Coolant Light...

[digitalputty]

Car: 2003.5 1.8T


Recently my blue coolant light has been going bonkers! Randomly turning on and off ... sometimes flashing. And I was wondering if these things throw codes? I looked in the owners manual and it said something about "electrical malfunction in cooling system" or something to that effect. I was also out and about today with my 'man' and we noticed a patch of liquid (coolant or other not sure) under my car on the passenger side engine area (where coolant reservoir is). Not sure if it was me or not but .... can a leak in the system cause a light? And, where is the water pump located?

Along with this flashing light I have noticed a decrease in power at times when accelerating. I was going 40 in 3rd gear and needed to accelerate and I felt like I was driving an automatic focus (used to have one so I know). This doesn't happen all the time ... just about 30% of the time.

Could these two things be related in anyway?

Any insight/help/recommendations would be UBER spiffy. I have money (kinda) right now ... and, am able to fix things that are weird. Would like to fix them before the money disappears.

Thanks again
Larissa

[bobbittle]

One or both of your coolant temp sensors are bad/going bad. Sounds like your water pump is leaking as well.

If you haven't done the timing belt/water pump replacement now might be the time.

[Audiophil]

Yeah, what he said ^^^ ... check my thread for more info:

Engine Termp Sensor Location?

Probably your top-of-the-engine coolant sensor. Takes 10 minutes to replace. If there was a more serious problem with the cooling system, like leaks, more than likely you would have a red flashing temp light, not blue.