Low Coolant and Water Pump?
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 22
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From: Foster City CA
Low Coolant and Water Pump?
I took my 99 C5 (91K miles) to the Stealership today for a list of problems. One was a whining noise coming from the general vicinity of the water pump; another was an intermittent "Low Coolant" message on the DIC. I suggested that the whining was near the water pump, and lo and behold, they found a leak in the water pump. They also said the Low Coolant message is related to the leak. Another complaint was a rough start; they said it was the battery. Of course, according to them, I also need my brake fluid and power steering fluid replaced, and my fuel injection system cleaned out. All of this will set me back a mere $1800. So I could use the help of more experienced/knowledgeable C5 owners. I'll buy that I need a new water pump, but could that be the cause of the Low Coolant message? Can the battery (which is OLD) be the problem for the rough start? Do any of those fluids ever actually need changed? The car has never been driven hard; it's my DD but I drive like a little old lady. (Oh crap, I AM a little old lady...) Any opinions are greatly appreciated.
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Yes, a leaking water pump could cause a low coolant message. When the coolant gets too low, a sensor reads it and displays the message on the DIC.
If you have never changed the brake fluid, I would get it done. Open the cap on your brake fluid reservoir and see what the fluid looks like - if it is very dark, best to change it. Also, if the coolant has never been changed, do that too. It is recommended that the coolant be changed at 5 years, 100K miles, whichever comes first.
Take your car (or just the battery) down to a local auto parts store and have them check it for you. Won't cost you a dime and they can tell you if the battery is bad or not. You could also have them check the alternator at the same time - usually at no charge also.
$1800 seems very high for the work they want to do. If you have an independent shop in your area that you trust, check with them on not only the work needed, but also the cost.
If you have never changed the brake fluid, I would get it done. Open the cap on your brake fluid reservoir and see what the fluid looks like - if it is very dark, best to change it. Also, if the coolant has never been changed, do that too. It is recommended that the coolant be changed at 5 years, 100K miles, whichever comes first.
Take your car (or just the battery) down to a local auto parts store and have them check it for you. Won't cost you a dime and they can tell you if the battery is bad or not. You could also have them check the alternator at the same time - usually at no charge also.
$1800 seems very high for the work they want to do. If you have an independent shop in your area that you trust, check with them on not only the work needed, but also the cost.
