coolant level light 98 malibu?

Question

should I change thermostat or temp sensor or both?
coolant light comes on frequently for a while now even though the temperature would only get to the half way point when it warmed up. The fan would kick on when it got barely past the halfway point untill it got back below the half way point. Just yesterday the car is now running up to 3/4 point on the temp guage. whats the problem? whats the fix?

I had jiffy lube do a pressure test and flush or the coolant..... I did notice a lot of oxidation in the pressure tank and under the cap before and after the flush, does that matter?

Answer 1

The coolant warning light is related to the coolant LEVEL in the reservoir, not the coolant temperature. It is an indication you are low on coolant. At the very minimum you will need to top off with a 50/50 Dex-Cool mix. Preferably, you should also have a pressure test done to find out WHY you are low on coolant.

Answer 2

It sounds like an intake manifold gasket leak. It is most likely leaking coolant into the crank case. And possibly externally at the ends of the intake manifold. Check the oil fill cap, the inside, to see if it has a milky mayonnaise substance in it. The would help to confirm the internal leak theory.The most likely reason for the low coolant light coming on is that the coolant level was in fact low. The level is lower when the car's engine is cold due to the thermal expansion of the coolant. The hotter it gets the more room it takes up in the system. The cooler it gets, the less room, hence the lower level in the overflow jug and low coolant light. If a good job was done flushing your system you shouldn't have much of that crud on the cap anymore. I recommend you have your intake gaskets replaced along with the thermostat since it is right there when the intake manifold is off. Leaking intake gaskets are VERY common for the v-6 in these cars. The job is about $400 to $600 I think. Good luck and don't let your coolant get low or bad things will eventually happen.

Answer 3

The light is due to the level of your coolant not the temperature. You more than likely have a leak. Possible issues are water pump and or intake manifold gasket. All GM's are notorious for these issues no matter the engine size between the years of 93-present. Go get the car checked out by a qualified shop. They should pressure test the system. If they cant find the leak at that time they shouls put coolant dye into the system. you would have to drive it around for a couple of days for the dye to circulate through the system.
You can top off the coolant but use only dex-cool 50/50. If you start to overheat do not drive the car, you could cause more problems.

Answer 4

If your car is running 3/4 point on the temp gauge, then as far as I know it's a little bit too hot. Check your engine oil and coolant level. You should actually open the radiator cap (when your engine is cold) and see if coolant reaches the top. Check for coolant leaks. If fluids levels are ok, and there is no leaks then, and only then, start messing with your thermostat and temp sensor.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Sounds like either your thermostat is sticking or you may need a water pump. Just behind the pulley on your water pump there are 2 pilot holes. If they are wet then your water pump is going bad and needs to be replaced. Check that first. If everything looks good there then I'd say change your thermostat and see what happens.

Answer 6

There must be a fuse categorised IPC that light fixtures the device panel yet there also must be a contact mild dimmer knob. perchance you've it became off? only a probability! i imagine it is going to likely be positioned basically to the left of the steerage column on the sprint, a curved knob that you'll regulate in a round action. perchance better information on your proprietor's guide. desire this helps.

Answer 7

check your coolant level in the overflow bottle,, if its low top it up and check for a leak.

Answer 8

Change the thermostat. It is probably sticking.