LOW Coolant light when accelerating hard

IMICEMAN · 09-22-2003, 07:16 PM

I have had the following problem off and on now for a few months.

It seems that when I accelerate very hard (sometimes), or accelerate very hard into a turn, the LOW COOLANT light comes on for a few seconds.....then goes off.

I checked my coolant and it is fine....up to the level it should be.

Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, what is causing it and what is the solution ?

Thanx.

Blackrider · 09-23-2003, 08:13 AM

Possible bad level sensor

PontiacGT2K · 09-23-2003, 08:17 AM

You might have an intake manifold gasket leak (very common on 3x00's). That happened when I blew my intake manifold gasket, both times. Something to do with pressure and what not...but you only leak at high rpm's under hard stress (at first).....so the light will go on at high rpm's when really hot.

Black2K1GT · 09-23-2003, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PontiacGT2K
You might have an intake manifold gasket leak (very common on 3x00's).

Same happened to me and my wifes car. After they replaced the gasket, it never came on again.

PontiacGT2K · 09-23-2003, 08:57 AM

I had the same thing happen after installing my headers (AHH!)......but it turned out that I did in fact just have low coolant levels.

Blackrider · 09-23-2003, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Black2K1GT
Same happened to me and my wifes car. After they replaced the gasket, it never came on again.

I think it has happend to most of us

09-23-2003, 11:03 AM

Mine did it when i had an intake gasket leak. It was leaking very slowly--had to add some coolant before I got it fixed. Low coolant light came on as I accelerated when the engine was cold...been 2.5 years since I got it fixed--still holding--knock on wood.

Dr_Kyle · 09-23-2003, 12:46 PM

The gasket gets my vote.

Blackrider · 09-23-2003, 01:15 PM

I was Trying to Give a positve possible problem but I'm inclinde to agree

Sorry dude I would get it checked out ASAP! Bearings and coolent dont agree

Mojo5390 · 09-23-2003, 11:39 PM

I actually used to get that same problem with the Low Coolant going off when acceleratiing hard. I also discovered that it would go off even easier when I was accelerating uphill. Me being the lazy a$$ I'm known to be, thought that it was a little glitch that didn't need my immediate attention. Sure enough, the problem got a little more consistent, so I open up the hood and find that I was leaking coolant due to a loose hose clamp above the radiator. So something else you may want to look at if you don't find it being the gaskets or level sensor.

VaGT · 09-24-2003, 05:40 AM

To everyone saying it is a gasket leak -

How then do you explain why he isn't losing coolant and his coolant levels are normal. If it were leaking, the coolant level would be low - causing the light to come on. Makes me think that some didn't even read the original post.

My low coolant light came on once, and I topped off the low tank, but I've never had a problem since (almost a year), and the level of coolant has not changed since I topped it off. I also had the engine checked out for coolant leaks by my brother in law (GM Tech) and he didn't see a coolant leak. He did see a small oil leak, but that's another story.

PontiacGT2K · 09-24-2003, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by VaGT
To everyone saying it is a gasket leak -

How then do you explain why he isn't losing coolant and his coolant levels are normal. If it were leaking, the coolant level would be low - causing the light to come on. Makes me think that some didn't even read the original post.

My low coolant light came on once, and I topped off the low tank, but I've never had a problem since (almost a year), and the level of coolant has not changed since I topped it off. I also had the engine checked out for coolant leaks by my brother in law (GM Tech) and he didn't see a coolant leak. He did see a small oil leak, but that's another story.

I did read the original post, and if it's a coolant leak at the gasket, you start by losing very little at a time....like only at high RPM's, under stress, at certain temp levels. You won't even notice coolant in the engine bay, and your levels will stay basically the same.

Know about what you're talking about before bitching that we don't, I've experienced the exact same problem, my coolant level looked exactly the same through the initial stages of my gasket leak.

09-24-2003, 08:22 AM

I agree with PontiacGT2K...I did read the original post. Mine did the same thing--the light came on intermittantly, mainly when cold. The coolant level looked fine at first-then lost a little bit. The dealer put a dye in the coolant, drove it a while, and finally discovered the leak. I am not saying this is the problem, but with the large number of gasket failures on this engine, it would be a logical start...

Panacea · 09-24-2003, 09:34 AM

Possible vaccume leak or somthing like that? Dunno if that's possible in the coolant system, but yeah. just a thought.

VaGT · 09-24-2003, 10:45 AM

The low coolant light is triggered by low coolant. If the coolant level is fine, then the light would not be coming on unless there is some issue with the computer, level sensor, something. The light doesn't sense a slow leak and come on. It would come on when the leak was bad enough to drop the level in the tank.

PontiacGT2K · 09-24-2003, 12:24 PM

It also comes on with quick pressure drops. The pressure drops quickly when you have a very small leak, the light pops on, and as soon as the pressure stabilizes again (ie change gears) the light goes back off.

If the light only came on only when you were low on coolant, it would stay on....coolant doesn't re-fill itself.

Either way, there's two people who experienced the same exact thing, noticed the coolant levels stay exactly the same....and soon after had to replace the intake manifold gasket due to a huge leak.

Face it....we're probably right.

Black2K1GT · 09-24-2003, 01:39 PM

Either way the facts speak for themselves. Many of us have had the light, the coolant levels were fine for all, we had our gaskets fixed, and it went away afterwards.

IMICEMAN · 01-18-2004, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by IMICEMAN
I have had the following problem off and on now for a few months.

It seems that when I accelerate very hard (sometimes), or accelerate very hard into a turn, the LOW COOLANT light comes on for a few seconds.....then goes off.

I checked my coolant and it is fine....up to the level it should be.

Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, what is causing it and what is the solution ?

Thanx.

OK, this thread is old now, but this is an UPDATE.
It turns out that this problem was just the beginning of what would turn into a leak of the coolant into the engine and mixing with the oil. I recently had the Lower Intake Manifold gasket replaced, the coolant flushed, and the oil changed (twice) to repair it all. Thank goodness it was done under warranty, or it would have cost a mint !
Oh, and btw, the stupid antifreeze cap broke (as it would seem everyone else's is doing).

Turbodreams-se · 01-18-2004, 07:20 AM

my oil pressure light was doing the same exact thing, but it was just because of a loose drain plug... loose enough to slowly (over a period of a couple weeks) drain over half of my oil onto unsuspecting parking lots... but then strangely the day after the repair, I have a gasket leak... most likely it is the exhaust manifold gasket, because that is where the sound is coming from...

PontiacGT2K · 01-18-2004, 10:19 AM

Who called it bitchez?

09-22-2003, 07:16 PM	#1
IMICEMAN 28.06.42.12 AKA: Kent Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 133 Vehicle: 2001 GAGT (White)	LOW Coolant light when accelerating hard I have had the following problem off and on now for a few months. It seems that when I accelerate very hard (sometimes), or accelerate very hard into a turn, the LOW COOLANT light comes on for a few seconds.....then goes off. I checked my coolant and it is fine....up to the level it should be. Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, what is causing it and what is the solution ? Thanx. __________________ MODS: Borla Exhaust, 20% Tinted Windows, GrafxWerks Reflective Overlays, Mille Miglia Emotion II PLUS 17x8 RIMS (5x114.3, +40mm Offset) with Bridgestone Fuzion ZRi 245/40wr17 tires, EBC Sport Grooved/Dimpled Front/Rear Rotors, EBC Greenstuff Pads, Goodridge Stainless Steel Brake Lines, Dr.Speed Stage 3 CAI, and TOG Exhaust Headers, and NOW, a Brullen High Flow Catalytic Converter. DO IT the day after yesterday !!

09-23-2003, 08:13 AM	#2
Blackrider Ifeast Upon The Weak AKA: Jordie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Victoria B.C. Age: 36 Posts: 3,048 Vehicle: 06 GTP 6Speed	Possible bad level sensor __________________ 60DegreeGTP

09-23-2003, 08:17 AM	#3
PontiacGT2K It's coming... AKA: Andy Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: St. Charles, Illinois / Milwaukee, Wisconsin (school) Age: 37 Posts: 2,486 Vehicle: '03 350z Touring	You might have an intake manifold gasket leak (very common on 3x00's). That happened when I blew my intake manifold gasket, both times. Something to do with pressure and what not...but you only leak at high rpm's under hard stress (at first).....so the light will go on at high rpm's when really hot. __________________ Team GMCI "Get the ambulance, my stomach fell out."

09-23-2003, 08:57 AM	#5
PontiacGT2K It's coming... AKA: Andy Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: St. Charles, Illinois / Milwaukee, Wisconsin (school) Age: 37 Posts: 2,486 Vehicle: '03 350z Touring	I had the same thing happen after installing my headers (AHH!)......but it turned out that I did in fact just have low coolant levels. __________________ Team GMCI "Get the ambulance, my stomach fell out."

09-23-2003, 11:03 AM	#7
bigblue23 Guest Posts: n/a	Intake gasket Mine did it when i had an intake gasket leak. It was leaking very slowly--had to add some coolant before I got it fixed. Low coolant light came on as I accelerated when the engine was cold...been 2.5 years since I got it fixed--still holding--knock on wood.

09-23-2003, 12:46 PM	#8
Dr_Kyle Better Than Ever AKA: Doctor Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Orlando, FL Age: 40 Posts: 2,116 Vehicle: 2000 Grand Am GT1	The gasket gets my vote. __________________ Looking for Performance Parts? Click Here to check out Doctor Speed! Best ET: 14.664 @ 94.82 MPH Doctor Speed - Grand Am Performance Parts My Cardomain Page

09-23-2003, 01:15 PM	#9
Blackrider Ifeast Upon The Weak AKA: Jordie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Victoria B.C. Age: 36 Posts: 3,048 Vehicle: 06 GTP 6Speed	I was Trying to Give a positve possible problem but I'm inclinde to agree Sorry dude I would get it checked out ASAP! Bearings and coolent dont agree __________________ 60DegreeGTP

09-23-2003, 11:39 PM	#10
Mojo5390 GAGT - Newbie AKA: Brian Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tolleson, Arizona Age: 42 Posts: 9 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT Sedan	I actually used to get that same problem with the Low Coolant going off when acceleratiing hard. I also discovered that it would go off even easier when I was accelerating uphill. Me being the lazy a$$ I'm known to be, thought that it was a little glitch that didn't need my immediate attention. Sure enough, the problem got a little more consistent, so I open up the hood and find that I was leaking coolant due to a loose hose clamp above the radiator. So something else you may want to look at if you don't find it being the gaskets or level sensor. __________________ Aye que lastima, cuatro chicas en mis pantalones. Last edited by Mojo5390; 09-23-2003 at 11:43 PM.

09-24-2003, 05:40 AM	#11
VaGT Go Steelers! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Woodbridge, Va Age: 44 Posts: 842 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT1	To everyone saying it is a gasket leak - How then do you explain why he isn't losing coolant and his coolant levels are normal. If it were leaking, the coolant level would be low - causing the light to come on. Makes me think that some didn't even read the original post. My low coolant light came on once, and I topped off the low tank, but I've never had a problem since (almost a year), and the level of coolant has not changed since I topped it off. I also had the engine checked out for coolant leaks by my brother in law (GM Tech) and he didn't see a coolant leak. He did see a small oil leak, but that's another story. __________________ 2001 Grand Am GT1 75th Anniversary Edition Purchased new 6/14/01

09-24-2003, 08:22 AM	#13
bigblue23 Guest Posts: n/a	I agree I agree with PontiacGT2K...I did read the original post. Mine did the same thing--the light came on intermittantly, mainly when cold. The coolant level looked fine at first-then lost a little bit. The dealer put a dye in the coolant, drove it a while, and finally discovered the leak. I am not saying this is the problem, but with the large number of gasket failures on this engine, it would be a logical start... Last edited by bigblue23; 09-24-2003 at 08:27 AM.

09-24-2003, 09:34 AM	#14
Panacea Mmmm Donuts. AKA: Macleod52 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rock Island, IL Age: 40 Posts: 3,160 Vehicle: '09 Malibu LTZ	Possible vaccume leak or somthing like that? Dunno if that's possible in the coolant system, but yeah. just a thought. __________________ "Never argue with idiots. They bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience."

09-24-2003, 10:45 AM	#15
VaGT Go Steelers! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Woodbridge, Va Age: 44 Posts: 842 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT1	The low coolant light is triggered by low coolant. If the coolant level is fine, then the light would not be coming on unless there is some issue with the computer, level sensor, something. The light doesn't sense a slow leak and come on. It would come on when the leak was bad enough to drop the level in the tank. __________________ 2001 Grand Am GT1 75th Anniversary Edition Purchased new 6/14/01

09-24-2003, 12:24 PM	#16
PontiacGT2K It's coming... AKA: Andy Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: St. Charles, Illinois / Milwaukee, Wisconsin (school) Age: 37 Posts: 2,486 Vehicle: '03 350z Touring	It also comes on with quick pressure drops. The pressure drops quickly when you have a very small leak, the light pops on, and as soon as the pressure stabilizes again (ie change gears) the light goes back off. If the light only came on only when you were low on coolant, it would stay on....coolant doesn't re-fill itself. Either way, there's two people who experienced the same exact thing, noticed the coolant levels stay exactly the same....and soon after had to replace the intake manifold gasket due to a huge leak. Face it....we're probably right. __________________ Team GMCI "Get the ambulance, my stomach fell out."

09-24-2003, 01:39 PM	#17
Black2K1GT GAGT - Rosey Roller Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richmond, IN Age: 42 Posts: 189 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT Coupe	Either way the facts speak for themselves. Many of us have had the light, the coolant levels were fine for all, we had our gaskets fixed, and it went away afterwards. __________________ 2001 Black GA GT

01-18-2004, 07:20 AM	#19
Turbodreams-se Black and Blue GT Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sacramento California Age: 38 Posts: 273 Vehicle: 00GT coupe 2.4(frmSE)	my oil pressure light was doing the same exact thing, but it was just because of a loose drain plug... loose enough to slowly (over a period of a couple weeks) drain over half of my oil onto unsuspecting parking lots... but then strangely the day after the repair, I have a gasket leak... most likely it is the exhaust manifold gasket, because that is where the sound is coming from... __________________ 2000 Grand Am (Soon to be running again hopefully... If i find an engine that is...) shaved badges, cleared hvac, off brand wai, single outlet daytona turbo muffler with stainless steel tip. header sitting in garage waiting for new engine to be put in...

01-18-2004, 10:19 AM	#20
PontiacGT2K It's coming... AKA: Andy Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: St. Charles, Illinois / Milwaukee, Wisconsin (school) Age: 37 Posts: 2,486 Vehicle: '03 350z Touring	Who called it bitchez? __________________ Team GMCI "Get the ambulance, my stomach fell out."

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