YACT: How do I check to see if coolant is low in my car?

[Phoenix15]

I have a 98 Chevy Blazer with a V6 Vortec engine. It started running hot a few days ago. It only takes about 3-4 minutes for it to start running hot. Also, when it runs hot the a/c blows hot air?? I think the cooland may be low in it. The resivour (Sp?) is empty. How can I check to see if it is low?

 

[tvbi]

the reservoir is empty and you want to know if it's low?

 

[Bootprint]

Doesn't your reservoir have a little line to indicate do not let it get below this level?

 

[Lonyo]

Where's that "You are an idiot" link when you need it?

 

[Phoenix15]

I thought you were not supposed to use the resevoir to add coolant?

 

[notfred]

Do you see the little "Full hot" and "add" marks on the side of the coolant reservior? Is the coolant below the "add" mark? What do you think you should do next?

 

[Kalvin00]

for your own safety, please don't pop the hood.

if you can even figure that out.

:roll:

 

[Lonyo]

Originally posted by: Phoenix15
I thought you were not supposed to use the resevoir to add coolant?

Does your car not have a manual which tells you what to do if coolant is low?

 

[Maximus96]

be sure to fill up the blinker fluids, otherwise during the hot days of summer you're really asking for trouble, especially in stop and go traffic.

 

[Heisenberg]

Check the reservoir first. If it's empty, take off the radiator cap (let the engine cool off first!) and see if you can see coolant. If you can't see coolant near the top of the radiator, you have a big problem.

 

[imported_Trippin315]

Drive around for awhile and then once the engine is good and warm, turn it off and open the cap.

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: Lonyo
Where's that "You are an idiot" link when you need it?

Where's that shakes head in disbelief emoticon?

 

[duragezic]

The manual will have all you'd need to know about this such as checking it and adding more if it is low. Step-by-step instructions with diagrams... seriously read that first then come here if you have additional questions.

I hope you haven't been driving around without coolant and it overheating.

edit: If it were all of sudden get really low you may have a leak somewhere around the radiator. After adding some I'd check it every few days and note if it has gone down (it shouldn't). Keep it filled until you can diagnosis the problem and get it fixed.