Losing Coolant

[JohnT.106]

Hi . I purchased a 2021 base Bronco Sport in March . Now that hot weather is here. I'm losing coolant at an alarming rate. I saw a post mentioning a zip tie. But where exactly does it go and should I even attempt this . Wouldn't the warranty cover this ? Can I zip tie a hose ? I'm guessing that's where a zip tie would go. Also I'm pretty mechanically illiterate. Thanks

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[JohnT.106]

Also it only happens when driving and it's hard for me to see where it's coming from . Had to add maybe a quart twice in the last month .

 

[Mark S.]

Do you smell coolant? Engine coolant has a very distinctive smell, and if you're losing it due to a leak at that rate you should be able to smell it. If your coolant level is dropping and you don't smell anything you may be burning it in the engine instead. A symptom of burning coolant is white smoke coming from the exhaust, but it may still be burning coolant even if you don't see white smoke. You may also smell coolant in the exhaust.

If you suspect you are burning coolant you should take it in for service ASAP. That is a problem that will only get worse.

 

[Major Kong]

If you suspect you are burning coolant you should take it in for service ASAP. That is a problem that will only get worse.

^^^^^^
OP follow Mark's advice
system needs a pressurized test

 

[Major Kong]

Hi . I purchased a 2021 base Bronco Sport in March . Now that hot weather is here. I'm losing coolant at an alarming rate. I saw a post mentioning a zip tie. But where exactly does it go and should I even attempt this . Wouldn't the warranty cover this ? Can I zip tie a hose ? I'm guessing that's where a zip tie would go. Also I'm pretty mechanically illiterate. Thanks

OP try this link for addition insights

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTWZMB6wLBIuXkHkWUPQ2w/search?query=1.5 coolant leak

 

[RiotfunK]

Bad turbo, head gasket

 

[13MikeH]

my son has an older Dodge. He was losing coolant similarly, and developing 'steam sludge' or like a gel type goo on the inside of his resevior. Turned out to be a small crack in a fitting and was purging fluid, burning it off. Never saw drips, never had any indication other than routine checks on the coolant. Replaced the plastic fitting, flush and refill with a 36 hour pressure test, good as gold.

 

[69cuda340s]

The zip tying of a hose is related to the full size bronco where hose laid on pulley and would cut hose open. Does not apply to Bronco Sports

 

[JohnT.106]

^^^^^^
OP follow Mark's advice
system needs a pressurized test

Thank you for replying . There's no smoke . After driving it in hot weather when i pop the hood I can smell it. But I don't see anything on ground when car is off . I called ford. They said EC problem I think . But they are so busy they can't get me in until August 17 . Maybe I can try another ford dealer ?

 

[JohnT.106]

^^^^^^
OP follow Mark's advice
system needs a pressurized test

Also I meant to add this in first post I'm guessing I had to add 2 quarts. 2 separate times in the last month . I took pictures of the level before filling it and it was an close to 2 inches below the max level when cool . Stinks I need to Carry around anti freeze and check the level everyday afraid to drive. I'll keep you posted when Ford can see it . Thanks Again

 

[69cuda340s]

I would look online at dealer rating see if you can find a dealer that has time to look at it. Lincoln dealers can do Ford warranty work too.

 

[Major Kong]

There's no smoke . After driving it in hot weather when i pop the hood I can smell it.

engine bay odor
check for wet hoses or puddling in the shield below engine
may be something as simple as the radiator cap
check hose between radiator and reservoir
inspect radiator fins
mirror may help with this
if you're uncomfortable with the wait
have trusted mechanic look at it
few bucks spent for piece of mind has value

 

[GR3EN]

The bronco sports have a known weak point at the water pump. More than likely where it will be leaking. Take it to your local dealer though as advised since it will be warranty.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Hi . I purchased a 2021 base Bronco Sport in March . Now that hot weather is here. I'm losing coolant at an alarming rate. I saw a post mentioning a zip tie. But where exactly does it go and should I even attempt this . Wouldn't the warranty cover this ? Can I zip tie a hose ? I'm guessing that's where a zip tie would go. Also I'm pretty mechanically illiterate. Thanks

Hello, John! Send us a private message with your VIN and the name and location of your local Ford dealer. I’d be happy to see what I can do to assist with this concern. Thanks!

 

[Glamdring70]

My money's on the water pump because several people have mentioned it failing before.

If they can't schedule you for a month, at least make them hand you a bottle of MotorCraft Yellow, or whatever yours has in it.

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