Low coolant light when below freezing temps

[LJRuddy]

Every winter since I bought this car the low coolant light will turn on during a cold start when the temps drop below 35F. Throughout the winter months, I will put in about 1-2 quarts of coolant. When the ambient temps begin to rise above 40, my car stops using coolant and I dont have to add a drop for the rest of the spring/summer.

Last night, it got down to 28 and sure as shit, I got in my car and the low coolant light was on. I park on a concrete driveway so I checked for drops on the ground and found none and the engine bay does not smell like coolant not can I find any white residue/wet spots that would indicate a leak. Overflow tank does not have a leak either.

Where is my coolant going? And why only when its cold out? Its been more of a nuisance than anything but Im getting tired of hearing that warning chime every morning when I get in it.

 

[tqmx1]

Mine leaves it's mark in the winter, Sitting over night the raditor shrinks just enough to cause a weep between the side tanks and the core. Once warmed up the weep goes away. About 3 to4 times a winter I have to top off the header tank, it is just not bad enough to pull the front end to replace the Rad.

 

[jthod]

Some coolant leaks will only open up and leak when cold. When the metal and/or plastic heat up the parts expand and seal back up. Hard telling where it is leaking with out having it cold, and under pressure (with a pressure tester/gauge).

 

[SHOZ123]

Probably leaking from the drivers side of the radiator. I had a brand new one that did this. Same problem the V6 SHOs have. You need to take the radiator out and recrimp the tanks.





Set the vice grips so they do not completely squeeze in the aluminum tab. Start with it barely doing anything and tighten the grip slowly until it just pinches the tab a little bt. You will get a feel. Go all around the radiator. You can get all the tabs but two or so IIRC.