Help: low coolant light on when start, off after a while
05-18-2010, 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.
05-18-2010, 05:35 PM
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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.
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!
05-18-2010, 05:39 PM
#13
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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?
05-18-2010, 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.
05-18-2010, 06:00 PM
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05-18-2010, 07:37 PM
#16
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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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