Coolant Leak (not the water pump)

[rstheiner]

I just got my car back from the dealer after 3 weeks and 3 attempts at fixing the coolant leak. Fortunately it was all warranty work. Here's the story.

I originally thought it was the water pump having read through a bunch of threads, dealer thought otherwise. The first time I took it in to the dealer they claimed it was the oil cooler, they replaced it and it seemed to fix it. I ended up riding my bike to work the next week and didn't drive the sonic. I drove the sonic to work (didn't check coolant level) and it ended up overheating when I went to lunch. Luckily I had a bottle of coolant in my car and almost emptied the gallon jug filling up the car.

I took it in for the 2nd time and they told me it was a banjo bolt on one of the coolant lines. I picked it up and drove it home. Did a quick check under the car when I got home, noticed it was dumping coolant onto my driveway. I immediately drove back to the dealer and they said they would at it again.

The 3rd time they said it was the coolant line from the oil cooler to the thermostat. So far so good, it's been a week and no leaks.

Anyone have issues like this?

 

[m0use]

Just returned from vacation and saw a puddle under my car (from the passenger side). Checked under the hood and the coolant tank is almost empty
Looks like I need to check if they got it fixed right before leaving the service.

 

[Natesriv]

3 trips to get a problem fixed? I'd avoid that dealership. Why would they fix it, then not drive it for an extended time to verify it's fixed? That'd be the first question I'd ask the Service Manger or Owner right to their face.

Glad it's fixed, but keep a bottle of coolant/h20 mix ready to go for awhile

 

[ChrisJ]

Yeah, the 3 trips for something that big isn't acceptable. Sounds like they changed the oil cooler and one of the lines they installed was leaking?

As far as that coolant line leaking, I seem to recall someone else having it.

 

[curvguy]

I would stay away with that dealership for they are just guessing whats really wrong. Looks for other better shop that can surely cure the problem.

 

[rstheiner]

I am definitely not going back to that dealer, hopefully I won't have to again.

They did test drive after the "repair", that's the sad part.