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2 Problems, 2 different times: Low Coolant Light, Car Wont Start (Pontiac GTP)
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ISURedbird08
Anonymous Poster
kdmasti@ilstu.edu
Dec 4, 2006, 8:17 PM
Post #1 of 7
(6248 views)
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2 Problems, 2 different times: Low Coolant Light, Car Wont Start (Pontiac GTP)
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Hi all,
I am by no means a mechanic, so I was hoping for a little help with this one. My 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP (3800 supercharged V6) has been nothing but a problem since I purchased it. About 2 weeks after purchasing the car it would refuse to start up. It was not clicking, but the sound was not "dead" either. It was trying to turn over but was very very quiet. I checked to make sure all lights were off and they were. I would jump start the car and it would start fine. I could drive it for 30 minutes or 30 seconds and as soon as I turned it off it would not turn on again, so I figured the alternator was not recharging the battery. I brought it back to the dealer and they ran all kinds of tests and told me it was a bad cell in the battery in which they replaced for free. The car then worked great for about 4 months.
Shortly thereafter the low coolant light came on. I checked the overflow and while it was a little low, I added some DexCool (recommended with the car) to it. For the next few weeks, my engine temperatures were fine, but the low coolant light would be on when the car started, but then go off after it ran for awhile. A few days later the check engine light when on. So, I took it to Midas and they said that "code" that was returned was an "evap" code and that my gas cap was a little loose, which fixed the engine light. They said the temperatures looked good and they thought it was a sensor either in the radiator or overflow that had gone bad that was causing the low coolant light to come on. Because my temps were fine and the car is less then 6 months old (to me) I opted not to replace that. So, I've been driving it for around 2 months and everything seemed to be fine (minus the coolant light coming and going). Then, yesterday I go to start it and it is doing the exact same thing it was doing when I first got it (not starting). I suppose that the dealer could have thrown a half-ass battery in it because they did so for free, but should that make a difference???? Also, all interior and exterior lights are fully illuminated and the radio does work so obviously the battery has some power.
I know these are two completely seperate issues. I hope that someone might be able to help me with both, but just one or the other would be MUCH apprecaited.
Thanks in advance!!!
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steve01832
Veteran
Dec 5, 2006, 2:02 AM
Post #2 of 7
(6241 views)
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Re: 2 Problems, 2 different times: Low Coolant Light, Car Wont Start (Pontiac GTP)
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Let's start with some basics. Remove the battery cables and inspect for corrosion. If the positive cable is a two cable set-up ( one stacked under the other at the battery), take them apart. I have seen corrosion here on GM cause a no crank condition lots of times. Clean the corrosion with baking soda and water and a battery terminal cleaner if real bad. Follow the cables and make sure they are clean and tight on the starter and grounds. Also, inspect the cables for missing insulation and any signs of arcing. If this turns up ok then try to start the car. If it doesn't crank over, try jumping it. If it starts fine with a jump, replace the battery and have the charging system checked. Also, have the vehicle checked for a draw.
As for the coolant situation, if the radiator is empty and the car cranks and won't start, it's more than likely a coolant sensor condition. If the sensor is reading air temp. instead of coolant temp. it can send the PCM incorrect signals and cause all kinds of driveability problems. Start with getting the cooling system checked for leaks and repair as necessary. Post back and let us know how you make out.
Steve
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ISURedbird08
Anonymous Poster
Dec 5, 2006, 5:32 PM
Post #3 of 7
(6236 views)
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Re: 2 Problems, 2 different times: Low Coolant Light, Car Wont Start (Pontiac GTP)
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Steve,
First off thanks for the reply. This morning I went out to check all the connections to the battery and everything looked good and I did not see any signs of corrosion. So, I took it in to Sears Auto Center today and they diagnosed it as a bad battery. They replaced it, and ripped me off by charging $30 labor for something that took 15-20 mins to do. Anyways, car starts fine. Next up on my list is to figure out what the deal with the low coolant light is. I just want to be sure that the coolant is not leaking and mixing with my engine oil. I've read around and understand that type of thing can be catastrophic to an engine. What kinds of things cause that???
Thanks again for the suggestions.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 5, 2006, 6:39 PM
Post #4 of 7
(6233 views)
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Re: 2 Problems, 2 different times: Low Coolant Light, Car Wont Start (Pontiac GTP)
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That's really not a rip off from Sears. They spent some time diagnosing it for you and now that you've left they still are no doubt dealing with the disposal of a used battery.
As for oil and anti-freeze you don't wan't those to mix. Head gaskets could do that but not much else. Low coolant is usually just a leak in a hose, radiator, water pump etc. and if a head gasket if slow it could be burning it without a lot of evidence, T
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darrin
User
Dec 5, 2006, 8:32 PM
Post #5 of 7
(6231 views)
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Re: 2 Problems, 2 different times: Low Coolant Light, Car Wont Start (Pontiac GTP)
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i had an 87 tercel that had a head gasket start to go out and i drove it for about 4 or 5 months till it just stoped running. replaced the head gasket and flushed out the pan with kerosen put new oil in and it ran fine. thats only if you need the car and don't have the money for it. but do get it fixed cuz it will mess it up after a while.
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CorpPunisher
New User
Dec 7, 2006, 10:36 PM
Post #6 of 7
(6215 views)
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Re: 2 Problems, 2 different times: Low Coolant Light, Car Wont Start (Pontiac GTP)
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A head gasket can also lead to two other problems. It can cause part of the engine to read overheating (which it probably does) and also allows antifreeze to get into the combustion area (somewhat similar effect as sugar in the gas tank.... very bad). It would need to have the engine flushed with the oil change after replacing the head gasket.
If he doesn't have overheating issues it's probably as described by Steve and Tom. A leak in a hose or radiator causing a sensor to read air temp.
When I had a head gasket go out on me the temp gauge went max overheating. When it was checked out in the shop, part of the engine appeared normal temp while the other part was reading hot.
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ISURedbird08
Anonymous Poster
Dec 11, 2006, 8:48 AM
Post #7 of 7
(6200 views)
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Re: 2 Problems, 2 different times: Low Coolant Light, Car Wont Start (Pontiac GTP)
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Thanks for all the responses. My temp. guage is consistently normal (right around 210), so unless I'm getting a false reading I'm not sure if it is overheating. Probably just a leak somewhere, I just hope its not leaking into my oil.
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