coolant leak/check engine light

[okdan]

I just got a 95 sho
the car had been sitting for a year
I picked it up in Tulsa and drove to detroit
on the drive the check engine light came on and off
then the check coolant light came on --- I added coolant and it went off --- from that point on I stopped regularly and added coolant (the light has never come back on)
but the check engine light periodically will come on
after I shut down the car and restart the light is off and stays off anywhere form 1 mile to 100 miles and then stays on until I shutdown and add coolant
I used 2 gallons of coolant on the 100 mile drive -- there must be a leak but am not sure why the check engine light would be coming on (there is no coolant in the oil --- and it does not appear to be burning it in the exhaust -- though my brother claimed he saw some in the exhaust when I was blowing the doors off his grandprix)

any ideas???

Also does anyone know a good mechanic in Detroit -- I need to fix this problem and replace some seals on the engine --
(or an affordable chicago mechanic -- I am heading there tomorrow and might try and have the coolant leak fixed before driving back to detroit)

 

[Bizzy]

The first thing is to check your codes. Since it's a Gen 2, you'll have 3 digit codes and it's quite easy to jumper the connectors to do this. All you need is a paper clip.
This tells you how to run the codes
And these are what the codes mean.

Once you know what the problem is it will be much easier for someone to help you. There are many of us in the metro Detroit area that could help if you run into troubles.

By the way, when the light comes on...how does the car run? Could be something as simple as the 02 sensors. It's leaking a lot of coolant so you really should figure out where it's coming from before taking it on a long trip.

<small>[ December 30, 2003, 09:49 AM: Message edited by: Bizzy ]</small>

 

[okdan]

Thanks for the response


I clicked the link for the instructions for running the codes
and was very confused


So all I need to do is put a paperclip in the sti slot and connect it to the signal return slot

but where do I read the codes from --- this is the part that confuses me -- will it flash code numbers somewhere -- or is it a morse code sort of system where the check engine light flashes to indicate the code
(I have always owned old cars -- that were built before all these fancy computers so this is all a bit beyond me)
Also in the original post I made a typo--- it went through the 2 gallons of coolant in 1000 miles not 100 miles (still not sure about risking the drive to chicago but I might have to)

 

[Bizzy]

Once you jumper the connectors you go sit in the car and turn the key forward to the on position (don't start the car). You'll hear the computer turning on and off different sensors as it runs it's tests on them. When that is complete it will flash codes via the CE light. You count the flashes, make sure you don't confuse them with the flashes that separate the codes. It will flash the codes twice, and as long as you don't pull the clip out while it's running it will store them in memory.

Where in Detroit are you? I'm up towards New Baltimore.

<small>[ December 30, 2003, 10:28 AM: Message edited by: Bizzy ]</small>

 

[okdan]

Bizzy

Thanks again -- I will try this after work

in answer to question -- I am in royal oak
about 30 mi from new baltimore

but I have no tools - no garage -- and no knowledge --- so I do not mind making a short drive to get help

 

[Bizzy]

I used to work in Troy (15 & Stephenson Hwy) so I know the area fairly well. Maybe we can set something up for today or whenever.

 

[okdan]

thanks

that would be cool (either today or the weekend --- as I am driving to chicagoland afterwork tomorrow)

I will email you a contact number

Dan