What is this warning light?

[hollow1]

I have an Olds 2002 Alero and today a red warning light came on and i don't know what it is. It is a square with a little dot on top and inside the square is an arrow pointing down at a squiggly line. What does this warning light mean?

[JTrujillo86]

This means that you are low on coolant...check the reserve tank under the hood on the left hand side. Make sure you check it when the engine is cool. If the coolant is low, fill it up. If not, then you probably have a sensor problem. If the light comes back on after adding coolant, have the cooling sytem preassure tested to see if there are any leaks going on. The 3.4L engines in the Alero's are known for bad intake manifold gaskets.

Jeremy

[Ridenour]

Yeh the LIM gasket leak is deffinately infamous amongst us 3.4's, and my guess would deffinately go towards the LIM. Check the area under the throttle body. If you see some kind of liquid that's run down into that area, it's definately LIM. Also check the area around your water pump. Check your oil cap too - if there's white shit on it, it could very well be coolant in your oil = LIM.

[hollow1]

Yea, i got it inspected and yea it is a leak. how much does it usually cost to fix a LIM

[Ridenour]

Well, if you have a shop do it, a lot. I've read different numbers before, and it seems like I remember in the neighboorhood of 400 to 700 dollars, depending on shop labor costs. Or maybe that was a dealer. Shit, I don't remember really. Your best bet would be to call up a local SHOP (not a dealer - they'll overcharge you majoraly) and get an estimate.

[JTrujillo86]

I would recommend going to the dealer. They may charge more but you know that they know your car better than anyone else and they will also use the most up to date materials. Also, if you go to a GM dealer, the workmanship is warranted for life and the parts are warranted for at least a year. I got it done when I had my 97 Malibu for about $700 at a GM dealer. I called around and other dealers (all GM) wanted nearly $1000. Call around no matter what source you use. BTW, if they tell you that you need to have the "engine flush" performed, decline to do it unless they agree to pull the oil pump screen and clean it. If they don't do this after they do the engine flush, the pump screen clogs, not letting oil flow properly. Hope this info helps you.

Jeremy

[JTrujillo86]

BTW, since your car is an 02, do you have any warranty left? I'm guessing not, but I just thought I would ask.

Jeremy