Technical Water running/sloshing sound

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Technical Water running/sloshing sound

Craikeybaby

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My girlfriend has mentioned she can hear water running/sloshing when she first drives the car. I've taken it for a spin and can also hear it when accelerating. It sounds like water is running length ways along the car, possibly in the sills. I can't hear it on hard cornering, only acceleration, which also points to a length ways movement.

Does anyone have an idea of what it could be?

The car has AC, but no sunroof, I don't recall the front carpets or spare wheel area being wet, but will double check.
 
I haven't noticed the footwell being wet, but I haven't had a proper look under the mats, as it is always dark when I'm at home.

Another thing I should have mentioned is that thecae is always parked nose down on a slope, next time it goes out I'll remember to park it the other way around.
 
I haven't noticed the footwell being wet, but I haven't had a proper look under the mats, as it is always dark when I'm at home.

Another thing I should have mentioned is that thecae is always parked nose down on a slope, next time it goes out I'll remember to park it the other way around.

I've had this issue, allbeit in a different vehicle. In that instance repair work had closed up the small apertures that allowed water to drain out of the sills so I removed the rubber bungs under the sills and left them off. Try removing the rubber plugs under your sills. See if water runs out or the plugs are wet on the inside. Why water would be getting in is another question of course. Also check the drainage slots in the bottom of the doors - they can get clogged with detritus.
 
I managed to have a look at the 500 today, the carpets don't seem wet, so I guess it is a good thing that water isn't leaking inside.

I also removed some of the rubber bungs in the sills and no water came out. There wasn't any car in the drain holes in the doors either. So I'm a bit confused.

One thing I noticed this morning is that despite the freezing temperatures I could hear the noise as soon as I started the car, even before I set off.
 
I managed to have a look at the 500 today, the carpets don't seem wet, so I guess it is a good thing that water isn't leaking inside.

I also removed some of the rubber bungs in the sills and no water came out. There wasn't any car in the drain holes in the doors either. So I'm a bit confused.

One thing I noticed this morning is that despite the freezing temperatures I could hear the noise as soon as I started the car, even before I set off.

Does that last mean you can hear the sound even though the car's not moving?
 
I'm wondering if the noise you're hearing is caused by a lack of coolant in the cooling system. When did you last check the coolant level?

I'd agree with this. Check your coolant level, top up if necessary, and check again once engine is up to operating temperature. The slooshing noise is cooland circulating through the heater matrix, which is usually an indication there is air in the cooling system and will need bleeding out.

Our old Bravo used to do it. Bled the cooling system, and all sorted.
 
Hello Geoff, and welcome to the forum :wave:.

That noise is not normal.

I suggest you check your coolant level before driving your car again.

Driving the car with insufficient coolant can destroy the engine.
i cant even see the coolant level in my car anymore = ) i have to unscrew the cap and look inside = )
 
i cant even see the coolant level in my car anymore = ) i have to unscrew the cap and look inside = )

You can always cut a strip off a piece of cardboard and use it as a dipstick :idea:.

Driving with seriously low coolant will most likely ruin the engine :nono:.

If your engine is ruined, you will find the trade in value of your car is affected in a negative way :cry:.
 
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Thanks JR. I did check the coolant level at the weekend and it seemed OK. I'll check again.
Geoff
 
Thanks JR. I did check the coolant level at the weekend and it seemed OK. I'll check again.
Geoff

It can sometimes be misleading if you just peer through the plastic reservoir - as Ahmett says, the plastic becomes more opaque and stained over time & the viewing angle isn't conducive to accurate measurement.

A homemade disposable cardboard dipstick is easy to use and works well (y).
 
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