Leaking coolant

Tiny
BLAIR BATTEN
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 CHEVROLET TRAX
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
When my SUV heats up, she pulls coolant out of the holding tank. Would the thermostat make it do this or is it the radiator cap?
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 AT 4:58 AM

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Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

So, is the coolant coming out of the cap?

A bad or weak radiator cap will allow coolant to escape, due to not being able to hold the proper amount of pressure when the engine is running at the operating temperature.

Are you experiencing any overheating? If not, then it is likely just the cap.

Those caps can be tested with a cap pressure tester. That will tell you if it is holding the correct pressure. Those testers are available at your local auto parts store to use.

You can also do a pressure test of the cooling system to determine if the leaking from any other component.

Here is a helpful guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Keep in mind that you do not want to remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
Wait for it to cool down first.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
BLAIR BATTEN
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  • 1 POST
Thank you very much.
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,554 POSTS
Is the fan coming on? Also, do you notice any leaks on the ground? Here are two guides that can help us fix it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

and

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

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Tuesday, February 15th, 2022 AT 4:43 PM

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