Where is the coolant level sensor?

[guy48065]

I assume a coolant sensor is in the recovery bottle but I don't see it. Mine has is giving me "low coolant" warnings every time I start the car. The sensor is probably just dirty. Can it be cleaned?

[tigger]

Yes, it's in the tank. ...And yes, the tank/sensor can be cleaned.

Just drain it and take it off of the car. Hit it with some kerosene, then hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly! That'll help for a while, but mine came back; I bought a new tank, haha!

GL

[guy48065]

Thanks!
I figured the same crud that's built up on the tank so I can't see the level has also built up on the sensor.

[Paulaurora]

I got Dorman Tank from rockauto they have lifetime warranty if sensor fails again they will send you free replacement. I had sensor fail after 4 more years got free replacement. If you put this code you will get extra 5% off Code: 15168469659676422 under how did you hear about us section.

[RCA1186]

Nov 2, 2020 14:45:40 GMT -6 guy48065 said:

I assume a coolant sensor is in the recovery bottle but I don't see it. Mine has is giving me "low coolant" warnings every time I start the car. The sensor is probably just dirty. Can it be cleaned?

Try giving the recovery tank a couple whacks with the base of your palm. Usually works for me to unstick it (if you don't feel like draining and cleaning it out)

[guy48065]

The sensor is a float switch? Pretty low tech...
It sucks that you can't even see it thanks to the internal baffles.
Anyways it was pretty nice after work yesterday so I pulled the tank. Using kerosene seems weird but I did and a good bit of rusty crud washed out, but there was still chunky deposits visible. I poured a bottle of toilet bowl cleaner in there & shook it up good. I reasoned that toilet cleaner (acid) does a good job removing built-up water deposits & stains, and won't hurt a poly tank. Lots more red goo washed out.

It's all back together & refilled with fresh coolant, the warning hasn't returned.