"Coolant Low" warning light, 1996 Park Avenue

[Guest imported_TheColossusofRoads]

Every now and then the amber Coolant Low warning light comes on in my '96 Park Avenue Ultra. The coolant level is in the radiator is full, the reservoir is at or above the full mark. On a recent trip it stayed on for most of the 160 miles, then went off on it's own for over over 200 miles, and now it's coming back on now and then for short periods of time. I suspect the sensor is faulty, but don't know where it is located if I wanted to replace it. I see an electrical connector that plugs into the right side tank of the radiator between the transmission cooler lines and wonder it that might be it.

It's gets a little tedious seeing this light come on every so often, but if it's a chore to replace the sensor (if that's what's causing it) I'll probably live with it if necessary.

Any thoughts or cures?

Thanx in advance.

Happy New Year to all..........

[Guest windjamer]

I had the same problem with my buick. the sensor is in the rad. cost about 12 or 15 dollers from del.simple to change. Also check for cleanleness at conector and plug. Corosion will cause light to come on. Dick. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_TheColossusofRoads]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had the same problem with my buick. the sensor is in the rad. cost about 12 or 15 dollers from del.simple to change. Also check for cleanleness at conector and plug. Corosion will cause light to come on. Dick. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>

Dick, Thanks for that. Would the sensor be located where I thought it might be in the original post? It's pretty crowded in there but I can get at the connector...........

[Guest BJM]

As a technician and a 2004 Pontiac Bonneville owner, the float will stick causing the warning light to illuminate. They replaced my reservoir under warranty. I can't be sure that is what is causing your issue but I replaced a lot of Mazda Tribute (Ford) reservoirs that were nearly new because the sensor would work, it stayed stuck in place.

Test for battery voltage to the sensor, drain and flush the reservoir with a "little" anti lime with water, replace with fresh coolant and see if that helps.

Just some additional ideas.

[tim63riv]

The low coolant level sensor is in the right side radiator tank. It has a two wire connector on it and the sensor is held in place by a metal retaining clip. It is relatively easy to replace and not very expensive to purchase. I've replaced one in my niece's 1998 Century and my brother's 2000 Monte Carlo within the past month! Just verify that the sensor is faulty and that the coolant level isn't really low! Non supercharged 3800 have a tendency to leak coolant through the upper intake manifolds!

HTH,

Tim

[Guest BJM]

Tim is absolutely correct on the upper intake manifold gasket leaking issue. I just had mine replaced yesterday on my 2004 Bonneville.

[Guest imported_TheColossusofRoads]

The coolant level is and has been OK right along. As a matter of fact I replaced the coolant just last week just to be sure fresh juice was in there. I'm not sure how old the previous stuff was. Thanks for the heads-up on the exact location of the sensor - even the Helm manuals are vague on replacement procedures.

Also, this is the supercharged version, not that it couldn't have been leaking somewhere.

[NTX5467]

For the GM cooling systems where the coolant reservoir does NOT have the pressurized "radiator" cap on it, the sensor will be in the radiator tank, usually down from the radiator cap. On the systems where the "radiator" pressure cap is on the reservoir itself (usually with a different-looking plastic tank from what used to be used), THEN the sensor will be in the side of the reservoir tank as that's where the coolant will be added rather than to the radiator itself, other than for full change/flush situations. Different sensors, too.

Just some thoughts,

NTX5467

[Philippe Racicot]

I had the same problem twice on my 1991 Park Avenue Ultra. Both times, it was the sensor that needed to be replaced. As NTX said, it's located on the radiator tank a few inches below the radiator cap.