So my coolant light keeps coming on every other day and I have to keep putting like a few cups of coolant in.

Today I found a leak in the passenger side back seat of the car. I'm freaking out because I'm 18 and this is my first car...I don't have a lot of money so idk what to do.

https://i.imgur.com/hWVupXG.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YXForhL.jpg


i pulled the carpet back on the passenger side and there's coolant under my carpet too

 

Looks like your heater core is leaking coolant onto the floor. OR
The hose connecting via the firewall could be leaking/split also.
Can you smell coolant inside the car.
You need to replace the core ASAP or you may overheat and cook your motor.
(blow the head gasket)
Lift your carpets and thoroughly dry out the floor, underlay etc.

 

I have a huge jug of coolant in the trunk, I always keep it topped off. Am I still at risk if I keep the coolant full?

 

Firstly, actually confirm visually that the coolant is coming from the heater core or one of its connecting hoses.
If it is the core, one can disconnect the heater from the hoses and rejoin together securely to bi-pass the heater for a temporary reprieve.
Not otherwise a good idea to just ignore it and its messy and damaging also.

Overheat your motor and your in for serious expense and repairs that could have easily been avoided. A 'No brainer' really eh ??

 

Do you knowwhere the heater hoses go through the firewall? They go through about midway. You can see them going into the inside of the car; they will be very close together. Both should be dry. I woud not mess with the plastic locks that you will see.

If that is dry, the choices are the O-rings that seal the heater core (unlikely choice) or the heater core itself. RSPI has a good video on how to get to the heater core: http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...hp?f=1&t=58733

You need a few tools and a little patience.
You can find heater cores from $30 to close to $200. If money is tight, go with a cheap replacement and just plan that it may only last a few years. if you take it apart and the core looks good, with no discoloration, and the seals are leaking, get a set of seals and replace them (less than $10) and return the heater core.

Good luck!

 

Coolant leaks need to be fixed ASAP. I call it coolant roulette. Every time you start the car and drive it, you are pulling the trigger with the guy pointed at the motor. Sooner or later you will loose enough coolant, at the wrong time and over heat the motor. Then it will be head gasket time. I promise you, you don't want NONE of that.