Monte Carlo Repair Help Have a Monte problem and need help? Good at troubleshooting? Discuss it here!

Low Coolant Level Sensor / Idiot Light Issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 06-01-2011, 10:04 AM
Sparky-88's Avatar
5 Year Member3 Year Member1 Year Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 1,136
Default Low Coolant Level Sensor / Idiot Light Issue

Hey everyone,

I recently replaced the coolant level sensor in my wife's '02 Monte. The 'Low Coolant Level' idiot light had been coming on but coolant level was fine. After replacing the sensor, all seemed normal at first. Then the idiot light started coming back on. It now comes on (with an accompanying 'ding ding ding') a couple minutes after the car starts running.

Is there a code that needs to be reset? I didn't think so, but now I'm not so sure.

I suppose it's possible that I got a faulty sensor. Any other thoughts on potential solution?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
 
  #2  
Old 06-01-2011, 10:22 AM
ChibiBlackSheep's Avatar

Monte Of The Month -- August 2014
15 Year Member
10 Year Member5 Year Member3 Year Member1 Year Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Southeast PA
Posts: 25,136
Default

Did you flush the coolant recently?? It could be gunking up and causing the misreading
 
  #3  
Old 06-01-2011, 11:10 AM
Sparky-88's Avatar
5 Year Member3 Year Member1 Year Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 1,136
Default

Originally Posted by ChibiBlackSheep
Did you flush the coolant recently?? It could be gunking up and causing the misreading
I replaced the radiator a few months ago. Should be no gunking-up issues.
 
  #4  
Old 06-01-2011, 11:29 AM
ChibiBlackSheep's Avatar

Monte Of The Month -- August 2014
15 Year Member
10 Year Member5 Year Member3 Year Member1 Year Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Southeast PA
Posts: 25,136
Default

Since it's a sensor the only thing I could think of is to disconnect the battery for an hour and make the PCM pull up new readings for everything.
 
  #5  
Old 06-01-2011, 12:55 PM
Sparky-88's Avatar
5 Year Member3 Year Member1 Year Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 1,136
Default

Thanks, Chibi. It's worth a shot and doesn't cost anything. I'll try tonight.
 
  #6  
Old 06-01-2011, 08:22 PM
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Warzone, Michigan
Posts: 536
Default

I'm having the same problem. I have replaced sensor, thermostat, entire coolant resevoir, flushed out dexcool and refilled w/Prestone yellow. Light still comes on after 20min of driving, never loses coolant or runs hot. I Dunno wth to do...
 
  #7  
Old 06-01-2011, 08:24 PM
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Warzone, Michigan
Posts: 536
Default

oh yeah, I disconnected battery too
 
  #8  
Old 06-02-2011, 08:17 AM
Sparky-88's Avatar
5 Year Member3 Year Member1 Year Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 1,136
Default

Originally Posted by PUNK LIFE
I'm having the same problem. I have replaced sensor, thermostat, entire coolant resevoir, flushed out dexcool and refilled w/Prestone yellow. Light still comes on after 20min of driving, never loses coolant or runs hot. I Dunno wth to do... oh yeah, I disconnected battery too
Well crap... that doesn't bode well for me. The only thing I haven't done is replace the reservoir. The radiator / coolant / thermostat were replaced a few months ago; the coolant level sensor a few days ago. I disconnected the battery for a few hours last night, but I haven't run it since then. When my wife takes her out later today I'll find out if there is any change.
 
  #9  
Old 06-02-2011, 08:05 PM
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Enfield CT
Posts: 36
Default

Check the wire harness. Unplug the sensor and look at the connector and check for corrosion in the connector. It will be easy to spot. It will be green.
 
  #10  
Old 06-03-2011, 10:19 PM
Sparky-88's Avatar
5 Year Member3 Year Member1 Year Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Huntsville, AL
Posts: 1,136
Default

Originally Posted by hotrodmonte
Check the wire harness. Unplug the sensor and look at the connector and check for corrosion in the connector. It will be easy to spot. It will be green.
Thanks. Will do.
 


Quick Reply: Low Coolant Level Sensor / Idiot Light Issue



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:54 AM.