Yo... I've got a 1996 A4 and the coolant light has been comming on. I have spent very little time under the hood of this beast (or any car for that matter) and I'm fairly clueless so I have a few questions...

1. Where is the coolant located and how do I check the level.

2. If it *IS* in fact low, what kind do I put in?


The light comes on for about 1 minute(flashing) when the car is really cold. Usually when I'm freezing my A$$ of waiting for it to warm up...

 

sounds like you need coolant change.it's a pretty big res. with pink fluid,or it should be pink,very clearly marked on cap and low and high level on res.do not mix anti freeze colors.only add water if you are not sure what type it is.

 

sorry,let me finish.be sure to have proper anti freeze,make sure it has some to begin with or you might pop a freeze plug,or crack something.very important for you in extra cold areas.

 

So it should just be the cap that is on/connected to the radiator?

Not to sound like a fool here, but are you saying that if it's just a little low to put water in there?

Does the temp of the engine matter when checking the fluid?

 

you coolant is in a clear plastic reservoir to the right of the engine (not on the far right near the fender - thats the washer fluid). It has a blue twist plug on top. You need G12 type coolant, best found at your dealer - don't use basic off the shelf stuff. Doo a search on coolant here and you will get lots more info.

Do not check when hot. Let the car cool down. It can bve dangerous to open the plug when the car is hot (especially if it has been close to overheating if you are low on fluid). Steam can burn ya real bad.

 

I did a search for coolant, but hardly any posts from the A4 guys...

I'll take a look after work today, but in the meantime, I found the G12 type coolant @ ecstuning.com - it's 10 bux...

thanks, everyone for your input!