Low coolant light blinking-Service Engine light on- Temp light blinks

**plark** · 01-15-2010

Just started the other day, not really sure whats going on, I haven't seen any leaks on the ground -parked same spot indoors everynight- i looked under the hood and dont see any signs of leaks.... I checked the oil it looks normal so im kinda wondering whats going on here

**copgtp** · 01-16-2010

All of this stuff happens at once? Have you noticed anything when it comes to the drive-ability of the car?

**Zef_66** · 01-16-2010

Okay, first, the service engine light will set a code. Goto the closest auto parts store and see if they will read your engine codes for free. Most will. So fine one that will read the codes, find out the code (letter and number) and report back so we can diagnose it.

For the low coolant light, you need to make sure your radiator is full of coolant. Not just the overflow tank. So with the car cool, remove the radiator cap and make sure the coolant is all the way up to the top. If it is not, fill it up.

If the coolant is low, then it is leaking somewhere. If the LIM gaskets have never been changed, then I would suspect that would be the case. Have them checked out.

**BwolfGT** · 01-16-2010

I'm having the same problem, ended up finding a small crack in my overflow tank. You won't see any leaks on the ground or in the engine and it only happens when the engine heats up so you'd never notice. Or it could be your LIM.

**plark** · 01-17-2010

Yes the rad is full, I'm going to have the computer checked tomorrow and I will get those numbers. I have never changed the LIM gaskets but i do know that the manifold warps and the DEX cool eats away at the gasket.... I work for a Ford/Chevy dealership but even if I'm an employee they want to charge me for hooking it up and checking because the dealership and the service department are to different businesses just the same owner. So I will go find out exactly whats going on, if it is the LIM what mods do you suggest doing I have a k&n full cold air and exhaust

**srspicer** · 01-20-2010

Hi All,

I am having the same problem! I checked the coolant level and it was low. I filled it. It gets low again, in fact, I have to stay on top of it so the heat works. I am stumped as to where the coolant is going. I will look closer at the O.F. tank, hadn't thought of that!

My car is not throwing a code. My Mech. suggested that because the DEX cool is so corrosive that it can build up deposits in the switch and won't re-set. My low coolant light comes on and off all of the time. I hope it is not the LIM leaking.

He has suggested to change out the DEX cool for a universal coolant in the spring. It will be less problems for the system.

Thanks for the info.
Regards
Scott

**badbrad** · 01-20-2010

it will be the lim gasket.....

**Zef_66** · 01-20-2010

Originally Posted by badbrad

it will be the lim gasket.....

Where you at in PA Scott?

And agree with brad. You will need to do LIM gaskets. And if you are loosing that much coolant, I would venture to say that if you don't do them soon, you will end up needing a new engine.

**srspicer** · 01-21-2010

Crap!

I was really hoping it was something simple. It looks fairly cramped to the LIM gaskets. I haven't looked at the book yet, just responding here after reading.

How do I check for the LIM leak? I never see anything on the engine or ground. It's to damn cold to crawl around outside. I was hoping for spring to do a system flush and replace the DEX cool.

Hey Zef_66, I'm in Bucks Co.

Thanks for the info everyone.

Regards,

Scott

**BwolfGT** · 01-21-2010

Originally Posted by srspicer

Crap!

I was really hoping it was something simple. It looks fairly cramped to the LIM gaskets. I haven't looked at the book yet, just responding here after reading.

How do I check for the LIM leak? I never see anything on the engine or ground. It's to damn cold to crawl around outside. I was hoping for spring to do a system flush and replace the DEX cool.

Hey Zef_66, I'm in Bucks Co.

Thanks for the info everyone.

Regards,

Scott

When you do the flush, but prestone yellow in, not dexcool.

**Scimmia** · 01-21-2010

Originally Posted by BwolfGT

When you do the flush, but prestone yellow in, not dexcool.

Too bad Prestone yellow basically IS dexcool.

**toolguy** · 01-21-2010

If your service engine light in on like you said, then there most likely is a code.

That should be step #1, checking to see what that is.

**srspicer** · 01-22-2010

There is no code. I had the car checked last month for another issue.

I was planning on using a universal coolant that my mech. uses to replace DEX cool. Don't think it's Prestone.

Thanks much,

Scott

**Scimmia** · 01-22-2010

Originally Posted by srspicer

There is no code. I had the car checked last month for another issue.

If the service engine light is on, there is a code.

**Crave Energy** · 01-22-2010

If your coolant is full most likely the low coolant sensor in the radiator is bad. That will not address the service engine soon light though.

**Zef_66** · 01-22-2010

Originally Posted by srspicer

How do I check for the LIM leak? I never see anything on the engine or ground. It's to damn cold to crawl around outside. I was hoping for spring to do a system flush and replace the DEX cool.

The LIM gaskets seem to go bad on just about every 3800 out there after some mileage is put on them. If you are losing coolant and it is not leaking, that is your best bet. No way to check per se, but a damn good bet.