low coolant light when cold

[TDWPgtp]

recently my low coolant light has been going on when i first start the car and the engine is cold. after it warms up the light goes off and sometimes goes on and off while warm intermittantly. i added more coolant and there appears to be plenty in the resevoir... any ideas?

[danielsatur]

A bad, or contaminated coolant level sensor.

[TDWPgtp]

where is it located and how can i check...

and might it have anything to do with the hose that should be attached to the cap fell into the resevoir?

[danielsatur]

Sorry! my http://www.alldata.com expired.

[00GTP4ME]

Sensor is gummed up or bad. What year is your car?

[tblake]

Mine did this once too about 2 weeks ago. No clue why. It was -15 with -30 windchill and car started just fine without being plugged in, but the low coolant light came on. About 5 miles down the road when the car was warm the light shut off and I havn't see in since. The design of the low coolant sensor on these car's isn't the greatest. I was having a lot of issues with it for a while.

[grandprixgtx00]

yeah, these coolant sensors are real flaky. horrible design IMO

[TDWPgtp]

97. where is the the sensor and can it be cleaned? or does it have to be replaced

[grandprixgtx00]

Originally Posted by TDWPgtp

97. where is the the sensor and can it be cleaned? or does it have to be replaced

the sensor is located towards the bottom of the coolandt reservoir. in the '97 it can be a little tougher since its in a $hitty spot. you'll need to remove the brace to get the reservoir out if I'm remembering right.

you can try cleaning it first. i got sick of replacing mine so i just disconnected it.

[tblake]

I thought they were located on the passenger side of the radiator, about half way down.

I was having an issue with mine, I removed it, cleand it good, and put it back in along with replacing the radiator cap. Its been good since except for that once staying on when its really cold.

[grandprixgtx00]

Originally Posted by tblake

I thought they were located on the passenger side of the radiator, about half way down.

you might be right Tim, I'll have to double check. i know on some cars its in the radiator not far under the radiator cap, and some it is in the reservoir

[danielsatur]

The sensor on the radiator is for the coolant electric fan, the Temp sensor on engine is for the temp guage.

[doctorhrdware]

Getting a little cold up there Tblake. It is still above zero down here.

[tblake]

yep, -5 on the HVAC in the GTP on my way home from work and its actually the warmest night in a week.

[TDWPgtp]

the tube attached to the resevoir cap fell into the resevoir and i cant seem to get it out... is this a big deal?