is this a bad thermostat? details inside...

[1996TalonEsi]

My car does not overheat, but the other day I decided to check my coolant. Normally, it is full when I open the radiator cap, but this time it was low. So I added some and filled it to where it normally is. I've read elsewhere that if the radiator hose is not full, then your thermostat is bad. I've got a CEL 17 which is thermostat/engine coolant temp sensor. Again, it doesnt overheat.

Also, is it bad to run with an empty overflow tank? Just wondering, thanks for any help.

 

[Enigma_Man]

Paragraph #1 is probably because of paragraph #2.

Fill up both, and replace the thermostat anyway if it's old (they're like $4 OEM).

-Jesse

 

[Defiant]

Replace the radiator cap, too.