1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Remove coolant level sensor - warning light

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 11:51 AM
  #1  
RotaryMelon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 498
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
Remove coolant level sensor - warning light

When i found the big crack in my radiator, I took it in to the local radiator shop for repair.. they cleaned it up and fixed my leak.. but my coolant level sensor on top had its threads stripped and would not stay tight, and the wire was torn off.. causing the pressure test to fail. The guy told me about this, and my only option was to get a new one, or for him to plug it off. Since i check on my fluid levels often I really didnt find it necessary to need the sensor, so I just had him weld a plug in the hole.

The rad holds coolant and pressure perfectly, but now I have the annoying "Add coolant" light on all the time. Is there any way to bypass this system to get rid of it?

Reply
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 12:20 PM
  #2  
kencunm's Avatar
Full Member
Veteran: Navy
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 224
Likes: 5
From: NM, Rio Rancho
Since the light no longer serves any function, seems the easy fix might be to remove the lightblulb.
If getting to the bulb is too much of a hassle, try taking the wires that were connected to the sensor and tying them together, looks like the sensor is just a switch, so it either needs an open or a closed to actuate it.
If you can't find anything else to tie it to, then try grounding it. That should simulate a closed switch according to the wiring schematics for my 83.
Hope this helps.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 12:42 PM
  #3  
bstrange99's Avatar
unregistered rex offender
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 0
From: Spokane, Washington
This is actually a VERY SIMPLE fix. All you have to do is ground the wire that used to connect to the level sensor. The most commom way I've seen it done is with a crimp connector on the wire, and slip it under one of the radiator front valance bolts, but there's no reason you couldn't ground it anywhere on the car.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 12:54 PM
  #4  
RotaryMelon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 498
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
Cool man, thanks alot !
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 01:33 PM
  #5  
Starfox07's Avatar
Environmentally-Hostile
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,662
Likes: 3
From: Ennis/Arlington Texas
Does your coolant light have a LOUD buzzer accompanying it like my SE? Sometimes, apparently for no reason, my coolant light/buzzer will come on for a few seconds, then go off again, despite the fact that the coolant level is fine.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 04:58 PM
  #6  
RotaryMelon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 498
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
back when my coolant was actually low, and it was hooked up properly, yes.. a dinging buzzer.. but now nope
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 07:56 PM
  #7  
brandon davis's Avatar
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 05 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 964
Likes: 1
From: Washington
Air bubbles in the system will cause the light and buzzer to come on.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 08:02 PM
  #8  
Starfox07's Avatar
Environmentally-Hostile
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,662
Likes: 3
From: Ennis/Arlington Texas
Originally Posted by brandon davis
Air bubbles in the system will cause the light and buzzer to come on.
Whats the best way to alleviate that? I didn't notice there were some bubbles in the tank.
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2008 | 08:24 PM
  #9  
brandon davis's Avatar
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member 05 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 964
Likes: 1
From: Washington
there might not be bubbles in your tank. Ive found the best way is to run the car (idle)with the rad cap off for a while and then youll see the bubbles then. also if youve drained you radiator, there is also a plug on the left side of engine below accessories bracket i think 14mm or 12mm plug that will drin your engine too. Another cause is high revving for a while can cause the stock water pump to cavitate a bit and introduce air that way.
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2008 | 08:45 PM
  #10  
dmc83RX's Avatar
Full Member
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 93
Likes: 9
From: SC
Originally Posted by XR4turbo
Does your coolant light have a LOUD buzzer accompanying it like my SE? Sometimes, apparently for no reason, my coolant light/buzzer will come on for a few seconds, then go off again, despite the fact that the coolant level is fine.
Mine started doing that. The connector was corroded. I cut off the connector and spliced the wires. No more problem.
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2008 | 09:49 PM
  #11  
NCross's Avatar
I have a rotary addiction
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,815
Likes: 24
From: Columbia, Tennessee
I have to ground the wire to the chasis on my GXL. I looked into a replacement sensor from the dealer and places like Autozone and they run $40-50. A used one will run you maybe $5, but the wires get brittle around the base of the sensor.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
trickster
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
25
Jul 1, 2023 04:40 PM
fastsaab
New Member RX-7 Technical
5
Aug 19, 2015 11:42 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:06 AM.