Hello-

So I went to start my 7 today (Not my daily driver.... a project car of sorts) to let it run while i shoveled snow. YOu know, just to let it run for 10 - 15 minutes, make sure its still working. As soon as I went to get out of the car, the RPMs dropped, and I heard the most ungodly sound ever..... warning buzzer



So my question is..... What would cause the "Add Coolant" light to come on?
From what I've gathered from searching (Yes, a n00b who searches) it could be the radiator cap, or a leak somewhere else. Any other possible causes?

Also, where should I start to try to fix this? I'm a total n00b and I have no clue what to do. Please help.

 

Ironic that you started it just to see if it is "still working" only to find out it is not working. I would inspect the entire cooling system before making any assumptions. If you can; take it to the shop and have it pressure tested. Once you have checked everything over you can come back here and solve your problem.

 

Have you considered adding coolant?

The system may just need to be bled, but it also may be some of the causes you mentioned.

The most common cause is a leak. Either look for the leak (difficult if it is very small) or have the system pressure tested.

 

fill it up with 50/50 mix and see how much you have to add. if its just a little (like a quart or so) u may not have a problem. if it takes a lot either take it somewhere and have it checked out or u can try to find the leak yourself by filling it up, starting it and looking for coolant leaking out. if it is a small leak u may not see anything coming out until it warms up. if the temp guage at any time goes abouve normal while doing this shut the car off immediately and check it when it has cooled.

if u have a bad cap u will see a very high level in the overflow reservoir. u can kinda check the cap by taking off the cap and inspecting the rubber seal on the bottom of it. it should be smooth. also push up on the springloaded part of the cap and see if it goes up evenly and with a slight but noticable resistance. if the rubber is worn/torn or the spring doesnt feel right the cap is bad.

Pat

 

If you search using "coolant" "buzzer" and my name , you will come up with about 9-10 threads.....

...in two of them, I have supplied detailed instructions about what to do, cost, and results

 

Oops, look likes i didn't use the right search fields.... I'll check your posts Ace. Thank you.

FYI, I used just "Add" and "Coolant" to search.

 

Use "coolant", "buzzer", and find my threads. You should be able to get all the info you want....

 

First think is to make sure the sensor itself is actually connected. The wire is notorious for breaking where it goes through the sensor cap. It's the one that's right no top of the radiator. Oh that thing likes to leak too. It will leak from where the top of the sensor connects to the body of the sensor. The top cracks off a little and allows coolant to travel up the body of the sensor and spray/dribble/pour out the top under pressure.

-W

 

Oh, and just to let everyone know (if you havent seen my "new radiator" thread), my own coolant problem was an assortment of problems all put together:

1) badly worn out rad cap
2) cracked thermostat housing
3) 3 different hoses leaking (one of the them was torn completely (heater hose))
4) 2 leaking -probably- gaskets
and
5) leaking radiator (which I found out last)

After all the above were taken care off (well, that means new parts ), car does not overheat, does not lose coolant, and does not overflow.

Finally.... ....and now I'm selling the car