low coolant light help?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 655
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From: San Diego California
low coolant light help?
the overflow tank is full. I filled the radiator up last week. the heater works fine. there is no smell of coolant inside the car. I can't find a puddle under the car.
but I keep getting this low coolant light that comes on and off. I did spot a small puddle on the intake by the passenger side. It was too small to suspect that I'm losing this much coolant from it.
has anyone ever had this problem or know what it could be??
but I keep getting this low coolant light that comes on and off. I did spot a small puddle on the intake by the passenger side. It was too small to suspect that I'm losing this much coolant from it.
has anyone ever had this problem or know what it could be??
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: low coolant light help? (eddieL98)
You have to "burp" your cooling system as the engine captures air and once the engine is running and the thermostat opens and coolant flows, the level drops in the radiator (the air moves forward). Loosen the radiator cap to the first notch, start the engine and let idle to the opening temp of the thermostat.
Open the radiator cap while slightly racing the engine and fill the radiator to the neck, replace the cap and then let the engine back to idle. You may have to do this again.
Open the radiator cap while slightly racing the engine and fill the radiator to the neck, replace the cap and then let the engine back to idle. You may have to do this again.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: low coolant light help? (eddieL98)
Pull the overflow tank and make sure that the delivery tube is clean with no debris lodged inside.
Also check for small leaks that can break the necessary vacuum that pulls fluid up from that tank as necessary. A radiator pressure check may be necessary if nothing shows up on inspection.
Also check for small leaks that can break the necessary vacuum that pulls fluid up from that tank as necessary. A radiator pressure check may be necessary if nothing shows up on inspection.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: charlotte nc
Re: low coolant light help? (eddieL98)
I've had the same problem every time I have had to open the cooling system. I think it is trapped air because it gets better over time and eventually the light stops coming on. One other symptom that mine does is that the light seem to go on and off during braking and acceleration. I guess I should purge the system of air but it doesn't run hot and it goes away after a while. :cheers:
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Re: low coolant light help? (jfb)
You have to "burp" your cooling system as the engine captures air and once the engine is running and the thermostat opens and coolant flows, the level drops in the radiator (the air moves forward). Loosen the radiator cap to the first notch, start the engine and let idle to the opening temp of the thermostat.
Open the radiator cap while slightly racing the engine and fill the radiator to the neck, replace the cap and then let the engine back to idle. You may have to do this again.
Open the radiator cap while slightly racing the engine and fill the radiator to the neck, replace the cap and then let the engine back to idle. You may have to do this again.
