Bah even more problems.

[koopstaknicca]

My check engine light turned on a few days ago, I had it chicked at Auto Zone and they said the spark plug wasn't putting enough spark into the cylinders. He said's it's a really small problem. As I was driving home, the light turned off. So, I just ignored it.

Today, I was driving to work, and the check engine light turned on again. I just ignored it cause I was gonna be late for work. After I got off, I was driving back home, when the low water in the radiator light was on. It rained all day, by the way, been a loong time since it rained here in Vegas. After a few minutes, the light turned off. I didn't have water with me, so I went to 7-11 and bought some drinking water and filled up the radiator.

I dunno if all these have anything to do with one another, but when the "low radiator water" light turned off, did that mean that the problem went away? I didn't notice any problems driving home, the meter for the engine temperature was normal.

[rixGAphx]

A. Check The Battery And All Its Connections!
1. The GA's electrical system is VERY susceptible to minor variations of voltage and load/amperage. This includes the ABS system (if so equipped) which has its own module.
2. Disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive; when done, reconnect pos first, then negative (this avoids accidental sparking if the wrench slips and hits a metal body/engine part while turning the positive screw).
3. Clean all terminals to shiny metal; remove deposits with a water/baking soda solution, and sand/scrape/polish the metal with sandpaper and knife.
4. The molded red rubber boot on the positive battery terminal allows massive corrosion to develop unseen within the boot.
[This happened to me, and it FRIED the alternator (the alternator 'sensed' a dead battery and tried to put out maximum amperage for recharge, but the power couldn't get thru the corroded connection).]
IMO, cut off this crappy GM rubber boot, and replace with an aftermarket protective cover that can be inspected.
5. Reconnect the battery, first positive and then negative.

B. When connections are VERY bad, any idiot lights can come on for no legitimate reason.

C. I firmly believe that at least 50% of all GA electrical-related problems will be solved by proper and MONTHLY attention to the battery as stated above.
Just passing on my experience.
-Rick

[Yves]

Amen to that. The GA battery with its vertically mounted battery contacts is subject to loosening over time and causing all sorts of erratic problems and false idiot light warnings.

It is certainly worthwhile checking the connections, and just looking at them or jiggling them won't tell you if you have a marginal connection. Cheapest fix I ever made.

[Old Guy]

That's probably some of the best advice I've seen on this forum! :thumbup2:

[koopstaknicca]

Another question. I put in regular mineral water in the radiator. Will this do?

[gagt98driver]

Its best to use distilled water... helps keep all the nasty deposits from showing up over time in the radiator.

I always keep a gallon jug of distilled water lying around for use in vehicle radiators.

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by koopstaknicca
Another question. I put in regular mineral water in the radiator. Will this do?
The best thing for any automotive cooing system is distilled water + antifreeze at proper concentration for the application.

That being said, a couple quarts of plain tap water isn't going to add a significant amount of dissolved minerals.
I *assume* by 'regular mineral water' you mean 'tap water', either from the city water service or your own well.
Even a couple quarts 'mineral drinking water' doesn't have enough minerals to make a difference.

-Rick

[BadGT471]

Buy an OPTIMA battery :) Then you don't have to deal with the corrosion crap of normal batterys :) Just gotta check to make sure the connections are tight ;)

[4kQuad]

If you have a big freezer and deforst it, the melted ice is pure water and can be saved and used in battery's.

Seems like even self defrosting freezers build up stuff if there big enough. It would also work great in raditors.

Less work to buy some, but hay it's free.

[rixGAphx]

Originally posted by 4kQuad
If you have a big freezer and deforst it, the melted ice is pure water and can be saved and used in battery's.

Seems like even self defrosting freezers build up stuff if there big enough. It would also work great in raditors.

Less work to buy some, but hay it's free.
GREAT recycling tip, I had never heard this but it makes perfect sense.

Plus, you get that 'unique' freezer odor in the rad!!!





You some tree-hugging washingtonian?? :D :D

[4kQuad]

No just lived on disability pay for a few years. When your too goofed up to work, ya cut corners.

Wait !!! don't you hug tree's , No, no, you have cactus, they hurt to hug. :agree: