Okay, so here'* the skinny...

About 15,000 miles ago I had the UIM and LIM replaced. Now, I notice a distinct burning odor whenever I put the car in reverse and when it first starts up. I have a 180* stat that still seems to hover on the 200* mark on the gauge. I popped the hood tonight and after sitting for over 4 hours, it is below the Low Level line in the reservoir but still visible. Recently, my air conditioning has been acting up. The A/C OFF will activate on the climate control center and now it blows hot air whether the A/C OFF light is on or not. The fans blow hard and switch between modes with no issue. Do I have two separate issues to deal with here or are they both related?

Side Note: I got divorced 6 months back and have since moved from a house (with a nice, cozy garage for my baby) to constant outdoor storage. My commute has also shortened from 45 miles/day to 7 miles/day.

I just want to list as much possibly relevant information before I take it in. I have the extended warranty and from what I have read, the A/C is covered if that is the case. I just want to have as much ammunition available at my disposal before I take it in to the dealership in the next few weeks.

Thanks in advance fellas!

I have the same prob...it just started the other day. Sometimes if I restart the car...it will work but then shut off by itself. I was thinking maybe a switch or something. It'* going in Monday to be checked. $$$$ I'm sure.

Were the valve cover gaskets done when the intake gaskets were? If not, they could be leaking causing the smell.

You may not notice the 15 degree drop in the temperature sensor, as they are not very accurate, and have a tendency to stay in about the same spot. At lower speeds it won't make as large of difference either, unless you have a mod done to the PCM to have the fans turn on earlier.

If the coolant loss has been recent, look for leaks. If not, they may not have removed all of the air from the system after doing the intakes.

It sounds as if you A/C system may be low on freon.

Does the burning smell by any chance smell like wax? Mine did, and it turned out there was an aluminum foil that was normally attached to the firewall directly above the engine exhaust. When the adhesive gave way, the foil fell on top of the exhaust pipes and started burning (obvious discoloration) and it smelled as if a candle was burning. So I just used a hot glue gun to reattach it to the firewall several months ago and haven't noticed a problem since.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am making an appointment for next week to get it worked on. Probably won't have it for awhile as I plan on making them do the intermediate shaft, check the UIM and LIM for the cause of my disappearing coolant, and the a/c issue. All SHOULD be covered under my extended warranty. Thanks again boys!

Ok, so I got the car back today from the dealership. Sure enough, UIM and LIM gaskets were replaced. Apparently, fixing the gaskets (and subsequent refill of antifreeze) fixed the A/C problem as well. I drove it 20 miles on max a/c all the way home and it is cold as ice.

Now, I know dexcool is to blame here. What do you guys think I should be looking at to have the coolant system flushed and filled with the green stuff? I can't really do it myself now since all I have to work with is a parking lot and I would rather get it all out of there. Suggestions would be welcomed. Thanks for all the input guys!

They did the intake gaskets 15k miles ago, and had to do it again?! Dex or not, they should not go that quickly. My guess is that something wasn't done properly the first time. If you're still under warranty, stay with the Dex so warranty issues don't come into play. Otherwise, have it replaced with the Prestone "all makes/all models" long life coolant - the "mixes with any color". The dealer likely will not put in anything but Dex.

How do you know DexCool is at fault here? I've had no trouble from DexCool. I change mine regularly.

The plusses and minuses of Dex has been discussed many times, and is not the topic here. You may want to start a new topic and general chat and link here.

Ok, so for about 3 weeks the A/C has been blowing cold after having the UIM and LIM replaced. Now the A/C has stopped blowing cold AGAIN. My question: is there any possible connection to the coolant system and the climate control, or was it just a coincidence and I simply need a recharge of the A/C?