Low Coolant Light flashes

[sweetgal]

A couple days ago the low coolant light came on in our van, a 96 trans sport. We added more coolant in the jug to the appropriate level. The light stayed off for a few minutes, but then it started flashing. There is definitely plenty of coolant in it, but that light keeps flashing! Any thoughts or ideas on this?

[richtazz]

there may be deposits on the sensor float causing it to read lower than actual. try taking the sensor out and cleaning it off, and see if that fixes it

[sweetgal]

Thanks for the quick reply! Is this that little gray square looking thing down from the radiator cap?

[richtazz]

you found it sweetgal, glad I could help. The GM part # is 10096163 and should be available at a GM dealer. Dealer retail on that part is around $40-$50, if your local dealer doesn't have one, I can get you one a little chaper, I work at a Delco supplier and it would cost you around $27+ shipping through where I work. I hope all yours needs is a little cleaning, good luck

[sweetgal]

Okay, there's 2 things down from the rad cap. There's a hexagon nut thing screwed into it with a black hose connected to it (about 4 inches down from the rad cap.) Then there's a plastic square box thing about 8" down from the rad cap. Which one is it?

[richtazz]

It's the square box

[sweetgal]

Gotcha! Thank you so much Rich!!!!

[richtazz]

you are very welcome, glad I could be of service

[sweetgal]

Just thought I'd follow up on this. It was indeed just a dirty sensor. However, the reason it was dirty and gummed up is because of oil leaking into the cooling system which points to a head gasket problem. Not good. We're going to try to trade in our poor old van this weekend.