Engine light came on what to do?

[jasonball]

Okay well my wife was driving to work this morning. 27degrees. Engine light came on. During her lunch she took the car to autozone and had it read. the reading was 1 of 3 things the service person listed.

1. low coolant
2. bad thermostat or on the way to being bad.
3. relay to the thermostat.

the car is a 2004 Grand Prix GT. It only has 77,000 miles on it.

What would you suggest that I do first.

 

[Street Wolf]

Um, do all of it at the same time.

 

[jasonball]

how much would all that cost.

 

[Street Wolf]

Probably like, maximum $20.

 

[jasonball]

so just purchase some coolant and a thermostat. what about the relay. is that actually what it is called. thanks for the assistance.

 

[Scimmia]

Without knowing just what the code/problem is, it's tough to give you advice, but fist thing to do is check the coolant level, more cooling system problems are caused by low coolant than anything. I'm guessing you're overheating from what was posted, so the thermostat isn't as likely as they're supposed to fail open, not closed.

 

[jasonball]

well my wife stated that the temp did not go over half way. so normal operation temps.

 

[Zef_66]

Couple things:

First, whenever you have a light on and get the code read, make sure you have the number of the code. Having the code read and the parts counter guy tell you what is pointless. Most of them are not mechanics and don't know much about your car. Their job is to sell parts, not fix cars. So make sure you get the actual code number so you can do your own research or talk to actual mechanics.

Second, check your coolant level. Not in the overflow tank, but rather remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level in the radiator. If it is low, fill it to the top.

Third, probably wouldn't hurt to do a flush of your cooling system and replace the t-stat. But once we know the actual code, I can tell you better what is wrong.