My son's "Coolant Low Stop Engine" message came on, and he mistakenly poured in a small amount of gasline antifreeze and water, and thankfully made it home. When I opened the hood, the cap was not on, which could have been a result of his carelessness or something more serious, and the fluid in the tank was green. Are there any suggestions on how I should proceed? Thanks.

 

I can't see that much harm would be done by adding what is, in effect, an anti-freeze. Having said that, itshould be removed as soon as possible.

Drain the system, flush out thoroughly with clean water and refill with a suitable mix of anti-freeze and water.

As an afterthought, make your son replace the cap to make sure he knows how it is done.

 

Agree. I would drain the coolant and refill with distilled water. Keep filling and draining until it runs clear. Once it is clear, then refill with coolant and distilled water 50% mix. I would use either the Volvo coolant or Zerex brand G-05 coolant, which is similar.

 

Are these the only two antifreeze's that are appropriate? I got the same message and I'm wondering what kind to use....


Thanks,
Steve

 

Gasoline antifreeze is largely isopropyl alcohol. If he only put a small bottle in there then I wouldn't worry, but too much might make a hot cooling system into a bomb.