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Help: low coolant light on when start, off after a while

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Old May 18, 2010 | 05:31 PM
  #11  
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The biggest killer is topping off with green. It will turn it all black and sludge up. The cooling system will then need to be flushed out, a lot.
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Old May 18, 2010 | 05:35 PM
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Originally Posted by xtremerevolution
I've done the job about 4 times, and its fairly simple and straightforward if you're willing to do it yourself.

What is the coolant level like? Does your temperature fluctuate a lot? Pop the radiator cap and see if there'* any fluid showing in there. If not, fill it up and see what happens.

Have you checked your oil lately? What color is the oil? Make sure the oil isn't a creme or chocolate milk color. It should be clear, though dark if its old.

Head over to your nearest auto store and have them scan the car. They'll plug in a scan tool, scan the car for engine codes, and they'll tell you what code is throwing that service engine soon. Its a free scan and any auto store will do it for you. Come back here afterward and let us know what that code was.

I opened the radiator cap.
1) I didn't see fluid at the top (the fluid is not full).
2) I can see some gunk

I cleaned the gunk on the cap and added some coolant. I started the engine and the light was still on. I'll wait for a while and opened the radiator cap again, see if I need to add some more coolant ...

BTW,
does the gunk indicate "intake manifold gasket leaking"? Or it more often indicates the need for a "coolant flush"?

Thanks!
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Old May 18, 2010 | 05:39 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by xtremerevolution
That I know for a fact. I remember reading the biggest reason for it gunking up on people was the use of non distilled water as a diluting agent, but having not had any of those problems, I can only speculate.
I buy 50/50 mixed coolant (as a novice).

But one thing is, I have used two brands together (when I used up one 1 Gal, I bought another Gal of another brand). Does this mixture cause a problem?
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Old May 18, 2010 | 05:43 PM
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As long as it'* DEX compatible, it should be fine. But if it'* not, then it has a good chance of sludging up. I think a good system flush is in order.
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Old May 18, 2010 | 06:00 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by Danthurs
As long as it'* DEX compatible, it should be fine. But if it'* not, then it has a good chance of sludging up. I think a good system flush is in order.
I with Danthurs here. I would get a coolant flush going if its sludging up.
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Old May 18, 2010 | 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by xtremerevolution
I with Danthurs here. I would get a coolant flush going if its sludging up.
The two brands I used are Prestone and Peak. I think they are DEX compatible.

Is there a good way to judge the sludging up? I saw some gunk when I opened the radiator cap, is this enough to say that I need a radiator flush? BTW, haven't done a flush in recent two years ....
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Old May 19, 2010 | 09:11 AM
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A flush isn't difficult or expensive, I would honestly just do the flush, and while your doing it check the sensor.
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