Low coolant light

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Check the switch in coolant tank
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
OLLIE2506082
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 BUICK CENTURY
Engine Cooling problem
2000 Buick Century 6 cyl Automatic 75000 miles

when I start the care the low coolant light comes on for a while when the engine warm up it goes off.
The coolant level is good I tried a new radiator cap did not work
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Suspect faulty / sticking coolant level sensor, at bottom of overflow tank.
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JMPOOR3171
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 BUICK CENTURY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,849 MILES
The car is a 99 buick century, 3.1 ltr. I just replaced the coolant temp sensor, throtle position sensor and the idle air control valve. I replaced the thermostat with the proper 195 degree replacement and refilled the coolant to proper levels and bled the cooling system. Occasionally we are still getting the LOW COOLANT LEVEL LIGHT. It flashes for 3 times. Sometimes 4 groups of 3 flashes and sometimes 3 groups of three flashes. The light remains out at start up but comes on with the temp guage reading 3/8 ths. This has always been the normal reading on the temp guage though. I have double checked the coolant levels in the overflow tank while hot and in the radiator while cold. I know the thermostat is woorking properly because the upper radiator hose has fluid flowing through it at approximately 196 degrees.( This is the hose that goes from the radiator to the thermostat housing)
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
That light only measures one thing and that is coolant level in the radiator. If your sure the coolant level is full, then you likely have a bad sensor. They fail quite often.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/561653_Low_coolant_sensor_99_Century_1.jpg

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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PTS1261
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 BUICK CENTURY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
I have a condition where the low coolant level light is coming on but the levels are good - hot and cold - and I can detect no leaks.

I checked the oil and there is no coolant in the crankcase, and seals have been replaced previously (which is a long term problem with this engine due to seal degredation from DEXCOOL antifreeze.)

The condition is only apparent after approximately 10 minutes of 55mph + driving on the interstate. Light will then stay on until the car comes to a stop at which time it turns off.

I suspect a faulty sensor but was curious of any other opinions before I pursue that route.

Thank you.
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
Replace the radiator cap and clear out the line from the radiator to the coolant overflow reservoir. Sounds like the radiator is not feeding from the overflow jug when warm.
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RYRAIDER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2001 BUICK CENTURY
I also put in some stop radiator leak!
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 9:59 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Like mud? Do you mean contaminated with coolant?
Which engine do you have?
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 10:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RYRAIDER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
3.1L SFI OHV 6cyl
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 10:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
You didn't answer the question about coolant in the oil but I'm assuming you do. With that engine you likely have a bad intake manifold gasket, very common. DO NOT drive it or even start it up in that condition.
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 10:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,540 POSTS
  • 1997 BUICK CENTURY
  • 87,000 MILES
My low coolant light is flashing and the systom is full
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 10:00 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It may be a shorted wire or a bad sensor.
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Monday, October 1st, 2018 AT 10:00 AM (Merged)

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