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Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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ShinyGrAm
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Aug 10, 2014, 8:44 AM
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Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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Coolant level sensor; how does it work? It's from a 1993 Pontiac Grand Am. It doesn't touch the fluid in the reservoir so how does it detect if the coolant level is low? (see photo)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 10, 2014, 8:52 AM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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Looks more like a plug than a sensor. IDK, might be a feature the car doesn't have or tank replaced without what would touch liquid? Always good to check things yourself periodically and not count totally on all these warnings sensors alone before you actually look,
T
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ShinyGrAm
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Aug 10, 2014, 9:05 AM
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Re: Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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It's not a plug. It's a sensor.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 10, 2014, 9:23 AM
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Re: Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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I plead not sure. Parts for plug to it doesn't match and this info could be wrong too..........Duralast/Coolant Level Sensor Connector(0 reviews)
More of the fluid level sensors I know of are in end tanks of radiators for coolant not reservoirs.
Where did you get your picture? For your question how could it sense coolant if it doesn't touch coolant is a valid inquiry - doubt it can unless somehow the tank had a special spot built into it to place the thing you showed. Sorry, never paid enough attention to ones on anything but on the radiator types,
T
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ShinyGrAm
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Aug 10, 2014, 9:33 AM
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Re: Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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I remember now. There's some kind of floating magnet inside the tank that works in concert with this prox sensor. If it gets gummed up and can't move, it will need to be cleaned dish soap and hot water. If magnet disconnects from float, will need to replace coolant overflow tank.
(This post was edited by ShinyGrAm on Aug 10, 2014, 9:44 AM)
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ShinyGrAm
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Aug 10, 2014, 9:47 AM
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Re: Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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So could I test the prox sensor by putting a magnet near it?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 10, 2014, 9:50 AM
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Re: Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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Good call, that makes some sense but would have to be inside floating and you said wasn't touching coolant?
Just off the wall. Two vehicles I use of different brands do have low warnings for things never seen as I've always checked and topped off stuff myself long before. One in particular is a low oil warning really means you are safe but check it real soon and have found them (similar vehicles) not working with oil changes. Say a 5 qt. capacity engine and put just 3.5+ qts in on an oil change it sure should light - most don't and I wouldn't dare trust that with engine oil level if it was new all the time.
Other and if I get a inkling will check how both also know low windshield washer fluid as handy as that can be never see those for reasons said already.
Coolant level should behave as it shouldn't use any except for lower and higher levels seen at recovery tanks and marked (most) for the range of cold full to hot full. If less find out why on coolant, oil, transmission, brake fluid PS fluid as they don't generally CONSUME oil/fluid normally (brake fluid will go lower with pad wear but in range usually) so find out why on those things.
Oil - at miles and age you should check frequently and know about how long it takes to need adding before any warning if it uses some. Might not? Check anyway.
Back to your sensor: Tank already said might be changed out and that feature not there now. Would be looking and asking as you are too but that's what I suspect so far,
T
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 10, 2014, 9:52 AM
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Re: Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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Not necessarily................ It may be bridging a specific location to hit set of contacts or pulling a magnet in a specific direction.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Aug 10, 2014, 9:52 AM)
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ShinyGrAm
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Aug 10, 2014, 9:55 AM
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Re: Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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Going to try it. Will let ya know if it works.
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ShinyGrAm
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Aug 10, 2014, 10:33 AM
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Re: Coolant level sensor; how does it work?
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Nope. No response to the magnet. Pretty much have to take it on faith that it works, or drain the tank and test. I would think that as long as temperature sensor is working, there's no critical need for the coolant level sensor.
(This post was edited by ShinyGrAm on Aug 10, 2014, 10:52 AM)
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