my low coolant light is flashing, any suggestions?

**amy** · 08-20-2009

Soooo, my car is a 1998 grand prix. I recently noticed my low coolant light continues to flash pretty consistently, but then sometimes when I am driving it doesn't at all.

My brother checked the reservoir and said it was full of coolant, however he checked under the radiator cap and said it was empty and that that wasn't normal.

Where do I go from here? Ive been suggested several things, but don't understand how to go at determining whether my thermostat is failing or if its got something to do with the sensor... or if theres a leak. What does the sensor and thermostat have to do with all of this? I would love to troubleshoot it myself.

Thanks,
Amy

**Liquifire** · 08-20-2009

first start by filling up your radiator and not worry about what is in the overflow tank/

**Liquifire** · 08-20-2009

as long as it is not overheating, just top off the fluid in your radiator, if it is still happening and your level is good......it is probably the sensor.

**FoSHO99** · 08-20-2009

Most of the time the coolant level sensor is junk. Mine flashes too, i just got used to it and haven't unplugged it yet. As long as your car isn't overheating everything should be fine. I have seen radiators before a little low on water and the reservoir being half full too, just fill up the radiator.

**Migueldeluna** · 08-20-2009

Originally Posted by Liquifire

as long as it is not overheating, just top off the fluid in your radiator, if it is still happening and your level is good......it is probably the sensor.

I bet it's the sensor.

**mystic231** · 08-20-2009

If the reservoir was full but the radiator wasn't I would change the radiator cap and refill the radiator. Then watch it and see what happens in a couple of days. The radiator cap contains a check valve so when the engine cools it's supposed to draw anti-freeze back to the radiator from the overflow tank. After re-filling the radiator don't forget to purge the air from the system.
If the coolant light is flashing and the radiator is low then the sensor is prorably working normally. When the low coolent sensor fails it typically fails "on" which has the light lit on the instrument panel all the time.

**KawaFord** · 08-20-2009

Unplug the sensor.

**amy** · 08-20-2009

thank you guys so much, I will try those things tomorrow, and let you know. I managed to fix my sun roof today which would only vent and Im happy about that!

**Liquifire** · 08-21-2009

Originally Posted by amy

thank you guys so much, I will try those things tomorrow, and let you know. I managed to fix my sun roof today which would only vent and Im happy about that!

congrats.......make sure you put the proper coolant in there. Do not mix the different types.......if you have dexcool, stay dexcool for now. If you have green stay with the green.

**crashman** · 08-21-2009

Originally Posted by Liquifire

congrats.......make sure you put the proper coolant in there. Do not mix the different types.......if you have dexcool, stay dexcool for now. If you have green stay with the green.

Like the man says, BUT if you do have dexcool, find the leak. Dexcool does react with air in the system and really sludge up your cooling system.

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