I bought a used '97 Camaro Z28 from a dealer last week. During short drives (like my test drive), I noticed no problems. After driving for at least 25-30 minutes, the low coolant warning light comes on. I can keep driving, but the actual temperature gauge stays in the normal operating zone even though I have that red low coolant light on.
I've added anti-freeze to the reserve tank twice. I filled the reserve tank to the top both times. The second time I filled it, I noticed it was much lower.
What's going on here? Is the car just REALLY low on coolant and the system sucked all the stuff in from the reserve tank which explains why I needed to add more? Is it leaking? Is it burning? What do you think?
2007-05-31 13:06:23 · 5 answers · asked by mukwonago53149 5 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
How do I get the radiator cap open? I can only crack it open, but can't get it fully off.
2007-05-31 13:46:56 · update #1
I filled the radiator directly and the reserve. I topped them both off and drove it a while until it heated up. Once it heated up (but not overheating), the low coolant light came on again. I checked the reserve after parking and it was full. I didn't notice any pools of green liquid beneath the car either. I didn't see any bubbles with the engine warming up and the radiator cap off.
2007-05-31 14:28:15 · update #2
To get the rad cap off, make sure the engine is cool and twist it a quarter turn counterclockwise or until it stops, then push down hard and turn another quarter turn--should come off.
Have the system pressure tested and make sure the system is bled or purged properly first---sounds like you have air in the system yet and possibly a bad coolant level sensor--in the rad side tank below the rad cap neck. If no external leaks, it could be a bad head gasket which will show up in the pressure test. Or, could be just air in the system.
2007-05-31 14:21:26 · answer #1 · answered by paul h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Open the radiator cap (be sure it's cool first) then fill the radiator to the top with water, Crank the car and see if there are bubbles coming through the radiator.
If so you have a blown head gasket.
If not ,check the reservoir and see if it is leaking.
if there are no leaks then check the radiator cap and see if the gasket is good.
Then check the cooling fan clutch and make sure it has resistance to being turned (slight).
If everything checks out good find a shop that has a pressure tester and let them check the integrity of the system.
Hope this helps
2007-05-31 13:21:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
find a good mechanic, hopefully a family friend, LOL more than likely its a super easy and not to expensive fix, that low coolent sensor can act whacky to
2007-06-02 16:26:31 · answer #3 · answered by badazzcamaro9499 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to find a qualified mechanic to check it over for you, sounds like a leak to me.
2007-05-31 13:36:04 · answer #4 · answered by shefixescars 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
YOUR CAMARO PROBABLY A PIECE OF SHI* YOU MITE NEED A NEW CAR OR SOMTHING
2007-05-31 13:15:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋