It is very difficult to see the dex Cool level in the overflow container because this container is not transparent, so I decided to remove the radiator cap to check the cooling fluid - doing this (with cold engine of course ) I could see NO cooling fluid at all ... is this normal?

Engine is not overheating (yet??)

 

I think you should be able to see alittle in there..

 

Mine's full to the bottom of the filler neck on the radiator cap. You might add some.

 

Mine is pretty empty looking also...


What is the normal operation temp as indicated by the DIC? I've noticed the past couple of days it has been 196-199 under normal driving conditions...seems higher than I remember...while checking the oil the other day after getting it back from the dealer I could smell a faint odor of antifreeze which got me thinking..hmmmmm..bringing it in on Saturday for them to finish up sme work on it..I think I'll ask about it


What are your guys temps?



Goose

 

Goose, my temp runs about the same as yours.

 

Mine runs 196-199 and spikes around 201-204 at idle. You also have to keep in mind that when the system is cold the fluid shrinks down and won't be very visible in the overflow tank.

 

Thanks for the info guys!




Goose

 

Mine is running about around 190-196

 

The temps you're running are fine, but the radiator should NOT look empty when cold. It should be full up to the filler neck. The radiator will "overflow" into the overflow tank as the car heats up and should pull antifreeze back out of the overflow tank when cooling to keep the radiator full. If the radiator is not full, either your overflow is empty or there is some other issue or leak in your cooling system that is not keeping it pressurized properly.


Fill the radiator and overflow tank (it's probably also empty) with 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water, and get it checked out at the dealer ASAP. I had a GMC Sonoma that had a leaking head gasket, and the reason I noticed it was I checked the coolant level like you guys. The radiator was about a quart low and the overflow empty. It was not overheating. I got it in 1 month before the warranty would have expired. The same symptoms also showed up on our Grand Prix with a leaking intake manifold. GM covered that one too even though the warranty had expired by about 6 months.

 

I don't think they've actually checked the radiator, only the overflow tank.