Getting this message often - every few minutes. Previous owner replaced out the coolant resevoir tank already where the sensor is located but that didn't fix the problem.

Any suggestions on diagnosis?

 

So what are you saying? The previous owner replaced the coolant reservoir tank AND level sensor to fix a "low coolant" message issue?
...and you purchased the car knowing this problem existed....and now are trying to fix?

 

Yes.

 

Maybe your answer is in that pile of parts in your avatar?

 

I must be slippin........I didn't think a ZO6 had a coolant level sensor...

 

It's a 98 coupe I bought for the track. Didn't care about cosmetics and the coolant message wasn't a deal breaker. So, I'm trying to fix.

How is that crazy?

 

And how exactly should I have known it's a 98 coupe? No info in your sig, and your screen name is "Z06cool".........which makes perfect sense if you have a 98 coupe.........


Good luck with your issue.......no mood for cat and mouse today..

 

I guess back in 2005 when I created the CF account I should have thought of a better screen name to take into account when I wouldn't have a Z06.

Didn't know the coolant tanks were different across coupes vs. Z06s on a C5 but sounds like they are or at least the sensors from what you're saying.

 

This is a just a suggestion (which means I don't know how to fix your problem): Drain and refill system according to GM's refill procedures. Maybe you've got an air pocket somewhere. Is the engine overheating?

Could it be a damaged/ wire or faulty connector in the circuit? Just guessing.

..rickko..

 

No overheating issues. Temp in DIC is what I would expect.

Leaning towards a faulty connector but still that's only a hunch.

 

Try shorting the Yel/Blk wire to the Blk on the sensor. This should stop the message.

 

There were different part numbers and models of reservoirs for early C5's. I beleive all 2001 and up models including the Z06 had a different style of sensor then earlier C5's. It will plug in the same way but if the sensor is the wrong style then you will get the low coolant message. be sure your parts guy gets one for your year. i learned this when after having a new reservoir custom painted from a company, I got the same message after installing the newly painted reservoir. we eventually learned that there was a different style for my 99 which the company who painted the reservoir weren't aware of. After getting the correct model for my year painted, everything was fine. visually you can't tell the difference, but there are some part numbers molded into the tanks, which may help you.

Also there was an issue from the factory years ago about a low coolant level issue, and one of the ways the dealerships were told to handle it was, by shimming up the backend of the coolant reservoir. just another FYI. they would place a couple of washers on the rearmost stud under the reservoir so the front of the reservoir would be tilted downward.

I assume you know this, but for everyone elses sake, the level sensor and the tank are one part. the only way to change the sensor is to replace the entire tank.

My bet is it is the wrong year tank. My other question is why was it replaced in the first place?

 

Good info. I'll research the part number and see if it's a wrong year. The owner said he was trying to fix the same problem by buying another tank. I don't remember how long he said he had the error message. Thanks...


Thanks cliff_ford! This will be plan "B" if the part number is correct and still has the problem.