Community Forums

joefromperry · 08-02-2017, 02:18 PM

Various threads have suggested that the orange "warning" that comes up on my dashboard is related to low coolant level. Today I pulled this from the top of my tank. It had two wires connected to the top, is bent as shown, and the two prongs were tightly touching. If this is a sensor, it doesn't seem like they should touch. I separated them slightly for the pictures. Anyway, what is it, should the prongs be touching, and should they be bent (although I don't see how this would be removed from the tank if they weren't)? If they should not be touching, what should the separation be? Thanks.
Joe

BFlinn181 · 08-02-2017, 03:15 PM

A two rod sensor like that acts like a capacitor in the coolant. The less coolant, the less it conducts electricity and the circuit it's connected in senses the weaker signal and triggers the dash warning light. I'd bend the rods so they don't touch and are at the same distance at the beginning as the end, parallel to each other, even if not straight.

Many coolant level sensors use a reed switch and a magnetic float that triggers the switch when the coolant level is low.

joefromperry · 08-02-2017, 03:40 PM

Thanks for the quick reply, Bob. I'll do as you say with distance between rods. Are they supposed to be bent circular like that? I don't think they'll go into the tank if I straighten them because there isn't enough clearance above.
Joe

vito.a · 08-02-2017, 03:56 PM

I doubt it matters if they are bent, as long as they are not touching each other or the tank. Also, I'd recommend cleaning them and the the wire connection with some fine Scotchbrite.

joefromperry · 08-02-2017, 04:07 PM

Yep, I had already cleaned them with scotch brite pad. They didn't seem to be dirty or corroded at all. Thanks. We'll see if all is okay next time I head out.