Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Cooling - Low Coolant Light On During Sustained Driving

File In Section: 8 - Chassis/Body Electrical

Bulletin No.: 73-83-09

Date: May, 1997

Subject:
Low Engine Coolant Light On During Sustained Driving at Moderate to High Engine RPM (Replace Cooling System Surge Tank)

Models:
1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
1997 Pontiac Sunfire
Built from SOP through December 31, 1996

Condition

Some owners may comment that the low engine coolant light will illuminate during sustained driving at moderate to high engine RPM.

Cause

The design of the baffles in the cooling system surge tank coupled with the engine coolant air bleed pipe allow high coolant flow. This may allow the coolant sensor cavity in the surge tank to have an inadequate supply of coolant during sustained driving at moderate to high engine RPM. This may cause the low coolant light to illuminate even if the system is properly filled.

Correction

Verify that the system is properly filled and free of leaks. If the condition is still present, replace the cooling system surge tank with the revised design (see below for P/N's). Refer to the 1997 Service Manual.

Parts Information

Old P/N New P/N Description

22600776 22605500 For Chevrolet Cavalier
and Pontiac Sunfire

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation Description Labor Time

J3250 Tank, Radiator Use published
Coolant Surge - labor operation
R&R or Replace time