Cold weather and coolant light
12-20-2006, 06:21 AM
#1
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Cold weather and coolant light
Searched the forums but couldn't fine this exact issue. A couple of times, after sitting all night (it's winter in OH), as soon as I start the car the coolant warning light comes on. After about a minute of warming up it goes off. Could this be a pump issue, coolant level looks good. Any ideas?
12-20-2006, 07:15 AM
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This is not true. The coolant/ water mix forms a solution with a unique freezing temp. that is...
...higher than pure coolant but lower than pure water. Are you checking the coolant level when the car is cold? That is the only time to get an accurate reading. My guess is that the level is low but once the car warms up, the coolant expands and the warning light goes off.
12-20-2006, 07:17 AM
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Re: Have you put water in your coolant. If you have more water than G12 the
Nope, the dealer replaced the overflow tank (it was cracked) on the last visit. They should have used the right mixture of water and additive (stress on "should have").
12-20-2006, 07:34 AM
#7
Since someone recently worked on this system, check that the connector is tight at the level sensor
which is on the underside of the expansion tank. Also, the coolant level when cold should be level with the main seam in the expansion tank. My guess is a temporary low reading due to either level being marginal when cold (everything contracts when it gets very cold out, including the coolant level) or the sensor connection being slightly loose and it causes the signal until heat/vibration makes the connection good again. This sensor cannot detect frozen coolant or poor flow in the block or radiator - it's a simple level sensor and nothing more.
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