The low line would be considered below a cold line. Add a little coolant until it's above that line.There is no cold or hot indicator lines just low or full. Thats why i am asking what is normal. Im used to seeing a hot or cold line.
Really? I've never had a car with the external coolant reservoir where the level did not go up noticeably when the engine is fully up to normal operating temperature. In fact, it's one of the "visuals" I check frequently.Mine is on a yellow crayon level-mark just around Full (that the factory must put on), and it is that way nearly all the time, no matter if the engine is cold or hot.
Well, yesterday, I replaced the original cap, hoping to prevent any future problems. Let me see how it is now with the new cap, it could be the old cap wasn't working properly, I had that happen to my other vehicle. I noticed when it was cold, instead of fluid going back into the radiator, the lower radiator hose was squashed flat from the vacuum!Really? I've never had a car with the external coolant reservoir where the level did not go up noticeably when the engine is fully up to normal operating temperature. In fact, it's one of the "visuals" I check frequently.
If the level doesn't go up, then how is the cooling system accommodating the thermal expansion of the coolant in the engine? Either there's a lot of air, or a rubber hose could be weak and ballooning out, neither of which is correct.
OK, I have not forgotten to check this. I was about to change the oil today, the car was cold, I started it with the AC on and the heat off to warm up the engine more quickly. The coolant level was on the yellow line that was there from the factory, about midway between full and low.PlainOM
Really? I've never had a car with the external coolant reservoir where the level did not go up noticeably when the engine is fully up to normal operating temperature. In fact, it's one of the "visuals" I check frequently.
If the level doesn't go up, then how is the cooling system accommodating the thermal expansion of the coolant in the engine? Either there's a lot of air, or a rubber hose could be weak and ballooning out, neither of which is correct.
In my manual, #1 above is preceded by "check the coolant at each fuel stop." So somehow we are supposed to have a cold engine at fuel stops. This contradiction IMO adds to the confusion. All they need to do is give us specs on what the cold and hot acceptable ranges are.From the 2011 Owners Manual, page 11-17 (probably the same, or similar in other 4th generation booklets): [bold added]
"1. Check the coolant level on the outside
of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the
“LOW” level mark, add coolant up to the
“FULL” level mark. If the reserve tank is
empty, remove the radiator cap and refill
as required."
in other words, the "normal", or "starting" cold level is at the Full mark.