Vitz 2006 Heating issues

[reaper1111]

I am thinking that my car is heating up, but there is no red temperature indicator or anything I just feel some heat from the top of the bonnet and can smell some burning type smell from there as well.
Also I have to top up the reserve bottle after every 2 days. Takes up about 500ml bottle of water. There is no leak or anything. This water reduction has gotten me worried that the car might heat up and get damaged.

Another thing I have noticed is that whenever I shut off the car for a quick stop and start it again the high temperature light come up at the start and instantly goes away, is this some indication or its normal?

[anon35615524]

Are you using proper coolant? Or simple plain water?

Is the radiator fan Auto? or direct?

Is Thermostat valve present? Or removed by some Mechanic?

Any recent, mechanical work done related to engine?

[anon35615524]

Please also check the radiator cap. It might be needing replacement.

[reaper1111]

Are you using proper coolant? Or simple plain water?

Is the radiator fan Auto? or direct?

Is Thermostat valve present? Or removed by some Mechanic?

Any recent, mechanical work done related to engine?

Using plain water
Radiator fan is auto
Thermostat valve is present recently replaced along with oxygen sensor about 2-3 months back

Last repairs done were related to a problem I had been facing since long, the temperature indicator (green not red) used to appear randomly and the car would jerk every time the indicator came on. Car used to vibrate heavily on stops at D, it all went away after changing the front oxygen sensor.

That was the last work which was done on the car.

Also how can I check if the radiator cap needs to be replaced? I remember i changed it last year.

[joshuaelijah05]

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[joshuaelijah05]

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[reaper1111]

Btw I suspect (NOTE IT JUST SUSPECT) that there is a problem with your head gasket. Start up your car and open the radiator cap, check if there is a continuous stream of bubbles for more than 10 or 20 seconds. If there is a continuous stream of bubbles, then it is a head gasket leak. My car started to show telltale signs like the the high temp. light coming on for a few seconds and then going off (not like meri gaari ko bhi yehi bemari thi or wo margayi! if you understand the reference) I got the head gasket replaced and it all became normal.

I'll get back to coolant once this issue gets sorted out. About the red light I would like to clear that it doesn't stay lit for that long it just comes up at start (not cold start) and goes away instantly with all other indicators. I'll check the head gasket thing you mentioned.

[joshuaelijah05]

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[reaper1111]

Yeah that light used appear for like 1 s on hot starts during the day on my car that is why I'm just telling you that.

Alright I'll get that check today. Another thing I'd like to add here is that I have been getting the cold temperature indicator during these winters when driving on highway or lyari expressway in morning I guess it comes up as it is kinda cold in morning? It comes up for like 15-20 secs once or twice while driving on super highway or lyari expressway as thats my daily route.

[anon35615524]

When engine has attained sufficient temperature, cold temperature indicator light (which basically depicts coolant temperature) should not come up.

If hot and cold lights both are coming up randomly, then there might be something wrong with their sensors, wiring, etc. Please have everything thoroughly checked.

[reaper1111]

Mechanic recommend changing of radiator cap and serviced the radiator. Heating seems to be in control now.

Can anyone recommend a good place in Karachi from where I can get a genuine radiator cap?