Chevrolet Repair: radiator, coolant level, coolant recovery

Question
the radiador gage on my 97 chevy cavalier came on while i was driving. i stopped and checked had water, it went off and then came back on what can this be from

Answer
Hello Sandra,
I don't work on small Chevy cars, but I wonder if you checked the coolant level inside the radiator, or just in the coolant recovery tank.
It needs to be checked inside the pressurized part of the system, so be careful when you do it. Only do it when the engine and coolant are cold.

If there is a leak in the system, the radiator may not pull coolant from the recovery tank.

That is assuming your radiator warning measures coolant level.

If it is warning of an overheating problem, it could be a water pump, cooling fan control, or radiator problem, or several other things.
Loss of coolant  should be found and corrected as soon as possible, in order to avoid very serious engine damage.

Van