callaesthetics

1 1/2 month ago i got into a car accident (front end damage). Front support was replaced along with new radiator and AC condensor. Everything seemed fine, then i get a check engine light (P0410) 2 days after getting the car back from the shop. But that's not the end of it. Car functioned perfectly fine.

2 weeks ago, a police car backed up into my vehicle (i work at city hall and we share the same lot). Worst luck ever, huh. Car is schedule to go back in the shop 11/26. The concern is, after this incident...the thermometer fluctuates from 3-4 bars (AP1). Today it even reached the 5th bar for a little, that's when i pulled over and checked the engine, the coolent resevoir was full...there's normally very little fluid in there. What could be the problem???? Please help me guys.
Is it possible this accident caused a problem relating to the radiator?

Here's the photo's of what damage the Police caused.

Enthralled

did you pop your hood to see if your radiator hose got damaged?

MitsukillinS2K

or check the level in the radiator

negcamber

We just had a local guy go through this same problem. It may be that when the shop put in the new radiator, they didn't completely bleed the air out of the system, which can cause a vapor lock. Or that a hose was not completely tightened down causing a coolant leak.

Hitting 5 bars is very very bad. The same local guy is now replacing his warped head after it hit 5 bars.

CKit

Air bubble / leak, FTL.

gomarlins3

My thought was an air bubble as well.

jelliotlevy

In nearly 6 years of operation, I have absolutely, positively, ..... never, seen other than three bars temperature indicated after engine has warmed up. Others have posted essentially the same at various times in this forum. Definitely, abnormal temperature fluctuations are occurring.

callaesthetics

Update.

The fluctuating seems to have stopped in the mean time. It only went up to 5 bars that one time, and it only stayed for a few seconds...but that is still a big concern. When i take it back to the shop, i'll have them check it out again.
This is really weird though, engine temps are fine now, staying at 3 bars again. I haven't done anything to it since. Thanks everyone for your insights.