Dashboard indicator lights

[Neecie56]

I have a 1999 Ford Taurus. A few months ago the "Low Coolant" light starting coming on every once in awhile. Had it checked out. Mechanic said could not find anything wrong. Now the ABS light is also coming on. Again checked it out. Could not find anything wrong. Now both lights are on!!!! Have spent over $300 on trying to find problem. Anyone suggestions????

[shorod]

Does the mechanic have a professional scan tool that can read the ABS codes? That would be the easiest way to start trying to track down that issue. It should point him/you in the correct direction to investigate anyway. If not, then check the sensors for a build up of metal filings, etc. since they are magnetic. Also, closely inspect the tone rings for cracks or missing teeth.

For the "low coolant" light, there's a chance that if the recovery tank is full, the sensor is bad. Typically if you unplug the sensor, the light will stay off. If I remember correctly, you can't get a new sensor by itself, it comes as part of the recovery tank assembly.

-Rod

[Neecie56]

Thanks Rod, Had the tank/sensor replaced - Part of the $$$ paid. Before replacing the tank, the light would come on after about 20 minutes or so. With the new tank in, the light comes on about 2 minutes after starting the car and then stays on. As to ABS light - mechanic said he could not hook it up to the computer because when he had the car the indicator light was not on. That light comes on after about 45 minutes of driving.

[shorod]

Are you sure the tank is full? Try checking the level just after the light comes on. It's odd that a new tank would not fix, but rather make the issue worse.

I thought even ABS codes would be stored after setting the light....

-Rod

[tripletdaddy]

I guess checking the wires and connectors would be a good idea. Doesn't it sound to you Rod that there is a short to ground occurring and maybe replacing the tank and sensor maybe the already existing condition worse that had nothing to do with the tank and sensor at all? I would try to trick the sensor into thinking there is a full tank. I'd also make sure that the sensor output is a reasonable open and closed. Not seeing it for myself, I assume it is a float operated NO switch and closes at a low enough position, rather than a variable output circuit.

[shorod]

You're right, the "sensor" is just a switch, normally open. The switch completes the circuit to ground when there is low coolant, well, that's how it's supposed to work anyway. It used to be an option that you could just unplug the sensor if it started to act up and that would keep the light out. That would be one way to "trick the sensor into thinking there is a full tank. On the 1999, the tank switch input goes to the Generic Electronic Module (GEM) which in turn drives the Low Coolant light on the instrument cluster.

I guess the other question that needs to be asked is are you sure, Neecie56, that it's the low coolant indicator that you're seeing? I don't recall if this is a symbol or text "Low Coolant" indication.

-Rod