Coolant leak and the sensor light is on

FISHGIRL1971

MEMBER
1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM
2.4L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

In August I had an oil pressure sensor go and consequently oil bathed the engine and undercarriage. The mechanic repaired sensor and detailed the engine to inspect and see if there was any more problems. He said that the engine coolant light had come on and it was low so he topped it off and the light went off. I have been driving it since just keeping an eye on it. Now the light does not go off and it is visibly leaking. I did notice within the last year a couple of times when the passenger side floorboard was slightly wet but I did not drive much and so it never became an issue. The car is now a daily driver. It is not being driven from this point forward until it is fixed. Also the heater makes a noise and draws from the engine when on. It still produces heat.
Thanks much

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3 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good evening.

The leak on the floor is from the heater core. That may also be causing the blower to load up due to coolant dripping on it.

I would pressure test the system for any other leaks.

There is a sensor in or on the radiator that tells you the coolant is low. It sounds like it is doing its job.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

REMOVE OR DISCONNECT
1. Negative battery cable
2. Drain cooling system.
3. Raise vehicle.
4. Drain tube from heater case.
5. Heater hoses from heater core.
6. Lower vehicle.
7. Console (if equipped).
8. Right and left sound insulators.
9. Steering column opening filler.
10. Floor air outlet duct.
11. Heater core cover.
12. Heater core mounting clamps and remove heater core.

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