# Coolant Levels **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** coolant\ **Created:** [November 6, 2007, 2:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-levels/6929 "2007-11-06T14:55:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MegRoxy113](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e480ec/32.png) [@MegRoxy113](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MegRoxy113)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2007, 2:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-levels/6929/1 "2007-11-06T14:55:27Z")
I have a 2001 Saab 9-3 which I have owned for little over a year. I have had to fill the coolant 3 times. Any idea what could be wrong? I am not seeing any leaks but I know that it isn’t a quick leak. Any answers are greatly appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2007, 3:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-levels/6929/2 "2007-11-06T15:49:49Z")
The cooling system is a closed loop pressurized system. Anytime the coolant level drops it indicates there’s a leak somewhere. The first thing to try is replace the radiator cap. If this fails to hold the proper pressure, coolant can escape the system as a vapor. If the radiator doesn’t have a pressure cap, then the coolant reservoir cap is the pressure cap. Tester ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [November 6, 2007, 5:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-levels/6929/3 "2007-11-06T17:14:13Z")
I’d suggest starting by having the system pressure tested. If you are also having operating problems it may be wise to have a conpression leakdown test done o the cylinders. 3 yimes in one year is indicative of a suttle leak. It isn’t normal. It’s going somewhere, and there are only two possibilities; the outside world or the inside cylinders. ---
**Author:** ![Sean01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f05b48/32.png) [@Sean01](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Sean01)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2007, 10:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/coolant-levels/6929/4 "2007-12-25T22:19:18Z")
Good advice to have a pressure test done; could be a leaking water pump, hose, cap etc. If that turns up nothing, check the head gasket for an external leak – common on 4cyl. Saabs of this vintage. The head gasket can leak oil and/or coolant externally – small amounts at a time. I had a tough-to-find oil leak, which turned out to be the head gasket. Fortunately, I was able to retorque the head (see link) and for the price of a new valve cover gasket, and about an hour of my time, I was all set. Good luck! [http://www.genuinesaab.com/psi/files/headretorque.htm](http://www.genuinesaab.com/psi/files/headretorque.htm)