hydraulically lock the engine.
Does the engine crankshaft rotate?		 Go to Step 6  Repair the condition in which the engine cannot be cranked. Go to Engine Will Not Crank - Crankshaft Will Not Rotate .
4 Engine overheating can cause a loss of coolant.
Is the engine overheating?		 Go to Engine Overheating . Go to Step 7 
5 Extended operation with a low coolant level can cause engine internal component failure.
Is the engine knocking?		 Repair the engine knock. Refer to Lower Engine Noise, Regardless of Engine Speed . Go to Step 8 
6
  1. Idle the engine at normal operating temperature.
  2. Inspect for heavy white smoke coming out of the exhaust system.
Is a heavy white smoke present from the exhaust pipe?		 Go to Step 9  Go to Step 10 
7
  • Coolant in the exhaust system creates a distinctive, burning coolant odor in the exhaust.
  • Condensation in the exhaust system can cause an odorless white smoke during engine warm up.
Does the white smoke have a burning coolant type odor?		 Repair the engine internal coolant leak. Refer to Coolant in Engine Oil . Go to Step 10 
8 With the engine idling, inspect the coolant recovery reservoir.
Does the coolant recovery system discharge coolant while the engine is idling?		 Repair the engine internal coolant leak. Refer to Coolant in Engine Oil . Go to Step 11 
9 Visually inspect the hoses and hose retaining clamps at the following locations:
  • Coolant bypass
  • Coolant reservoir
  • Heater core
  • Coolant bypass valve
  • Radiator

Are any of the hoses leaking?		 Repair or replace the leaking component.
Refer to the appropriate repair.		 Go to Step 12 
10 Visually inspect the following components:
  • Coolant pressure cap
  • Core plugs
  • Cylinder head gaskets
  • Engine block
  • Intake manifold
  • Radiator
  • Thermostat housing
  • Water pump

Are any of the listed components leaking?		 Repair or replace any leaky part. Go to Step 13 
11
  1. Pressure test the cooling system.
  2. With the cooling system pressurized, visually inspect the components listed in steps 11 and 12.
Is there any leakage?		 Repair or replace the leaking component. Go to Step 14 
12 Pressure test the coolant pressure cap.
Does the coolant pressure cap hold pressure?		 Go to Step 13  Replace the coolant pressure cap.
13 Inspect for the following conditions:
  • A coolant smell inside of the vehicle.
  • Coolant in the HVAC module drain tube.
  • Coolant on the vehicle floor covering near the HVAC module.

Is coolant present?		 Replace the heater core. Go to Step 15 
14 Inspect the underside of the engine oil filler cap for a gray/white milky substance.
Is there a milky substance on under the oil fill cap?		 Repair the engine internal coolant leak. Refer to Coolant in Engine Oil . Replace the coolant pressure cap.
15 Inspect the engine oil level indicator for a gray/white milky substance.
Is there a milky substance on the engine oil level indicator?		 Repair the engine internal coolant leak. Refer to Coolant in Engine Oil . Replace the coolant pressure cap.
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