VW Sharan Check Engine Light After Low Coolant Service

Had a similar situation with a VW Touran 2003 Diesel. The check engine light appeared after service, combined with low coolant warnings. Despite no visible coolant leak under the car, the issue turned out to be serious. The radiator cap was not sealing properly, allowing pressure to escape and coolant to evaporate gradually. This led to engine overheating during longer drives. Further inspection revealed deteriorated radiator hoses that showed microscopic cracks, making leaks hard to spot initially. The repair required: Pressure testing the entire cooling system, Replacing the faulty radiator cap, Installing new radiator hoses, Checking the head gasket for potential damage, Complete coolant system flush The symptoms match your situation closely. Would strongly recommend getting it checked immediately, as continuous low coolant can lead to major engine damage. These cooling system issues on VW diesels from that era often start small but can develop into significant problems if left unaddressed. A proper inspection should include pressure testing to identify any hidden leaks in the system.

Thanks for sharing those details about your Touran repair. My Sharan had almost identical symptoms last year. A faulty water pump was causing a slow coolant leak that was hard to spot since it would drip and dry quickly without leaving obvious traces. The real wake up call came during highway driving when the engine started overheating. Like you mentioned, what seemed like a minor coolant reservoir issue turned into a more complex repair involving multiple cooling system components. How much did your total repair end up costing? Have you experienced any cooling system problems since getting it fixed? My mechanic mentioned these issues can sometimes return if the entire system isnt properly checked.

Thanks for asking about the repair costs. Since fixing the cooling system issues on my Touran, everything has been running perfectly with no repeat problems. The key was finding that damaged cable connection to the coolant level sensor, once replaced for 95€, the check engine light stayed off and the system maintained proper pressure. The mechanic did a thorough inspection of the entire cooling system while it was in, checking all radiator hoses and the water pump for potential issues. The coolant level is now staying consistent where it should be, with no signs of leaks or evaporation. A properly sealed system is crucial, even tiny leaks can lead to engine overheating over time. The pressure test they performed confirmed all components are now working correctly. These VW cooling systems are generally reliable once properly repaired and maintained. Always worth having the complete system checked when coolant issues appear, rather than just topping up fluid levels and hoping for the best. Head gasket damage from chronic overheating would be much more expensive to fix.

Thanks for the helpful advice. After finding the symptoms matched so closely, I took my Sharan back to a different mechanic for a second opinion. The thorough inspection revealed multiple issues. The cooling fan had a faulty connection and the water pump showed signs of wear. The total repair came to 780€, covering: New water pump installation, Cooling fan repair, System pressure test, Fresh coolant flush Since the repair two weeks ago, the check engine light has stayed off and coolant levels remain stable. The engine also runs noticeably smoother, especially during longer drives. While the cost was higher than expected, fixing these cooling system issues early likely prevented more serious engine damage. The mechanic recommended monitoring coolant levels monthly and watching for any changes in engine temperature. If anyone else notices similar symptoms, getting a complete cooling system inspection right away is definitely worth it.