I just wanted to thank everyone for the advice on the hoses. I finally got around to yanking the damn Michelin man hose off and sure enough... HUGE split under the first ridge. I couldn't believe it. Let me tell you guys... if I had taken that in to the shop not only would I have gotten charged for the diagnostic fee, but labor and I would probably have been charged up the keister for the part. I duct taped the hell out of it and threw an extra hose clamp on it and it's almost like it was before it split. I'm going to get the first thing tomorrow. So again thanks everyone for advice on the hoses. I'm slowly, but surely learning my car. I want to know that thing inside and out by the time I get rid of it. Another question though... I think in the process of driving it like that for so long I killed a sensor so that right when I turn the car on my Temperature alarm kicks on. We're talking you could turn the car on and the engine could be ice cold and this alarm will start beeping. Any thoughts on which sensor or how I can just turn the damn thing off for right now? Any help would be great. Thanks again.

multifunction temp sensor is shot or has loose broken wiring...

The MF sensor is located underneath the cylinder head coolant flange(follow the upper radiator hose to the cylinder head, then look underneath, it's the large sensor with the wires attached)

Another possibility, and believe me this happens alot, is that your coolant level is simply too low. Add some coolant if it is...

Good luck
Steve
Michigan

If it goes on when you start the car, then clears, it's because your coolant level is rising because it's heating up.

There are a lot of coolant hoses on the car, they drip/crystalize when they get old and soft.

Very common problem, my old car lost about a pint every three months. I think I replaced every damn coolant hose one at a time on that car.

Get the new hose, duct tape ain't gonna hold nothin'!

pw