VW Caddy Coolant Loss Issue: Warning Signs & Solutions

I had a similar issue with my VW Golf (2016, gasoline) last winter. Having some experience with cooling system issues, I first checked all radiator hoses and the coolant reservoir for visible leaks. The problem turned out to be much simpler than expected. After inspection, my mechanic found a faulty sensor connection near the coolant reservoir. The sensor was actually reading incorrect levels despite the coolant being fine. The cable connector had corroded, causing intermittent false readings and triggering the check engine light. The fix involved cleaning the connector and replacing the wiring harness section. Total cost was 95€ including diagnostic time. The repair took about an hour. Before jumping to conclusions about major issues, I would suggest: 1. Verify if coolant is actually low by checking the coolant reservoir level when cold 2. Look for obvious coolant leaks around radiator hoses and connections 3. Have a professional check the sensor connections What is your current coolant consumption rate? Are you noticing any puddles under the car or sweet smell from the engine bay? This information would help determine if you are dealing with an actual leak or possibly a sensor issue like in my case.

Update on my situation, turns out my Caddy had engine overheating issues despite the coolant being topped up regularly. After the last service at 73507km, I noticed a small radiator fluid leak near one of the main radiator hoses. The garage pressure tested the system and found a hairline crack in the connection point. The coolant leak was gradual, not leaving obvious puddles but requiring top-ups every few weeks. Having this properly diagnosed saved me from potential serious engine damage. Worth checking these basic points before assuming worst-case scenarios like head gasket failure. My repair cost ended up being 280€ for parts and labor. The car runs perfectly now with no warning lights or temperature issues.

Thanks for the follow-up on your Caddy issue. My Golf actually had a similar radiator hose problem before the sensor issue I mentioned earlier. The small crack was in almost the same spot, where the hose connects to the water pump housing. The cooling system pressure test is definitely the right approach. Air pockets can form in the system when there are even tiny leaks, leading to inconsistent coolant flow. The cooling fan might work overtime trying to compensate, which is exactly what happened in my case before I got it fixed. The 280€ repair cost sounds about right, these jobs need proper diagnosis time to locate the exact leak point. Much better to catch these issues early before they develop into more serious problems that could affect the head gasket or other major components. Just keep monitoring your coolant reservoir level for the next few weeks to make sure the fix holds. Sometimes these connection points can develop issues again, especially if the coolant mixing ratio isnt quite right or there is corrosion building up.

Thanks for the input. After running the car for a few weeks since the repair, I can confirm the issue is completely resolved. No more coolant loss or engine overheating warnings. The coolant reservoir level has remained stable at the correct mark. For anyone facing similar issues, having the cooling system pressure tested was key to finding the exact leak point. The gradual coolant loss through the cracked radiator hose could have eventually led to serious engine damage if left unchecked. The total 280€ repair cost was reasonable considering the diagnostic work and parts needed. Regular checks of coolant levels and radiator hoses during maintenance should help catch these problems early. Much cheaper than dealing with a failed water pump or worse issues down the line.