Engine coolant leak?

Tiny
COOLR8826
  • MEMBER
  • 2019 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 32,000 MILES
I bought a used vehicle listed above Latitude Plus (just over 32,000 miles) with the base engine (2.4 l-4) and about two months ago the low coolant light came on. Took it local Jeep dealer and they told me it was normal for it to lose coolant and fall below the min, and the max is just a suggestion. They said the issue was a thermostat in the car and they replaced it and filled and bleed the coolant system. Fast forward 2 months later to today, I noticed the car when I would occasionally go around a curve, it says low oil pressure and stalls out completely and have to give it a break and it will eventually start back up with a little fighting with it. I check today and the oil level is just about barely on the dipstick and maybe has 5% of the recommendation. The oil was changed about 8 months ago as it is full synthetic, but just today hit the 0% oil life remaining level. The coolant level has also managed to fall below the required level once again. Any ideas of what is wrong with it? Thanks in advance.

Note: All readings were taken after vehicle was driven for 20 minutes.
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Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 AT 3:03 PM

22 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,883 POSTS
Well the first thing is that the dealer lied to you. It is not normal for an engine to lose coolant unless it has a leak or is internally damaged and is burning it. As to the oil, it should be changed at between 4 and 5 thousand miles at the very outside. The monitor on modern engines is a joke as it doesn't really monitor anything other than engine load and mileage. It doesn't read oil level or anything else. The oil could be completely worn out long before the monitor shows 0 life.

These guides can help us

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

Also it sounds like your engine is also burning oil. That means it needs to be checked more often to be sure it is full. You should also monitor the usage, although most manufacturers now don't care if an engine is sucking down oil faster than the gas. If you can show proof of excessive oil use they will test it and may replace the engine if it actually exceeds the number they pull out of the air..
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Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 AT 3:37 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
This engine operates the valves on oil pressure. That means if the oil pump does not pull up oil then it is pulling in air from the oil pan and that means when that air gets pumped to the lifters which operate the valves, they simply close. That means the engine just shuts off. Going around a curve causes the oil to shift to one side of the pan or the other. This is why it pulls in air. The only time this happens is when the oil level gets low which is the true root cause.

What happens is when the oil is not changed at the proper intervals or there is another issue that causes the cylinder walls to become scored, it will start to burn oil. Once the oil level is low enough it will begin to stall because of the issue above where the valves just close due to low oil pressure.

The only solution is to replace the engine. I would suggest taking it back to the dealer and ask they start an oil consumption test or use a borescope to look for cylinder wall scoring. Due to it being a newer vehicle it should be covered under warranty. However, if you just bought it and cannot "prove" that it was properly maintained they may object to it and not cover it under warranty. Clearly this may not happen but something you should be prepared for. If that happens, maybe take it back to where you bought it assuming it was from a business of some sort.

Please tell me if you have questions as I am very familiar with this situation and can explain anything that doesn't make sense. Thanks
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Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 AT 3:39 PM
Tiny
TONY22
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 47,567 MILES
How to repair an overheating condition? How to find coolant leakage when there's no visable signs?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
You can pressureize the system and listen for air to come out, make sure the temostat is removed or open.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KLOVJEFF
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 83,000 MILES
My Grand Cherokee is leaking coolant. I think the reservoir has something to do with the leaking. I can fill the reservoir and within 2-4 days, I am having to fill it again. The level in the radiator is fine and the truck is not overheating. I have replaced the bottom hose because that's where I thought the leak was coming from but it's still leaking. It seems to be leaking even faster over the last couple of days. I filled it this morning to the full line and now it's down to the add line within 11 hours. Got any suggestions as to where the leak is?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BUICKRODGUY88
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Is it leaking only when u drive it or sitting still cause if it is leaking that much you should see it on the ground unless when ur running it u might be blowing steam out ur tail pipe that could be a head gasket. Look all around it even get under it by the transmission i'm having an issue right now on my 98 cherokee that is running out by the transmission but I can see it. Try pulling your dipstick out seeing if there is any coolant in your oil it'll look kinda choclate milky or discolored could be in your engines base.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
LINGRAM488
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
My 2002 Jeep Cherokee had a large coolant leak. Took it to the shop, and they rana pressure test on the system. Based on that test, they determined that the radiator cap wa sbad and it was not holding pressure. So they replaced the cap and I had them flush the system and replace the fluid. That was a week ago. Yesterday I noticed a small pubble of coolant on the garage floor. Any thoughts?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
If you were to place cardboard under the car, what section of the engine compartment is the coolant coming from?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MESA_MOSES
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have the same issue. It is leaking thru the inside of the front passenger area, as well as on the outside right under the passenger seat.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KATMEG99
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2002 JEEP CHEROKEE
For the past few months my car has been leaking coolant, which has to be completely refilled every 8 days. I don't have any puddles under my car when I leave every morning so I'm confused as to where the leak is. Any ideas for locating the leak and for repairing it without spending the customary $1,000 per repair this car has always required?

I replaced the radiator cap about 4 months ago because a mechanic told me the old cap was not holding the pressure so I don't think the leak is there.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Are you getting any white smoke from the exhaust?
If not do a pressure test on the system, pay attention to leaks from Freeze plugs on the side of the block.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KATMEG99
  • MEMBER
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I confess, I know nothing about cars--what/where are freeze plugs and where is the block? (Yes, I'm female).

I'm not getting any white smoke from the exhaust.

Thank you so much in advance.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Merlin's right, need to pressure test the system. I asume you're filling it up with coolant when it goes down?

Female has nothing to do with it.....really.

White smoke is an indicator of internal leakage tha is burning. It it isn't going in than it is going out.

Fill the system up and let it idle in the drvieway. HAve the hood open and keeping looking around for signs of the coolant leaking. If you aren't seeing anything going to the ground, it may be burning off.

This isn't a heavy leak so you need to look in areas that are more apt to "seap" or leak slowly. The freeze or expansion plaugs are located through out the block. The block is the very most basic part of the engine. Here is a pic if it helps:


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_block_2.jpg

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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CHIEF 08
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE
Engine Cooling problem
2001 Jeep Cherokee 6 cyl Automatic 147000 miles

Every 500 miles or so, my engine loses a reservoir of radiator fluid. We can't find a leak, no puddles, no overheating. We have put dyes in the fluid and find no leak. Replaced water pump, thermostat. Reseated connections and still cannot find a leak. Test of exhaust have shown no unusual burning. No engine noise such a knocking, no loss of mileage.
Any idea where the fluid is going?
Also, I lose oil pressure when engine is in drive with no acceleration. Cold start up shows noral pressure.
When engine warm, pressure drops to zero with no acceleration.
No loss of fluids, no burning, no exhaust issues, changed pumps and sensors, no change. Any ideas on why pressure drops?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Hi there,

You will need to get the cooling system pressure tested hot this will show and external leaks, check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge first don't rely on the cars electrical gauge as they can be very inaccurate.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FLAURIEM
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 153,549 MILES
My jeep is leaking coolant the resavior is always empty and the radiator remains full of green fluid even though I add plain water daily. I have a pressure release cap on the radiator and there is never no pressure coming out of the lid. I had an estimate and I was told that the water pump and the radiator need to be replaced. 2 months ago the controls onn my steering wheel went out i.E. Cruise control etc. I had the fuses checked and was told they were fine, but this problem began the same time the power went out. Does the water pump require electricity?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Hi:
It sounds like you have a leak somewhere. Next, does the vehicle ever overheat? If not, I wouldn't imagine that both the waterpump and radiator need replaced.

As far as the pump, no it doesn't require electric to work. It runs off a belt that is turned by the engine.

I want you to try something. First, find cardboard or newspaper and place it under the car's engine compartment. Par the jeep over it while the engine is still warm. Make sure that none of the cardboard or paper touches anything hot. Allow the Jeep to sit overnight and check for leaks or spots of coolant in the morning. Let me know what you find.

Also, it's unlikely that you would feel pressure being released from the rad cap. Also, the water may be gone because the radiator is drawing it in. The coolant will still remain green. However, once you reach 50% water and keep adding, it will become weaker against freezing / boiling.

Let me know what you find, and I will be able to help you better.

Joe
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JNOVACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 723 POSTS
Yes do what Jacobandnickolas said and as for the controls on steering wheel is the airbag light on?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FLAURIEM
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes it is
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JNOVACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 723 POSTS
Ok since the airbag light is on the controls on steering wheel it is caused by the clock-spring under steering wheel do not attempt to change until battery has been dissconected for 10 min. Then the airbag can be removed it has 2 screws on back side of steering wheel then remove wheel you will have to buy a steering wheel puller there about $15.00 at just about every parts store then after removing the wheel you have access to clock-spring remove screws and very very carefully put new on and insall in reverse order
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:00 AM (Merged)

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