Coolant sensor issues.

[dmontzsta]

So my coolant light has been coming on for the last 6-8 months. I originally thought it might be because of my radiator leaking, which I since replaced. Then I posted on here and someone mentioned it might not have a 50/50 mix of water and coolant. So, after the radiator change I got a dead on 50/50 mix. Now it comes on when I drive it hard. I pop the cap and the little sensor is sitting at the bottom of the tank, I pull it up with a screwdriver and it stays off for a while, then comes on when throttled hard again.

Any ideas? I dont know what else it could be and was thinking the only thing to do next is change the entire reservoir w/ sensor.

 

[Orange...]

when you mention that you pop the cap and the sensor is at the bottom, does that mean it is stuck under coolant, or that the coolant level is low and is sitting at the coolant level, which is at the bottom of the tank? Maybe the sensor is gunked up from the previous coolant mixture you had in there and it has crud on the inside where it slides and once you let off the throttle it cools off and expands again which makes it sort of stick...

 

[dmontzsta]

when you mention that you pop the cap and the sensor is at the bottom, does that mean it is stuck under coolant, or that the coolant level is low and is sitting at the coolant level, which is at the bottom of the tank? Maybe the sensor is gunked up from the previous coolant mixture you had in there and it has crud on the inside where it slides and once you let off the throttle it cools off and expands again which makes it sort of stick...

It is at the bottom under the coolant. When I flushed the system I used a power nozzle to really spray the crap out and spent about 15 minutes moving it up and down, cleaning the bucket and making sure it was free, this worked for about a month? and then back to the same old thing.

 

[Orange...]

hmmm... I haven't run into this before. Can we simply get new sensors for our cars? If so I would get a new one, or does that tank come as one unit??? or try to gently take some of the plastic away on the "sliding" part to give the sensor more mobility (with a dremel or small tool like that) as to not wreck it, I wouldn't reccomend that unless it's as a last resort though...

 

[dmontzsta]

hmmm... I haven't run into this before. Can we simply get new sensors for our cars? If so I would get a new one, or does that tank come as one unit??? or try to gently take some of the plastic away on the "sliding" part to give the sensor more mobility (with a dremel or small tool like that) as to not wreck it, I wouldn't reccomend that unless it's as a last resort though...

yeah, this is exactly what I have been wondering...

 

[the98stang]

The sensor is probably water logged. Which is why it won't float. I would just disconnect the sensor. I'm pretty sure you have to buy the entire tank to get a new sensor. I unplugged mine because I wan't to run a 70/30 mix. Then I just watch my coolant temp gauge.

 

[dmontzsta]

The sensor is probably water logged. Which is why it won't float. I would just disconnect the sensor. I'm pretty sure you have to buy the entire tank to get a new sensor. I unplugged mine because I wan't to run a 70/30 mix. Then I just watch my coolant temp gauge.

So you have heard of this before? I might just buy a new tank, but hate to do it. I watch the gauge all the time, but like the dummy light to give me a heads up, before it starts heating up, cause it can happen quick.

 

[1992 2.3LX]

i have had the same problem.
Then yesterday I notice a nice large puddle of coolant on the garage floor.
Can't tell if the waterneck is leaking or if the intake is cracked.

 

[dmontzsta]

I have flushed the coolant, messed with mixes, cleaned the sensor float and piece it rides on and still it comes on and then goes off sometimes, only to come on again. This is so dang irritating.

I guess I have to buy a new one?

 

[the98stang]

I have flushed the coolant, messed with mixes, cleaned the sensor float and piece it rides on and still it comes on and then goes off sometimes, only to come on again. This is so dang irritating.

I guess I have to buy a new one?

Did you remove the coolant tank and clean the entire thing out? Try that, and if it doesn't work, you'll have to buy a new sensor.

 

[RandyStinchcomb]

common problem.... the float in the DeGas bottle sticks......if it wont clean-up, you'll have to buy a whole new bottle, as the sensor is NOT sold seperatly