Out of coolant, car won't start, service engine soon light flashing?

I got in my car to head to the gym and my car wouldnt start. Every time i turned the key in the ignition no spark was generated and the service engine soon light started flashing. I knew for a fact my engine oil was fine but i got out and checked and realized the coolant tank under the hood was almost empty. Is this enough of a problem to cause the car not to start? I'm about to refill the antifreeze but first i want to know 1 should i drain the old stuff even though there's barely anything to drain, and 2 when i refill the coolant, do i pour it directly into the radiator cap or into the coolant tank thats off to the side? I drive a 1998 ford escort.

I got in my car to head to the gym and my car wouldnt start. Every time i turned the key in the ignition no spark was generated and the service engine soon light started flashing. I knew for a fact my engine oil was fine but i got out and checked and realized the coolant tank under the hood was almost empty. Is this enough of a problem to cause the car not to start? I'm about to refill the antifreeze but first i want to know 1 should i drain the old stuff even though there's barely anything to drain, and 2 when i refill the coolant, do i pour it directly into the radiator cap or into the coolant tank thats off to the side? I drive a 1998 ford escort. Thanks! Hey there i do have a 2000 Pontiac sunfire 2.2L i have the same issue.

COOLENT RULE: IF YOU HAVE RED COOLENT USE RED COOLENT, IF GREEN YOU CAN USE GREEN OR YELLOW COOLENT, IF YELLOW YOU CAN USE YELLOW OR GREEN. DON't MIX RED WITH GREEN OR YELLOW. Use the already mixed coolent, more convenient for you make sure you have a funnel handy and a extra 2L of coolent in the car with you at all times. One that is not mixed you will have to use special water and also mix it as directed which is a pain in the ****!

If your coolent is too low no it won't start because it knows something is wrong which will cause your car to overheat, and also white smoke will come up and possibly your water pump will seize. So what you do open the COOLENT TANK! And pour into it directly, a funnel or something so you won't miss the hole. Pour it in till its max line. Tighten it up and then start it. If the light is on, could me something wrong. Check the oil when its cold.

If you are worried about what's leaking, make sure you put a piece of cardboard underneath the engine to see what's leaking if any. It could be internal too.

Hope this works

OH AND I had a 2000 Malibu that a bad coolent leak -> caused us a 350 dollar job that would have been prevented. It started to leak January of last year like drips and August it was pouring out and cause the water pump to screw up and had to be replaced. You fill the coolant tank

You fill the coolant tank