My coolant sensor went bad. Can I buy just a single sensor? Thanks once again.


[Modified by L98boy, 1:15 PM 12/22/2002]

 

Yes,just buy the sensor from chevy,& check the connection about 10 inches up the wire from the sensor for corrosion.
Dont buy aftermarket on any sensors.

 

Are you talking about the one for the gauge or for the computer?

 

The computer

 

YES.

Bigger problem is getting the store to sell you the right sensor as there are 3 possible sensors for your car, and probably lots more over the years and models available.

You seem sure it's the one under the throttle body, do you need any help with this?

Pete

 

Thank you for the replies.......I know this is dumb, but where is the sensor? Thanks

 

OK, what are the symptoms that are causing you to think you have a bad temp sensor?

Is your L98 aluminum heads (center valve bolt covers) or iron (permeter valve bolt covers)? All 86 verts had aluminum heads. Early 86 coupes had iron heads, late 86 coupes had aluminum heads.

Do you have the aux fan in front of the condensor?

You have two coolant temp sensors and possibly one aux fan temp switch (looks like a sensor). The ECM sensor is located just below the Throttle Body. The location of the dash guage sensor depends upon aluminum heads vs. iron heads (I think, or 85 locations are a wild card).

But, the dash has a seperate sensor, that does not effect the performance of the car.


[Modified by PeteL, 7:32 PM 12/23/2002]

 

Hi Pete,

I have Iron Heads and no Aux fan. I think the sensor is bad because the coolant light comes on and I have enough coolant in there.....That has to mean there is something wrong right? :confused:

 

Make sure that the coolant system has no air in it.

It looks like you are talking about the sensor in the radiator that measures the coolant level, right ?

Vic

 

On my 89 there is a low coolant sensor on the radiator just below the radiator cap. My idiot light would say "low coolant" if this triggered. Is that similar on the 86?

A coolant temp warning is to the immediate right of the digital temp display on the digi-dash on my 89.


I had an intermittent low coolant light once. I would check the level and it looked fine. Eventually I found the leak.

The only way I have found to get mine full and the air out, is to pack the system. Radiator cap off a cool engine, start the car and let it warm up while watching. Turn heater on full hot (fan low). You will see when the thermostat opens and coolant flows, the first time the thermostat may close fairly quickly when the cool coolant from the radiator enters the system. When it it flowing you will see the level drop a little. Using a helper hold the throttle at about 1500 rpm while you top off the radiator with 50/50 mix of coolant and water. Before the helper releases the throttle, put the cap back on the radiator. Top up overflow container.

This also a great time to replace the radiator cap with new, and make very sure there are no leaks between the radiator and the overflow container.

 

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the help! :)