What to Do When the Mercedes-Benz E260 Displays 'Add Coolant'?
4 Answers
Mercedes-Benz E260 displays 'Add Coolant' solution as follows: False Alarm: This is usually an issue with the liquid level sensor and its related wiring. To determine if it's a false alarm, you can only manually open the coolant cap and observe whether the actual liquid level is normal. Engine Cooling: Park the car on level ground and wait for the engine to cool down. Ignition: Put the car into ignition mode. Check Water Temperature: The cooling system is pressurized, so you can only open the radiator cap after the engine has completely cooled down. The coolant temperature gauge must display below 70 degrees Celsius, otherwise, you might get scalded by the high-temperature coolant that could spill out. Filler Cap Operation: Place a cloth over the antifreeze filler cap, turn the cap counterclockwise half a turn to release any remaining pressure. Observe Coolant: If the coolant is level with the indicator rod on the filler cap when cold or about 1.5 cm higher when hot, it indicates there is sufficient coolant in the radiator. Actual Coolant Consumption: Coolant is a mixture of various additives and distilled water. Water evaporates, so as the mileage increases, the coolant will indeed be consumed. After being prompted to 'Add Coolant,' fill it up and observe again. If the prompt reappears shortly after, it indicates that it's not normal consumption.
Seeing the coolant warning light on my Mercedes E260, I immediately pulled over to check the coolant reservoir and found the level was very low. This is quite common and could be due to normal consumption or a minor leak. I quickly topped it up with Mercedes-specific coolant, avoiding tap or regular water to prevent engine corrosion. When adding, don’t fill it completely—leave some space to account for thermal expansion. After fixing it, I drove to the repair shop where the technician found a slight leak in the radiator and replaced the seal, solving the issue. I recommend keeping a bottle of suitable coolant in your car for emergencies, as engine overheating can damage components—safety first.
This low coolant warning is quite frequent in Mercedes-Benz models. When handling it, I prioritize safety: find a level spot to park, wait 30 minutes for the engine to cool before opening the hood. If the reservoir level is low, use only genuine Mercedes G48 coolant for topping up - never mix types to avoid chemical reactions. After refilling, start the engine and observe for a few minutes. If the warning light disappears, it's temporarily resolved, but visit the dealership ASAP to diagnose root causes like pipe aging, water pump wear, or loose connections that may cause leaks. Prolonged neglect can lead to catastrophic engine overheating. Always keep emergency supplies in your car.
Don't panic when the coolant warning light comes on in your Mercedes E260. The first thing to do is to stop and add the correct coolant. From my personal experience, open the hood and locate the reservoir marked with MIN and MAX. If the fluid level is below MIN, fill it to the middle position. It's recommended to use the original certified coolant and avoid mixing with other substances. After topping up, drive to a repair shop for inspection. The technician will use tools to check for leaks, which could be due to a crack in the radiator or a damaged connection. Ignoring this issue can lead to engine damage and higher repair costs. Regularly checking the fluid level every month is a simple and practical way to prevent problems.
