'96 Lumina Low Coolant light

[lakelover]

Yesterday, my Low Coolant warning light came on while I was headed for the lake. I got there and filled a gallon jug with water to top up until I got home and but I went to put it in, both the radiator and overflow tank were full. Again this morning on the way to work, the light came on and went out after a while. It seems to go out after the radiator cooling fan kicks in.<br /><br />I recently had the intake manifold gaskets replaced on this car, including thermostat, and have been smelling the telltale brown sugar smell after driving it, but have been keeping my eye on the level and it's stayed steady & I don't see any spots on the ground. The temp gauge is behaving normally.<br /><br />Anyone have any ideas what might be going on?

 

[Xcusme]

Re: '96 Lumina Low Coolant light

Hmmmm, I have a 98 Venture and when this happened to me, it turned out to be trapped air in the cooling system. Seems it's a bear to get it purged of the air. I borrowed a vacuum purge tool from a friend, and that did the trick.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: '96 Lumina Low Coolant light

Are you running dexcool (red) or green antifreeze? Don't add water to dexcool as you will drop it's efficiency.<br /><br />It is not unheard of to have air pockets and/or a low coolant sensor going bad. I am not sure where the sensor is on the lumina but that is one of the few sensors that is easy to replace.

 

[PierBridge]

Re: '96 Lumina Low Coolant light

Good Call....one or the other.<br /> <br /><br />The Engine Coolant Level Indicator Module is on the right side of the Radiator.

 

[craze1cars]

Re: '96 Lumina Low Coolant light

Originally posted by Bob_VT:<br /> Don't add water to dexcool as you will drop it's efficiency.<br /><br />

I believe Dexcool is supposed to be run 50/50 coolant/water just like the green stuff is.<br /><br />When refilling either type of coolant it should be topped off with 50/50 mix to ensure the ratio is proper.

 

[lakelover]

Re: '96 Lumina Low Coolant light

I'm running Dexcool-the water was just to get me back home, then would adjust the mixture later, sure wasn't gonna pay a Kwik-E-Mart price for Dexcool!<br /><br />Yes, the Dex-cool gets diluted 50/50 if I'm not mistaken. I wondered about the sensor, I'll have to investigate that angle.<br /><br />Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[elmo]

Re: '96 Lumina Low Coolant light

what motor do you have ?? air pockets are a problem on any car engine these days. so if you had the engine repaired recently, why haven't you returned to have the work recheck'd ?? the cost of an engine is much more than the repair you just received, so i guess i wonder which sensor is correct ------ coolant temp or low coolant........ hope you are good at poker

 

[Belchy]

Re: '96 Lumina Low Coolant light

I got a 96 Monte Carlo with a 3.1....I find that my coolant light comes on a fair bit, have been told that it is due to the fact that the rad fluid could be dirty. Also, be aware that some of the dexcool comes already pre-mixed, so becareful when adding water to it...<br /><br />Belchy

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: '96 Lumina Low Coolant light

I believe Dexcool is supposed to be run 50/50 coolant/water just like the green stuff is.<br />

Not so. Dexcool comes pre-mixed. There are premixed compatible antifreezes available for dexcool. <br /><br />If you are so inclined I know mechanics who dump the dexcool and flush the entire system and replace with green stuff.

 

[one more cast]

Re: '96 Lumina Low Coolant light

My wifes '97 Lumina 3.1 had to have the coolant tank removed and cleaned out. Might want to check for crud.

 

[lakelover]

Re: '96 Lumina Low Coolant light

The engine is a 3.1. <br /><br />When the gasket work was done, the system was flushed & refilled with new Dex-cool. In September, I had to have the same work done on my son's 98 Lumina & they refilled it with the green coolant. I went to a different garage with mine, wish they would have used the green. Both places do good work, it's just that one is way more costly than the other.<br /><br />I know the coolant temp sensor is correct, I had it checked not too long ago.