newbie question

[supfoo514]

Hi, I just recently bought a 91 turbo automatic mkIII. I drove it for a few days but one morning when I turned on the engine the light next to the temp gauge turned on. It looks kind of like a bird cage. I have never seen this light before on any other car so I don't know what it means. I tried searching the FAQs but I haven't found anything. The car didn't come with the manual so I couldn't look it up. The light turns off after a few minutes of driving, however. But it turns back on after cold starts in the morning. I was just wondering what the light meant and if anybody could help me out it would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if this is in the wrong forum. Thanks.

[supra_91]

is it to the left of the temp gauge? if so, it is the low level coolant warning light for your radiator reservoir

[supfoo514]

yes it is to the left of the gauge. So to remedy the problem I just add more coolant?

[supra_91]

yes. if it comes on again check around your engine compartment for a leak. i had a leak in mine on the back of the engine where a clamp was loose

when you take a turn does that orange light come on?

[supfoo514]

As a matter of fact it does turn on when I turn the wheel to the left.

[supfoo514]

well I was reading some of the blown head gasket threads and it seems that my car is exhibiting some of the symptoms mentioned. I have white smoke coming from the exhaust, rough idle, the "bird cage" light is on, and I think there is a coolant leak. I was just wondering if anyone knows how much it would cost to fix a blown head gasket and whether or not if it is safe to drive the way it is. Thanks.

[scruffboy]

That "bird cage" light puzzled me too, but I was told it is the overflow sensor, the little plastic bottle in front of the radiator. When its low and you make a turn, it'll set it off. Top off the bottle to the indicator line and see what happens. If it continues to lose coolant there is a problem somewhere. I saw a thread somewhere in here where this guy had a set-up of a soda bottle to collect coolant coming out of the overflow bottle but I forget exactly what this indicated. Fortunately, my issue was a water pump, not bhg, so I got off cheap. Use the search and u should dig up more.

Scruff.