i've had the car for 2 weeks...i'm generally ignorant.
I'm getting a LOW COOLANT warning.
What do i need to do?
what kind of coolant...etc?
water to coolant ratio??

tell me what i need to know thanks guys

 

Unfortunately i do not have access to my OWNERS Manual or I could tell you. Did you get one when you bought the car? Sorry I couldn't be more help

 

no owner's manual with the car

 

My 2001 owner's manual says to add a 50/50 mix of "clean drinkable water and DEX-COOL" coolant to the coolant surge tank. Be sure engine is cool before you add.

 

First check under your car to make sure you're not leaking. You can get the GM Dex-Cool at your local Auto Zone or Pep Boys. And yes, make sure the engine is cool.

 

Be sure to check all your hose attatchments and connections for corrosion and signs of leaking.Coolant doesn't just vanish.Good luck!

 

What year is your car?

 

My car new did this. The coolant in the expansion tank was just a little low and when the car was parked on not level ground the low coolant alarm came on. I was on the road and bought a gal of Dex Cool and just topped it off. Took only about a pint didn 't worry about adding water,, didn't have to add enough to worry about the water.

Just check your expansion tank level with the high/low marking when cold. If you are at or below the low add the dexcool and equal part of (I use distilled water) water. I mix in a qt jar when I want to blend with water. Happy driving 99 Nassau Blue

 

50/50 mix. You can get Dexcool (Texaco) and distilled water at Wally Mart. The Texaco is the same as the dealer, only no dealer mark-up. Prestone is not the same. Texaco makes it for GM.

 

1997-1999: Service Bulletin: Engine Low Coolant Light Comes On (Inspect Rad. Surge Tank, Replace/Reposition)
Subject: Engine Low Coolant Light Comes On At Start-Up (Inspect for 2nd Design Radiator Surge Tank and Replace/Reposition)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 99-06-02-016

Models: 1997-1999 Chevrolet Corvette (1997 Models Built Prior to VIN Breakpoint V5104277)

This bulletin is being revised to add the 1999 model year and change the part number identification procedure. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 83-62-11 (Section 6 -- Engine)

Condition: Some customers may comment that the "low coolant" light comes on at start-up.

Cause: This condition may be caused due to the low coolant sensor being mounted in the rear of the radiator surge tank. When the vehicle is parked with the front lower than the rear, the coolant settles in the front half of the surge tank and with the switch in the rear of the tank, the switch float may be low enough to trigger the light. The "low coolant" light may come on if:



The vehicle is a 1997 model, built before VIN V5104277, with the old design radiator surge tank.

The radiator surge tank is improperly installed in the vehicle.

The coolant level in the vehicle coolant system is low.

The float in the tank is sticking.

The coolant level switch connector is improperly connected.

Correction:

Caution

With a pressurized cooling system, the coolant temperature in the surge tank can be considerably higher than the boiling point of the solution at atmospheric pressure. Removal of the surge tank cap, while the cooling system is hot and under high pressure, causes the solution to boil instantaneously with explosive force. This will cause the solution to spew out over the engine, fenders, and the person removing the cap. Serious bodily injury may result.


For 1997 vehicles built prior to VIN breakpoint V5104277, replace the radiator surge tank and inspect for an out of position wiring harness under the tank. To repair the harness, position the harness downward and secure with a tie strap. To determine if the surge tank is of the first or second design, inspect the low coolant switch cavity in the surge tank. If the surge tank cavity extends 16 mm (5/8 in) below the bottom of the surge tank, the tank is of a second design tank. If the cavity is less than 15 mm (19/32 in) replace the tank with P/N 10405218.






For all vehicles, check the level of the tank by viewing the lower mount on the tank. Less than 2 mm (.08 in) (#1) of the mounting slot should be visible above the attaching nut. If the gap is greater than 2 mm (0.08 in), loosen the surge tank and hold in a downward position to achieve less than a 2 mm (0.08 in) gap above the attaching nut. Tighten the bottom nut first, then both top nuts. Tighten

Tighten the nuts to 10N·m (89 lb in).


Verify coolant level in surge tank:

If engine coolant is hot, above 83° C (180° F), fill the coolant surge tank 12 mm (½ in) above the cold indicator mark.

If the engine coolant is at ambient room temperature, fill to the top of the cold indicator mark.

Parts Information:

All parts in the GM Parts System since January 1997, and all parts used to manufacture vehicles since January 1997, are of the second design. If a vehicle is one of the 1997 vehicles prior to the serial number breakpoint, you may have to replace the radiator surge tank as described in Step 1, above.

P/N
Descrition

10405218
Tank Assembly, Radiator Surge