Theres no coolant in my car? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

CamaroBC · 08-20-2011, 02:19 PM

Does the DIC tell you when you need more coolant? Because a friend of mine looked under the hood and said I didnt have any.

And if so what do I use to fill it up?

carbon8 · 08-20-2011, 03:31 PM

how did he know, did he pull the dip stick or check the radiator and yes it will tell you when it is low..you do know the overflow has a dip stick.

CamaroBC · 08-20-2011, 03:46 PM

oh he just pulled the dipstick near the electricity box. after looking in the manual Im now seeing the radiator cap is under the angine cover. Ive never messed with the engine yet.

So the disptick can show below the min mark and theres still coolant in there?

I am glad to hear thought that the DIC will let me know.

Also kinda weird that it seems so low when the manual says its supposed to be in there for 5 years? Under what normal circumstances would anyone on here have needed or gained the experience in changing the coolant on any 2010 and later model? Why? I bought mine preowned, the original owner bought it in dec 2009. I got it in feb 2011. Not even close to needing more according to the manual.

13 ZL1 · 08-20-2011, 04:11 PM

The previous owner may have done something that leaked some coolant or maybe it has always been low. All you need to do is add coolant to the overflow tank. It should be good after that as long as the radiator has not been running low. If it has then there will be air in the system and you will need to get that out.

carbon8 · 08-20-2011, 06:17 PM

They might have changed something, like the thermostat or maybe some warranty work was done and like SSRS said they might not have got it full. My heater core went bad a month after I bought my SS and I took it to the dealer fir warranty work and when I got it back the coolant was low too. If you do decide to fill it up make sure you use the same coolant as what is currently in it.

---
- Daniel 

CamaroBC · 08-20-2011, 10:53 PM

How do I find out what's currently in it .

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

cowboy1948 · 08-20-2011, 11:00 PM

I would just fill it up with distilled water. Never put tap water in a vechile rad.

carbon8 · 08-21-2011, 01:13 AM

Go to your local automotive store and ask. It's going to be Dexcool. Get the 50/50 mix. That way all you have to do is pour it in.

---
- Daniel 

MRGOODWRENCH3 · 08-21-2011, 06:12 PM

The best time to check the radiator is in the morning after the engine has cooled down. Remove the cap and fill the radiator to the top. Drive it, then let it cool down. Fill the radiator complely. The reservoir bottle is not a accurate way to judge then level.

UHP-CAMARO · 08-29-2011, 05:25 PM

Never just add water, it may bite you in the Butt this winter.

Always use the 50/50 pre mix.

carbon8 · 08-29-2011, 07:47 PM

I ruined a 7000 dollar motor due to using water. What an idiot move I made huh.

Fastest camaro in OKC

08-20-2011, 02:19 PM	#1
CamaroBC Drives: Cyber Grey 2LT RS Coupe Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NY Posts: 757	Theres no coolant in my car? Does the DIC tell you when you need more coolant? Because a friend of mine looked under the hood and said I didnt have any. And if so what do I use to fill it up?

08-20-2011, 11:00 PM	#7
cowboy1948 Drives: 10 LT2/RS-08 SILVERADO-05 COBALT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: OHIO Posts: 929	I would just fill it up with distilled water. Never put tap water in a vechile rad. __________________ Retired

08-29-2011, 05:25 PM	#10
UHP-CAMARO Drives: Traded this for a 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 137	Never just add water, it may bite you in the Butt this winter. Always use the 50/50 pre mix. __________________

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08-20-2011, 03:31 PM	#2
carbon8 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS,2008 Hayabusa Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Yukon,Oklahoma Posts: 621	how did he know, did he pull the dip stick or check the radiator and yes it will tell you when it is low..you do know the overflow has a dip stick.

08-20-2011, 03:46 PM	#3
CamaroBC Drives: Cyber Grey 2LT RS Coupe Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NY Posts: 757	oh he just pulled the dipstick near the electricity box. after looking in the manual Im now seeing the radiator cap is under the angine cover. Ive never messed with the engine yet. So the disptick can show below the min mark and theres still coolant in there? I am glad to hear thought that the DIC will let me know. Also kinda weird that it seems so low when the manual says its supposed to be in there for 5 years? Under what normal circumstances would anyone on here have needed or gained the experience in changing the coolant on any 2010 and later model? Why? I bought mine preowned, the original owner bought it in dec 2009. I got it in feb 2011. Not even close to needing more according to the manual.

08-20-2011, 04:11 PM	#4
13 ZL1 Drives: 2013 IOM ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Manteca CA Posts: 683	The previous owner may have done something that leaked some coolant or maybe it has always been low. All you need to do is add coolant to the overflow tank. It should be good after that as long as the radiator has not been running low. If it has then there will be air in the system and you will need to get that out.

08-20-2011, 06:17 PM	#5
carbon8 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS,2008 Hayabusa Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Yukon,Oklahoma Posts: 621	They might have changed something, like the thermostat or maybe some warranty work was done and like SSRS said they might not have got it full. My heater core went bad a month after I bought my SS and I took it to the dealer fir warranty work and when I got it back the coolant was low too. If you do decide to fill it up make sure you use the same coolant as what is currently in it. --- - Daniel 

08-20-2011, 10:53 PM	#6
CamaroBC Drives: Cyber Grey 2LT RS Coupe Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NY Posts: 757	How do I find out what's currently in it . Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

08-21-2011, 01:13 AM	#8
carbon8 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS,2008 Hayabusa Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Yukon,Oklahoma Posts: 621	Go to your local automotive store and ask. It's going to be Dexcool. Get the 50/50 mix. That way all you have to do is pour it in. --- - Daniel 

08-21-2011, 06:12 PM	#9
MRGOODWRENCH3 Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Park City, Utah Posts: 670 View My Garage	The best time to check the radiator is in the morning after the engine has cooled down. Remove the cap and fill the radiator to the top. Drive it, then let it cool down. Fill the radiator complely. The reservoir bottle is not a accurate way to judge then level.

08-29-2011, 07:47 PM	#11
carbon8 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS,2008 Hayabusa Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Yukon,Oklahoma Posts: 621	I ruined a 7000 dollar motor due to using water. What an idiot move I made huh. Fastest camaro in OKC