Low Coolant Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Houston
Low Coolant Question
I am getting the 'low coolant' error on the DIC. Checking in old topics it appears this typically isn't anything major (except if a new water pump is needed) and is a bad sensor or just funny readings because of coolant level combined with the slope on which you parked. My question is, should I try to add more coolant as my first course of action? Car just turned over 75k miles so bye bye extended warranty so not sure I want to take it in just yet. If I fill it with some more coolant, I had seen Havoline Dexcool as an option. I heard someone mention factory coolant is a greenish color while this Dexcool is orange. Is there anything wrong with mixing coolants? Does the color really mean anything? Any help would be appreciated.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 104
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Re: Low Coolant Question (john512)
DON'T mix coolants. C5s are all Dexcool (orange), I believe.
Service bulletin 99-06-02-016 answers most of your questions. New water pump needed? Not hardly, unless the coolant is disappearing. In that case, find the leak.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=259
My early '97 with 70k miles has always done this. I just keep the coolant at the proper level, and punch off the message when it comes on. I didn't know about the bulleting before warranty ran out.
Just don't add green coolant to orange. Add some distilled or filtered water (Brita worked for me) to bring the level up until you can buy or borow a cup of Dexcool.
IMO, if coolant level is near where it should be, drive it.
My $.02
[Modified by OldSStroker, 2:25 AM 9/30/2003]
[Modified by OldSStroker, 2:25 AM 9/30/2003]
Service bulletin 99-06-02-016 answers most of your questions. New water pump needed? Not hardly, unless the coolant is disappearing. In that case, find the leak.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=259
My early '97 with 70k miles has always done this. I just keep the coolant at the proper level, and punch off the message when it comes on. I didn't know about the bulleting before warranty ran out.
Just don't add green coolant to orange. Add some distilled or filtered water (Brita worked for me) to bring the level up until you can buy or borow a cup of Dexcool.
IMO, if coolant level is near where it should be, drive it.
My $.02
[Modified by OldSStroker, 2:25 AM 9/30/2003]
[Modified by OldSStroker, 2:25 AM 9/30/2003]
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 671
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From: Houston
Re: Low Coolant Question (john512)
Another question, when would you typically flush the coolant? I'd have to check my service records to see if its been done yet. If not, might it be time anyway? Its been almost 5 yrs and 75k miles.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Low Coolant Question (john512)
john512,
Several suggestions:
There was a TSB that applied to 1997 - 1999 C5's that receive a "low coolant" DIC message. You may view the TSB (with a picture) here: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/q....php?qstId=259
I had the warning message problem and the dealer adjusted the surge tank according to the TSB.
Do not mix types of coolant - the service manual states that if you use the "green" coolant, the length of protection drops from 5 years / 150,000 miles to two years.
The service manual for the 1999 also states to fill the coolant surge tank one-half inch above the "cold fill" mark. There is a specific fill procedure that involves revving the motor and refilling the surge tank.
I just changed my coolant yesterday and read the service manual regarding the coolant.
Good luck.
[Modified by 1999 White C5 Coupe, 12:33 PM 9/29/2003]
Several suggestions:
There was a TSB that applied to 1997 - 1999 C5's that receive a "low coolant" DIC message. You may view the TSB (with a picture) here: http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/q....php?qstId=259
I had the warning message problem and the dealer adjusted the surge tank according to the TSB.
Do not mix types of coolant - the service manual states that if you use the "green" coolant, the length of protection drops from 5 years / 150,000 miles to two years.
The service manual for the 1999 also states to fill the coolant surge tank one-half inch above the "cold fill" mark. There is a specific fill procedure that involves revving the motor and refilling the surge tank.
I just changed my coolant yesterday and read the service manual regarding the coolant.
Good luck.
[Modified by 1999 White C5 Coupe, 12:33 PM 9/29/2003]
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Houston
Re: Low Coolant Question (1999 White C5 Coupe)
So does GM use the orange Dexcool coolant from the factory?
I've never changed the coolant myself so whatever is in there came from the factory or the dealer. I guess its best just to take it in and let them figure it out. If something needs adjusting better them than me. My only question is, with TSBs, are those fixed free of charge regardless of your warranty status? Or does out of warranty mean out of luck in this case?
I've never changed the coolant myself so whatever is in there came from the factory or the dealer. I guess its best just to take it in and let them figure it out. If something needs adjusting better them than me. My only question is, with TSBs, are those fixed free of charge regardless of your warranty status? Or does out of warranty mean out of luck in this case?
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Re: Low Coolant Question (john512)
Yes, it's orange from the factory.
Do not use (or allow someone else to use) any chemical flush. A drain and refill is probably just fine. If you feel the need, a water-only flush to remove more of the old coolant is OK too.
I just did a drain/refill on mine at 5 years 40K miles. The stuff coming out looked exactly like the stuff going in!
The 'low coolant' warning is very touchy on even small inclines. I just fill mine to 1/2 inch over the full line and no more warnings at all.
Do not use (or allow someone else to use) any chemical flush. A drain and refill is probably just fine. If you feel the need, a water-only flush to remove more of the old coolant is OK too.
I just did a drain/refill on mine at 5 years 40K miles. The stuff coming out looked exactly like the stuff going in!
The 'low coolant' warning is very touchy on even small inclines. I just fill mine to 1/2 inch over the full line and no more warnings at all.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Low Coolant Question (john512)
john513,
The TSB's are instructions to dealers. They are not performed "free of charge" when the warranty is expired.
It is very easy to adjust the coolant surge tank based upon the TSB.
Also - yes, GM uses "Dexcool" from the factory in the C5. I drained mine after 5 years and 33,000 miles. It looked very good and did not have any debris.
Good luck.
The TSB's are instructions to dealers. They are not performed "free of charge" when the warranty is expired.
It is very easy to adjust the coolant surge tank based upon the TSB.
Also - yes, GM uses "Dexcool" from the factory in the C5. I drained mine after 5 years and 33,000 miles. It looked very good and did not have any debris.
Good luck.
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
Re: Low Coolant Question (1999 White C5 Coupe)
Since you state you are not familiar with the coolant change process, leave it to the dealer. All the above advice is right on the money with regards to chemicals and mixing or changing to the green stuff. The car came with one of the best coolants on the market, use the same. Good luck.