Thread: Flashing coolant light

I have a 97 gp se with about 103,XXX on the dash. The low coolant light stays on while i start the car but goes off and on when the car gets warm. I checked the radiator and the fluid is towards the very end of the neck of the radiator. I poured coolant in the reservoir and the level doesnt rise up at all. I assuming its a gasket leak but at the same time, i never flushed the radiator since ive owned the car ( 3 yrs ). Should i try to flush and re-fill first and go from there? Also, which gaskets and uim would i get. There are so many different choices so please give me your input. Thank you

Sometimes the sensor gets gunked up. I would drain the coolant, pull the sensor and use a q-tip to clean it out. Then fill with fresh coolant.

Originally Posted by 99PGPGT

It is the sensor, honestly, if you just check the coolant once in awhile, just unplug the sensor and leave it at that

Ok no problem. I also looks like the coolant has some type of light brownish mix in it

I wouldn't bother to flush and refill first. Kinda a waste of money/time. You need to replace the plastic LIM gaskets if they are stock, you need to get the Aluminum gaskets either from a dealer or Fel-Pro (Autozone, Oreillys,etc.). If you get the right kit it will have all the gaskets you need. The UIM kit is the same way. Clean the TB while the UIM is off. Check out Rock Auto for parts.

That brown junk is your dexcool turning bad. You need to flush the system, change the LIM gaskets, and refill with either fresh dex, or just go conventional green. Just don't mix the 2 types. Would be a good time to remove the battery and take the coolant level sensor out of the radiator and clean it as well. You will also need enough oil and filters to change the oil TWICE. And an extra quart to pour into the lifter valley to flush out any stray coolant BEFORE you start the car again, or you run a high risk of wiping out a bearing. Then you just drain the oil and throw a new filter on and fill it up w/ the cheap oil. Let it run until it reaches operating temp (about 10 min), then change it again using whatever brand oil and filter you normally do. Then sit back and enjoy.