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Coolant Leak & Low Coolant Warning on 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

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Brittany E. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:28 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

I've been getting a 'Low Coolant' warning on my 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (3.2L V6) for the past few weeks. I top it off, and it seems fine for a few days, but then the warning comes back. I've noticed a faint smell of coolant sometimes, but I can't see any obvious puddles under the car.

Could this be a common issue with these Cherokees? What should I be looking for, and what kind of coolant does it take? I'm worried about overheating, especially with summer coming up.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:28 AM

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Hello David,

Experiencing a recurring 'Low Coolant' warning and the smell of coolant without visible puddles is a classic sign of a slow leak, which can be tricky to pinpoint. For your 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the 3.2L V6, there are a few common culprits to investigate.

  1. Coolant Type: Your Jeep requires Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant, which is typically purple/pink in color. It's crucial to use the correct type and not mix it with other coolant types (like HOAT), as this can lead to gelling and severe cooling system damage. Always use a 50/50 mix with distilled water.

  2. Common Leak Points to Inspect:

    • Thermostat Housing: This is a very common failure point on many Chrysler/Jeep V6 engines. The plastic housing can crack or warp, leading to slow leaks, often visible around the front of the engine block.
    • Radiator End Tanks: Check the plastic end tanks of your radiator for cracks, especially where they meet the aluminum core.
    • Water Pump: Look for signs of leakage around the water pump pulley and shaft. A failing water pump can weep coolant before a catastrophic failure.
    • Hoses and Clamps: Inspect all coolant hoses (upper, lower, heater hoses) for cracks, bulges, or signs of weeping around the clamps.
    • Radiator Cap: A faulty radiator cap can lead to pressure loss and coolant evaporation, mimicking a leak.
    • Heater Core: If you smell coolant inside the cabin, it could indicate a leaking heater core.

  3. Diagnosis:

    • Pressure Test: The most effective way to find a slow leak is a cooling system pressure test. A shop can pressurize the system and often reveal even tiny leaks that only show up under pressure.
    • UV Dye: Adding UV dye to your coolant and using a black light can help illuminate hard-to-see leaks.

When to See a Shop: If you can't locate the leak yourself, or if you suspect it's coming from a difficult-to-access component like the water pump or heater core, it's best to take it to a professional. Ignoring a persistent coolant leak can lead to engine overheating, which can cause significant and expensive damage, including head gasket failure.

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