New Radiator, Sensor problems
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Teching In
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From: California
New Radiator, Sensor problems So I recently bought a new all-aluminum radiator, it's a 3-row and a bit bigger than OEM. I already bled the system, and no leaks and no more air bubbles, I made sure the thermometer works and it flows but for some reason my coolant level sensor is reading that I need more. Its up to the neck, unless I'm bleeding the system wrong my level sensor is good so I don't think it's broken. Can someone help me plz?
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
How do you know the sensor is good? Sounds like it's bad to me; if the radiator is completely full when you pull the cap, but the low coolant light is on anyway then it's a safe bet that the sensor isn't reading correctly. This is a common problem with these cars. You can replace the sensor, or try cleaning it first (this sometimes works, sometimes not), or just disconnect it from the wiring harness (light will default to off).
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2024
Posts: 23
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From: California
Should I try to drive the car first? When the coolant is physically touching the sensor does that make it turn off or is it based on pressure? It flickers from dim to bright when starting the car even though it is submerged. I may try bleeding the system one more time, I'm pretty sure I'm bleeding it correctly but correct me if I'm wrong.
So I first open rad. cap then fill the radiator with as much as possible.
Then I turn the car on without the cap until it reaches operating temp.
Then fill any extra coolant needed then close the cap.
So I first open rad. cap then fill the radiator with as much as possible.
Then I turn the car on without the cap until it reaches operating temp.
Then fill any extra coolant needed then close the cap.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 34,628
Likes: 2,547
From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
The sensor reads level, not pressure. If the sensor is fully submerged and still showing a low coolant condition, then something isn't right with the sensor (dirty, failed, etc.).
