If the low coolant light is coming on, there could be a leak in the cooling system and the system may be very low. Sometimes if the cooling system is full and there are no leaks, the low coolant sensor might have a malfunction and turns on the low coolant light.
There is a TSB for this problem. Here it is.
Bulletin No.: 04-06-02-007
Date: August 11, 2004
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Low Engine Coolant Level Indicator Always On (Diagnose Low Coolant Level System
Operation/Check Sensor for Oil Contamination)
Models:
2000-2002 Buick Century, Regal
2000-2001 Chevrolet Lumina
2000-2002 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo
2000-2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
2000-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
Condition
Some customers may comment that the low engine coolant level
indicator is always illuminated.
Cause
The cause of this condition may be due to engine oil
contaminating the coolant. Possible sources of oil contamination are internal
engine leaks, improper service procedures, or the addition of some types of
anti-leak additives to the cooling system. Once in the coolant, the oil leaves
deposits on the level sensor creating an insulating film. This film results in
a false activation of the coolant level indicator.
Correction
Diagnose low coolant level system operation and check the sensor
for oil contamination using the procedure listed below.
Important: No coolant supplements should be used in GM cooling
systems, other than what is approved and recommended by GM. The use of
"aftermarket" over-the-counter sealing and cooling supplements may
affect the operation of the low coolant level sensor. Discoloration of the
coolant recovery bottle is normal and does not necessarily indicate that
coolant contamination is present. Flush cooling system only when instructed by
this bulletin.
1.
Verify that the coolant is at proper level in the radiator and
the coolant recovery bottle. If the coolant is low, add proper amount of 50/50
water and DEX-COOL(R) mixture. If the low coolant light operates properly,
diagnose the cooling system for loss of coolant as outlined in SI. DO NOT
proceed further with this bulletin.
2. Remove the low coolant level sensor. Refer to Coolant Level Module Replacement
in the Engine Cooling sub-section.
3. With the key on, the engine off and the coolant level sensor disconnected
from the vehicle wiring harness, observe the low coolant light:
^ Light is on - Chassis wiring or instrument cluster concern.
Follow the appropriate diagnostic information in SI.
^ Light is out - Proceed to Step 4.
4. With the key off, connect the coolant level sensor into the vehicle's wiring
harness. Connect a ground wire (1) to the battery negative terminal. Using a
sharp probe (3) attached to the ground wire, ground the coolant sensor probe
(2) as shown in the illustration. Make sure a good contact is made. With the
key on and the engine off, observe the low coolant light for at least 15
seconds.
^ Light is on - Replace the low coolant sensor and re-check
system operation.
^ Light is out - Proceed to Step 5.
5. Using a small wire brush or emery cloth, polish the low coolant level sensor
probe to remove any film or oxidation. The probe should be a bright brass color
when finished. Use Brake Parts Cleaner to flush removed deposits from the low
coolant sensor probe. Re-install the low coolant sensor into the vehicle and
proceed to Step 6.
6. Flush the cooling system and install new DEX-COOL(R) mixture as outlined in
the SI. Check the vehicle's warranty history to determine if any engine gasket
had recently been changed. If there has not been a recent gasket replacement,
locate and repair the source of the engine oil contamination.
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