Coolant problem needs help quick!!!

[suprafanatic]

ok so the coolant light is on but im pretty sure thats cause the coolant level is low.... but the problem is while driving the temp gauge needle bounces around like crazy... never goes over normal temp but always seems to drop all the way cold and bounce around very low temps. what would be causing this? would the thermostat be stuck open? i just replaced it about a month ago with a 180* any suggestions would be great. thanks!

 

[F_T_F]

if you low on coolent i would take car of that problem first thats an easy fix. as for the needle i have no idea. bad connection to the temp lead?

 

[mkIIIman089]

Low coolant is a result of your problem, and causing the one you're posting about.

Fix the leak, fill it with coolant, put an OE thermostat in there.

 

[tlo86]

doublecheck the connectors as well they are brittle around that area. possible air in system as well but, what i always do, when filling coolant have car running with front lifted when you pour it in should work out ok for ya

 

[suprafanatic]

its not leaking coolant though, its like burning it or somthing.

 

[sneakypete]

uh oh!! thats not a good sign. symptoms of bhg. do a search and see what a nightmare youve likely gotten yourself into.
as far as your "leak," first thing is to fill you resivoir with coolant, then check your water temp sender and connections. when i had the same problem and replaced everything and it still didnt work properly, i checked the wiring harness. it turned out the wire was hanging on by a thread and rubbing against the firewall.
hope this helps
good luck

 

[supra4ever68]

i have a problem where my coolant light stays on even though it is full....i also had a bad connection to temp sensor...went to junk yard and found a good connector! the temperature would go up and down but when i connected the new when it was normal....

 

[sneakypete]

i have a problem where my coolant light stays on even though it is full....i also had a bad connection to temp sensor...went to junk yard and found a good connector! the temperature would go up and down but when i connected the new when it was normal....

yea when mine was acting up... at idle it would stay at normal temp, but when i stepped on the gas the temp would go down, and while coasting it went all the way up. no idea how that happened. but after i fixed the wire, everything was all good

 

[Datsrboi]

Advice from a newbe myself. Do not assume you have a BHG. Check your water pump and system for clog.