hi all,

just got a new rdx a few days ago. and let me just say i am loving it so much more than the ml350 i was driving previously

i was flipping through the manual and looking under the hood. I couldn't help but noticed that the reservoir engine coolant level is at the "min" level mark. However, the car temp looks normal on the MID.

I am very doubtful (more like the refusal to believe) that a new car from an acura dealer would have this issue. so is this normal because the manual was saying the level should be at max. However, the instruction to add coolant said to fill it up in between the min and max mark.

Does the level in the reservoir depend on the car temp? Will the level go up if i unscrew the radiator cap? What are the level for other ppl's rdx?

Any help or information will be greatly appreciated.

 

First of congrats on your purchase...

The coolant level will probably drop a bit on the reservoir side for the first few hundred miles (it's normal for the break-in period).

The recommended coolant for your RDX is "Type 2" and should be BLUE in color if it's fromyour Acura or Honda dealer. This is also a good way for your dealer to konw if you've mixed or have had the coolant changed with anything else but their stuff, etc...

 

thanks for the quick reply and info vrflyer.

so i guess i can hold off on adding the engine coolant if this min. level condition is normal during the break in period. i'm assuming as long as the car temp is good, there shouldn't be any problems.

 

Glad you are enjoying your RDX and reading your manual. I'm going to cloud the issue with an opposite answer -- your initial concern was correct.

The coolant runs in a sealed system pressurized by the water pump and it's own operating temperature (about 200F). The reservior carries the excess coolant when the engine, radiator and lines are fully pressurized; there is nowhere else for the coolant to go. If the reservior is low, the coolant is low.

This has not been uncommon on new RDXs, mine as well.

Yes, hot coolant expands into the reservior. When cold, the reservior level should be lower. If your reservior reads MIN when hot it will be below MIN when cold.

No, but your exitement level will rise dramatically if the coolant is hot (unless you are fond of scalding glycol steam baths). It isn't neccessary to open the radiator cap at all. The coolant is serviced through the reservior.

Take your car to any Honda/Acura dealer and have them service it to the right level. It's not an emergency; it will probably take not more than a cup. Depending on the cooperation level of the Service Advisor, you may want to be prepared to show him the manual.

 

taking it to the dealer sounds good to me