Low Coolant Warning Could Indicate Leak in Heater Core
This weekly feature for Warranty Direct about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America’s Car Show on satellite radio. Below are some recent Q&A from the America’s Car Show email bag.
Dear Tom,
There is a low coolant warning on my ’99 Jeep Grand Cherokee that won’t go away even though I had the coolant serviced. Also, the carpet is wet and slimy on the front passenger floor. Any help would be appreciated.
Theresa from Palo Alto, CA
Theresa,
Have a cooling system pressure test performed on your Jeep. Specifically, have the service tech look for a leaking heater core. Hot water from the cooling system circulates through the heater core. This heat emanates from the core and is blown into the vehicle’s cabin by the fan (this is how the heater works). When the heater core springs a leak, water from the cooling system leaks into the vehicle’s cabin and coolant is lost, hence the cause of the low coolant warning light and the wet carpet. The fact that the water feels slippery tells me that it’s probably anti freeze. Prepare yourself for a hefty repair bill; heater core replacement is very labor intensive. Wish I had better news.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I bought a used ‘98 BMW 528i. The former owner had a bunch of kids who kept losing keys. BMW only issues 10 keys per vehicle, so I’m down to the valet key. I’ve talked to BMW USA and they won’t help. Any ideas?
Daniel from Readstown, WI
Daniel,
BMW is great when it comes to customer satisfaction, in this case, I’m sure BMW would help you. Your best bet is to contact the district zone rep for BMW and explain the situation to him/her. Show them your title of ownership and the recent bill of sale for the car and I’m sure they will make an exception to the rule in this case. Good luck!
Tom
Dear Tom,
When it rains my ‘98 Hyundai Accent stutters and sometimes stalls. The check engine light comes on and, after some time, it seems to run fine. What’s going on?
Korinna from Ridgeway, CT
Korinna,
The computer needs to be scanned for trouble codes. It has detected a problem with the engine when it’s wet outside and has set a code, turning the check engine light on. Once the computer has been scanned, the technician can perform a set of pinpoint tests to determine the defective part. My guess is that the tech will find multiple random misfires. The tech will probably mist down the engine compartment with a spray water bottle in an effort to duplicate the problem. You’ll probably find that the sparkplug wires need replacing. Best to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I own an ‘02 VW Jetta GL. It makes a squeaking noise when going over bumps. The sound is coming from the front suspension, but I’m not sure where to start my search. Do you think it could be caused by bad bearings or bushings? Clancy from Cedar Rapids, IA
Clancy,
The squeak could be coming from the bushings in the control arms, dry ball joint/s, worn strut insulators, or bearings. Get the car up on a lift and have the front suspension checked out. Success to you.
Tom
Dear Tom,
My ‘02 Oldsmobile Alero has had the ignition switch replaced four times in the past two years! Each time the switch fails everything seems normal. However, when I turn the key to start the vehicle nothing happens … no cranking, no clicking, it’s just dead. The battery has been replaced. Every time the problem occurs the Olds dealer says the problem is the magnet on the ignition switch, which is part of the security system. Do you know why this is happening?
Rich from Orchard Park, NY
Rich,
Ignition switch replacement is common on cars with some mileage, but to have so many switches malfunction in such a short period of time makes me wonder if there is another issue affecting the system. The body control module, main computer, the instrument cluster and their respective wiring are all involved in the starting system. It’s going to take some in-depth diagnostics to track down this little bugger! Find a good electrical diagnostician. It will probably serve you well to arrange to leave the car at the shop so they can experience the problem first hand when it occurs.
Tom
Dear Tom,
I listen to your radio show in Atlanta, GA on WDUN. Great show! I own an ‘81 Scottsdale with a Silverado engine. When the vehicle is first cranked, the oil pressure is fine. After I drive it for several minutes, the oil pressure drops or is non-existent. The oil level is good, and the engine runs great. When I rev the engine, the oil pressure goes up. But when the vehicle is idling or stopped, there is no pressure. What should I do? I’m 15 years old and my Grandpa gave the truck to me. It means a lot to me and I don’t want to junk it! Please help!
Taylor from Calhoun, GA
Taylor,
I understand your feelings about the truck. My father gave me my first car too and that car meant a lot to me (until I found a Camaro I wanted bad enough, then I traded the Pontiac in). Here’s what you should do. First off, hook a mechanical gauge to an oil gallery in the engine and run it to verify actual oil pressure. If it’s okay, then the vehicle probably has a problem with the oil pressure-sending unit (which is quite common on older vehicles), the wiring to it, or the gauge in the dash. If the oil pressure is found to be low, then the oil pan has to come down and the lower end inspected for worn bearings, oil pump, or the likes. In this case, you might want to employ the service of a professional tech to evaluate the engine before repairing or replacing it. Or, take out a book on engine overhaul and go to it, if you have the mechanical aptitude or inclination. I rebuilt my first engine at 16 years of age, so you’re ready! Call the show and let me know how it worked out. Good luck.
Tom
‘Til next time…Keep Rollin’
For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals, and many other websites. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights – 10PM – Mid EST. You can hear the live stream of the show at www.americascarshow.com Saturdays at Noon EST. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com
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Filed under: Americas Car Show, Consumer Affairs, Maintenance, Vehicle Maintenance, Vehicle reliability, Vehicle repairs, Warranty Direct
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