So I have had no real problems my my 2001 4.2 until recenlty. About a few weeks ago when it started to get extremely cold my dashboard light came on for low antifreeze. Well I put some in about a week ago and this morning it came on again, I checked and sure enough it is way too low but it took about a week to get to that level. Any ideas on where the leak is and how much it will cost? Is there anything I can do so I can avoid the stealership?

Appreciate the help.

 

Same thing happened to me about a month ago. I was loosing a lot of coolant out of my 01 4.2 and also the smoke would rise from the front of the car. I took it in to the dealership and the mechanic called me a few days later. I was told my oil cooler was leaking and that it was possible that there was a leak in the coolant reservoir. So they changed the oil cooler and its been great for the week that ive had it back. Try looking into those 2 locations because your problem sounds exactly like mine did.
Hope this helps

 

I don't have the smoke just the leak so far. How much did your work cost?

 

Sorry, it wasnt really smoke, it was the antifreeze hitting an extremely hot engine part and it would create the nastiest smelling steam. I had a lot of things done to the car at this time and it was all under warranty. As far as I can see there was a new seal added for $4.45, and a M-bracket that was 458.00. If you go to a dealership they are gonna get you, I only went since I have my warranty. I would say go to a reputable shop and have them do a radiator pressure test and that will tell you where its leaking. Id say a good euro car shop should get you for too much, unlike the dealer, which looks like they would of gotten me for easliy over $600 for this problem.