"Check Coolant Level" in DIC...
02-05-2009, 04:19 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
"Check Coolant Level" in DIC...
Had a DIC message of "check coolant level" after start up after sitting for about a week. Checked level in res. and seems to be fine. Isn't getting hot or anything. Could be a fluke ? Suggestions?
02-05-2009, 06:14 PM
#3
Moderator
Member Since: Dec 2002
Location: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Posts: 40,065
Received 3,577 Likes
on
1,619 Posts
Most likely a sensor issue. I had that once on my C5 - but it was when I was driving. Temps were fine. Level was fine. Next restart, no warning and it never came back.
02-05-2009, 06:35 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
02-05-2009, 08:17 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
I just went through this, and replaced the thermostat... no messages since.
Cheers,
Kent
02-05-2009, 09:04 PM
#6
Moderator
Member Since: Dec 2002
Location: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Posts: 40,065
Received 3,577 Likes
on
1,619 Posts
The C6 doesn't have a coolant level sensor. The "Check Coolant Level" message is triggered by an algorithm that compares the rise in coolant temperature over a given period of time.
I just went through this, and replaced the thermostat... no messages since.
Cheers,
Kent
I just went through this, and replaced the thermostat... no messages since.
Cheers,
Kent
You can actually run the surge tank dry and not get a low warning. You can also get a coolant temp sensor misread to the PCM and trigger a warning.
Last edited by johnodrake; 02-05-2009 at 09:13 PM.
02-05-2009, 11:41 PM
#9
Le Mans Master
The C6 doesn't have a coolant level sensor. The "Check Coolant Level" message is triggered by an algorithm that compares the rise in coolant temperature over a given period of time.
I just went through this, and replaced the thermostat... no messages since.
Cheers,
Kent
I just went through this, and replaced the thermostat... no messages since.
Cheers,
Kent
Not trying to start a battle, but, I didn't say "coolant level sensor" I said "sensor"... If the temps are fine and the level is fine, I will still go with a sensor issue...
You can actually run the surge tank dry and not get a low warning. You can also get a coolant temp sensor misread to the PCM and trigger a warning.
You can actually run the surge tank dry and not get a low warning. You can also get a coolant temp sensor misread to the PCM and trigger a warning.
You're right about it could be a sensor issue -- I was just thinking that if he was getting 'normal' coolant temps on the instr cluster, that could rule out a faulty coolant temp sensor diagnosis.
Cheers,
Kent
02-06-2009, 10:06 AM
#10
Race Director
No offense meant nor taken. Nothing wrong with a couple of CF'ers doing a little DDx, right?
You're right about it could be a sensor issue -- I was just thinking that if he was getting 'normal' coolant temps on the instr cluster, that could rule out a faulty coolant temp sensor diagnosis.
Cheers,
Kent
You're right about it could be a sensor issue -- I was just thinking that if he was getting 'normal' coolant temps on the instr cluster, that could rule out a faulty coolant temp sensor diagnosis.
Cheers,
Kent
02-06-2009, 11:02 AM
#11
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Vig 3200 stall...mild I know, but I think it'll give me what I'm looking for, beside, they have a free "re-stall" program if I wanna bump it up to say, 3600-3800 sometime later.
As for the "check coolant level" dic message. I took the vette out today, no message in over 30 miles of city/hwy driving . Kept the coolant temp in the dic to monitor temp, never got above 187 degrees, stayed mostly in the 181-183 range. I'll continue to keep an eye on it and have the shop do a look-see for me as well.
FWIW, the overflow tank is at same level as it's been for months.
As for the "check coolant level" dic message. I took the vette out today, no message in over 30 miles of city/hwy driving . Kept the coolant temp in the dic to monitor temp, never got above 187 degrees, stayed mostly in the 181-183 range. I'll continue to keep an eye on it and have the shop do a look-see for me as well.
FWIW, the overflow tank is at same level as it's been for months.
02-06-2009, 03:33 PM
#12
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 46,103
Received 2,481 Likes
on
1,944 Posts
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
it may be excessive, but have you done a coolant ph level check recently? those little strips that you get at auto parts stores?
02-06-2009, 03:57 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
02-06-2009, 09:21 PM
#15
02-06-2009, 09:39 PM
#16
Moderator
Member Since: Dec 2002
Location: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Posts: 40,065
Received 3,577 Likes
on
1,619 Posts
No offense meant nor taken. Nothing wrong with a couple of CF'ers doing a little DDx, right?
You're right about it could be a sensor issue -- I was just thinking that if he was getting 'normal' coolant temps on the instr cluster, that could rule out a faulty coolant temp sensor diagnosis.
Cheers,
Kent
You're right about it could be a sensor issue -- I was just thinking that if he was getting 'normal' coolant temps on the instr cluster, that could rule out a faulty coolant temp sensor diagnosis.
Cheers,
Kent
I have read page 6-654 in the service manual.
My 'sensor' would be the temp sensor - since it has to provide multiple readings to get a rate over time. Too many glitches in any computer system. I think the key is if the message is persistant it is prolly some failure or pending failure but if it goes away and doesn't return it is a glitch...
02-07-2009, 12:32 AM
#17
Safety Car
sensor, replaced mine 2 weeks ago.
02-07-2009, 04:30 PM
#19
You can also get the "check coolant level" warning by starting a cold engine and driving off immediately instead of waiting a few seconds. That confuses the algorithm that calculates coolant level by flow and temperature.
