Coolant everywhere, car broke down but didn't overheat.

[Kurbeeeh]

I had just put some coolant in my car and didn't tighten the cap enough and lost it on the way home. My car ended up breaking down but it wasn't from overheating, the temp gauge was normal. It wouldn't start up but I waited an hour and then it did. Someone told me they think I just got coolant on the alternator or something and I just needed to let it dry (and when I opened the hood coolant was everywhere, especially on the battery). Could this be a possibility? Could I have done any further damage? I drive a 97 mustang coupe btw.

[danielsatur]

You should be ''ok'' , make sure you are getting Heat when you put the HVAC on high heat. This will tell us that the coolant is circulating through the engine, radiator, and Heater core.

Any local auto parts store should have a 50/50 mix of Prestone Antifreeze Extended life coolant.

If High Heat is ''ok'', than turn the HVAC to high cool, and make sure both of the coolant fans are on .

Monitor both the coolant level on your coolant reservior tank + temp gauge.

Why did you have to add coolant?
Was there a shortage, because of a boil over, or leak?

[vgames33]

If it starts, runs, and has coolant circulation, you should be fine.

Spray the plug wires and coil pack with a water bottle and see if it starts to run rough or bleed spark. You may have a bad coil or wires and the coolant mess caused them to short out.

[Kurbeeeh]

I am going to try and drive it around my neighborhood for a little bit tomorrow and see how it reacts. So the car should be running when I spray it with water? I'll try that also. Oh and I added some coolant because I hadn't put any in for awhile and needed a top off. Hopefully I don't have any problems tomorrow but I'll be posting if I do! Lol

[vgames33]

Yes, spray while running. You can spray some other major components with a light coat of water as well. Try the PCM, fuel injectors, relay box, etc. They are all designed to handle light water from rain. A miss, stumble, or other rough running caused by the water will point to a defective component or wiring.