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"Check Coolant Level" - But Its Full?!

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Old 09-08-2008, 04:37 PM
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"Check Coolant Level" - But Its Full?!

Well, I've been a little worried here lately because I just recently randomly "broke down". My engine overheated for almost no reason, coolant level was ok and I was cruising around town (not giving it hell) when it was about 68 outside.

Mercedes tells me there is absolutely nothing wrong with my car. But my engine temp averages 96-98 which from what I've been reading it should be around 80-85?. And last night my "Check Coolant Level" warning came on but when I checked it, it wasn't low.

Anybody got a suggestion?
Old 09-08-2008, 05:59 PM
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1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
update your profile:
  • LOCATION ?
  • what year ?
  • C320 Coupe ? / Sedan ? / Wagon ?
Old 09-08-2008, 07:11 PM
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late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by Hayezb
Well, I've been a little worried here lately because I just recently randomly "broke down". My engine overheated for almost no reason, coolant level was ok and I was cruising around town (not giving it hell) when it was about 68 outside.

Mercedes tells me there is absolutely nothing wrong with my car. But my engine temp averages 96-98 which from what I've been reading it should be around 80-85?. And last night my "Check Coolant Level" warning came on but when I checked it, it wasn't low.

Anybody got a suggestion?
What mileage has the vehicle done? Could be a blocked radiator or thermostat misbehaving. If you turn the heater on flat out does the engine temperature drop? What does "My engine overheated for ALMOST no reason" mean? Was there any reason?

Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; 09-08-2008 at 07:20 PM.
Old 09-08-2008, 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Saprissa
update your profile:
  • LOCATION ?
  • what year ?
  • C320 Coupe ? / Sedan ? / Wagon ?

Gee Carlos. Have you forgotten the other level this warning responds to as well? You better STFF.
Old 09-08-2008, 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by amdeutsch
Gee Carlos. Have you forgotten the other level this warning responds to as well? You better STFF.
Oops! a battle of the titans
Old 09-09-2008, 01:13 AM
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Washer fluid???
Old 09-09-2008, 01:50 PM
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Mine is saying the same thing. Can it might be that its too full i really wouldn't know

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Old 09-09-2008, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by SteveAustin
Washer fluid???
Yep.. A low washer fluid level will throw the coolant level error.
Old 10-26-2009, 03:15 PM
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Originally Posted by C24owner
Yep.. A low washer fluid level will throw the coolant level error.
I got the 'Check Coolant Level' warning last night for the first time. I did a quick look at it and it looked like it needs a little bit of coolant to make it full. How full is it supposed to be?

For the windshield fluid, I usually got a different warning for that, but I'll pour in until it's full just in case.

I think some people here also argued when I STFFed about the windshield fluid level has a totally different sensor with coolant level, more like not related at all, but like I said I'll fill up some more of windshield fluid.
Old 10-26-2009, 04:08 PM
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Coolant level (according to MB documentation) is supposed to be right up to the black plastic portion of the reservoir.

The "low coolant" warning for low washer fluid is an issue only on older vehicles. Hopefully someone at MB was fired for that .
Old 10-26-2009, 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by MCVAMG13
Mine is saying the same thing. Can it might be that its too full i really wouldn't know
No, it not might can wont say that if it high is too much.
Old 10-26-2009, 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by acr2001
Coolant level (according to MB documentation) is supposed to be right up to the black plastic portion of the reservoir.

The "low coolant" warning for low washer fluid is an issue only on older vehicles. Hopefully someone at MB was fired for that .
Yeah, I actually read my manual and it's full if it's up to the 'black line' on the tax (You'd have to remove the cap to see it) / the black top part since it's not much different between the black line and the top part.

THX
Old 10-27-2009, 04:04 AM
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Check if your engine fan is switching on. If it does not, then that could be the reason why your engine overheated. That would explain the high temp reading you are getting. Your thermostat switch could be broken as it may have failed to supply your engine fan the voltage it needs to turn on. Check your front SAM fuse box, specifically relay P, as this is the relay that supplies the voltage. If relay P is supplying voltage, then the thermostat switch could be the culprit. If the thermo switch is working, that means you have eliminated the two possible causes then definitely your engine fan needs to be replaced.
Old 10-27-2009, 12:52 PM
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To tell you guys the truth.. Ive never heard my engine fan come on.. I really think i haven't my car use to always chill at 80-- now its around 96-98. I don't have any issues with my car tho so i won't mess with anything.. I was just wonder i did get a brand new radiator.. after my crash
Old 10-27-2009, 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by krisv420
To tell you guys the truth.. Ive never heard my engine fan come on.. I really think i haven't my car use to always chill at 80-- now its around 96-98. I don't have any issues with my car tho so i won't mess with anything.. I was just wonder i did get a brand new radiator.. after my crash
your could have a bad thermostat which is causing your car to run hotter. as for the fan i hear mine come on all the time maybe when they replaced the radiator the forgot to plug it back in
Old 10-27-2009, 11:05 PM
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Originally Posted by krisv420
To tell you guys the truth.. Ive never heard my engine fan come on.. I really think i haven't my car use to always chill at 80-- now its around 96-98. I don't have any issues with my car tho so i won't mess with anything.. I was just wonder i did get a brand new radiator.. after my crash
I think the fan speed varies depending on temps.... I know that when I put the A/C on max the radiator fan comes on full blast - VERY noticeable. Other times if I open the hood I see it spinning at a low speed - not very audible.
Old 10-28-2009, 04:16 AM
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Originally Posted by acr2001
I think the fan speed varies depending on temps.... I know that when I put the A/C on max the radiator fan comes on full blast - VERY noticeable. Other times if I open the hood I see it spinning at a low speed - not very audible.
+1 - the fan/fans are variable speed. My car has the twin fan set up & I'm a little critical of the design flat out. It heterodynes like a bugger - vurr, vurr, vurr. Fortunately it very seldom runs fast.
Old 10-28-2009, 03:39 PM
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I will doublecheck my fan later, but I'm pretty sure I heard my fan spinning. I also kind of remember my car's temp was at 92-95 when the warning came up.

As for topping off, I did top it off with MB coolant, but they gave me 325.1? I didn't notice the specs until I was home. I did still top it off anyway.

Is MB using 325.1 now?
Old 10-29-2009, 09:42 AM
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325.0 & 325.1 (latest) are both fine for your car. They are compatible & can be mixed safely.
Old 10-30-2009, 04:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
325.0 & 325.1 (latest) are both fine for your car. They are compatible & can be mixed safely.
Great! THX Glyn
Old 05-16-2022, 04:53 PM
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Just a question guys, if coolant is getting low, is this connected with the valeo radiator saga?
Old 05-16-2022, 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by bekkerh
Just a question guys, if coolant is getting low, is this connected with the valeo radiator saga?
Possibly, but if coolant was going into the transmission lines you would also see a drop in coolant level and/or transmission fluid (red) in the expansion tank.

Last edited by slammer111; 05-16-2022 at 07:22 PM.
Old 11-02-2022, 11:28 PM
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Help. My radiator hose wasn’t put back right after servicing. So I just blew it. Been sitting at a gas station over 1 1/2 hrs. Fan keeps going into turbo mode. Even after I shut it off. Is it safe to drive??

Last edited by Zazgurl; 11-02-2022 at 11:35 PM.
Old 11-02-2022, 11:56 PM
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Sounds like your car is overheating.

Add distilled water and limp it home, or get it towed. You won’t be able to run the car for long.

If the hose has any major leak you’re looking at a tow unfortunately.

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