1996 Pontiac Bonneville No Coolant Engine Seized Fix

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221CAV
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Help, if no fluid is put in radiator after replacing it, about how far will it drive before the motor ceases? How much fluid should the vehicle take upon replacing the radiator? My radiator was replaced and I drove 12 miles and the motor ceased :cry: Could this be that the shop didn't put fluid or enough fluid in the radiator when the installed it? I looked into radiator and there was NO fluid. 96 pontiac bonneville 86,000 miles I contacted the shop they say they put 2 gallons in, its not their fault, if the engine went it had nothing to do with them changing out the radiator. However I had a full tune up 2 months prior just routine maint. Car ran GREAT before them.
Feb 20, 2006 at 1:08 PM
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FISHERMAN
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did you read the temperature gage climb up?

that gage reads the temperature on the water (fluid) if the gage did not move at all there was no water at all,
if so, the radiator has a leak somewhere..
Feb 20, 2006 at 2:07 PM
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MVANNESSJR
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  • 223 POSTS
Call the repair shop, tell them they owe you a new engine, if need be file a claim in small claims court. Someone messed up badly. Surprised you didn't notice any smoke from the engine overheating?
Feb 20, 2006 at 6:13 PM
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FISHERMAN
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  • 937 POSTS
Mark is right!

If they mess it up, they have to pay for it!
Feb 21, 2006 at 1:04 AM
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Suggested Repair

Contact the shop that replaced the radiator and require them to pay for the seized engine, using small claims court if they refuse. If the temperature gauge never rose, the system had no coolant, so also check for a leak or an unfilled radiator.

Conversation Summary

A 1996 Pontiac Bonneville owner reported the engine stopped after about 12 miles following a radiator replacement and found no coolant in the radiator. The shop said it had added two gallons and denied responsibility. Experts said a temperature gauge that did not move indicates no coolant and a possible leak, and advised holding the shop liable for the engine damage.

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