1997 Grand Am Low Coolant Light

Hello everyone,

I just changed the thermostat in my 1997 Grand Am, I re-connected all the hoses, and started the car, followed the instructions in my chilton manual. But the low coolant light will not go out on my dash. I think I bled the system properly. Does anyone have an idea for this fix? Maybe disconnect the battery, then re-connect.... etc???

There should be a "reset" button in your fuse panel. It will probably be red. Press and hold it for 3 seconds. If this doesn't do it, unplug your battery for a few hours, and if that still doesn't do it, then you have a faulty coolant sensor.

There should be a "reset" button in your fuse panel. It will probably be red. Press and hold it for 3 seconds. If this doesn't do it, unplug your battery for a few hours, and if that still doesn't do it, then you have a faulty coolant sensor.

Thanks Chief, I see you respond to alot of questions. Its great to see someone who wants to provide assistance as much as you do.

No problem - there's tons of guys on here that help out even more then me :) - that's the great thing about AF, you can post any problem, and you'll usually have a couple guys give logical input on it. Everybody's always looking for ways to help out around here.

and welcome to the forum.

Another possiblity is the sensor float is stuck, its in the pressure tank on the side of the car. It sticks on my 95 every time it gets low, so I just replaced the tank, the switch is not replacable. Before I replaced it, i would hit the side of the tank with a wrench or maglite, just be careful not to crack the tank like i did the other night...

Ouch, ski, that had to hurt, sigh!!!!!!!!!

and it was a 6cell maglite, didn't think about how hard it would have hit... at least i was able to snag one out of a wreck, and the whole thing happened in the driveway.

Ok.. So I knocked the coolant tank around a little, also I cleaned my intake with throttle body cleaner, because I saw that the butterflys were gummed up.. now i have a check engine light. How do I reset the check engine light?

I got the coolant light to go out, but I also decided to take care of a little rough idle problem i've got going on with som throttle body cleaner. Now i've got a check engine light on, but i think it is becuase i turned the ignition key to the start position with the IAC motor disconnected. How do I reset the light? (see thread "Rough Idle")

Tapping on the sensor also helps. Use something strong, not a finger....but also don't beat the crap out of it.

Thanks Skibum - I actually registered specifically to thank you. Just tried all three suggestions from you and the group for the same low coolant light issue on our 2001 Grand Am - reset on panel for 3, disconnected the battery, then tapped on the tank with a small rubber mallet. Tapping worked. Thanks guys!

That red reset button is for resetting the oil monitor.....99/100 times, lightly tapping the sensor in the reservoir takes care of the problem.....