The more I think about it the more I am convinced it is coolant.

 

No doubt it is coolant. You should flatbed the car to the dealer and make sure they use coolant with distilled water.

 

Had the car flat bedded this morning. The dealer is running diagnostics as I type this. Should have an idea today, provided the earthquake stops shaking everything!

This is going becoming quite the day!

 

Kudos to everyone that said coolant. Was a failed water pump!

 

I am sorry for what happened to your son's car. Vandalism is a hideous/faceless crime.

 

Thanks. It really make no sense. They steal a power cord and some loose change but left the GPS (which they threw on the floor), iPod and EZ-Pass. Just out to cause trouble I guess.

 

I think you might have lucked out on a relative basis.
Had that water pump failed while out on the highway, the hassle, danger, and the potential damage due to the failure could all have been way worse.
Water pump failure = no fun, no doubt. But it looks like yours was as fortunate as it gets.
Sorry for the hassle and the damage to your son's car.
We (here in Minneapolis) had 140 cars' windows smashed over the weekend.
http://www.kare11.com/news/article/9...smashing-spree
Me - I fully support corporal punishment à la Singapore in such cases.

 

Pretty simple to diagnose which fluid was lost, just check the coolant level in the tank and check oil level with the engine cold. This much fluid loss would be very evident for either one and as you don't need to start the engine for either, you won't do any further damage to the car. Would't tell you where in either system it came from but might settle your nerves while waiting for the tow truck.

 

Outside of the ground shake... A waterpump vs. Ims, looks like a great day.. Ha

 

You can always tell if it's coolant: It has glycol which tastes sweet. Don't drink it ...but a lick can tell you and won't kill ya.

 

Not to mention the water temp guage is a glorified idiot lamp, by the time it tells you your car is over heating it could be too late.

Dave

 

Outside of the ground shake... A waterpump vs. Ims, looks like a great day.. Ha

 

No doubt I lucked out. Lucky it wasn't more serious and it was fixed today.

Son's car was fixed today too. Have full glass so no out of pocket on either, just some inconvenience. He is back up to school tomorrow so all is well.

Again, thanks for all the help!

 

Just curious, but if you don't mind the question, how much did the dealer charge you to replace the water pump?

 

water pump is covered by both primary warranty and CPO. I got mine replaced for free too, just based on red color residue at the base of pump`s metal frame. check yours and send dealer a picture if you see red stuff on its base - that should be enough.