2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Help.. please... I need to get home...

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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 07:33 PM
  #1  
autocrash's Avatar
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From: Ottawa
Unhappy Help.. please... I need to get home...

Ok, first day of actually driving my car, I'm just driving along (under 3500 RPM) and my "ADD COOLANT" light and buzzer come on... I immediately pull over and check the coolant... its full... my engine temperature is normal (halfway up... its a Series 5) I start the car again, no light...driving again and the light pops on... I pull over again, check the hoses etc. no leaks at all..
During the remainder of the trip to work the light and buzzer came on intermittantly... not precipitated by anything I noticed, except maybe bumps.

My question is this: Is this a faulty sensor (or wiring harness) that I have on my hands or is my car royally screwed?

(Please, anybody with experience with this, help me... I'm stressing.... I don't want to hurt my baby... )
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 07:40 PM
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only thing i can think off right off the bat is to check the connection right on top of the radiator. There is a little connector there (in my S4 at least) that seems like it would come loose really easily. If it comes loose, it would do exactly what you describe. Good luck
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 07:43 PM
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From: College Station, Tx
Sounds like a bad water level sensor. How did the coolant look? Anybubbles? If the temp gauge looks good, and the coolant is full, I am sure you are fine.
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 07:48 PM
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thanks guys... just what i needed to hear...
I'll check the connector on the radiator later tonight... I didn't check the coolant for bubbles... where exactly am I supposed to check it... my rad Has a long neck on top...
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 07:48 PM
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Felix Wankel's Avatar
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From: Birmingham, AL
If it's not running hot, you can ground the sensor to shut it up. But watch that temp gauge to be sure.
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 07:53 PM
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ok.. I was gonna ask that next...
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 08:07 PM
  #7  
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Where is the water level sensor located exactly? (My manual doesn't come in til tomorrow, sorry for all the n00b questions...)
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 08:26 PM
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From: Birmingham, AL
Originally posted by autocrash
Where is the water level sensor located exactly? (My manual doesn't come in til tomorrow, sorry for all the n00b questions...)
Top of the raditator in the center. There is a wire with a bullet connector coming out.
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 08:28 PM
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autocrash's Avatar
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From: Ottawa
ok... Thanks for all your help guys... I really needed you guys and you came through for me
I was really stressing about my car, now I'm not... (so much )
Thanks Guys!
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 08:31 PM
  #10  
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From: Birmingham, AL
Ground the wire on the harness side to the negative on the battery to make the buzzer be quiet. But keep a close eye on the temp.
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 08:55 PM
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Is there any other way to turn off the warning buzzer? (a fuse or something) 'cause the bullet connector is beneath the stock air intake and I have no tools with me...

The cooling system looks to be fine... lots of coolant in the rad, only one bubble on start-up...

I'm betting its probably the connector or sensor, but I can't shut that off...
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 09:04 PM
  #12  
QC Motorsports
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From: Austin, tx
If you can find the buzzer you can disconect the wire from it. I don't really want you to do that but if it just anoys the heck out of you do it and put it back THE MINUTE you get home. Watch that temp guage too. And don't worry about the nooby questions, after all we were all newbies at one time. Most just stick around to help everyone else out in their time of need. Thats what we are here for bro. Its just one BIG extended family.
peace out,
Charles
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Old Apr 22, 2002 | 09:34 PM
  #13  
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From: Ottawa
Yeah, I think I'm just gonna put up with the buzzer... It just scares the cr@p outta me sometimes 'cause its not always on....
Guess I'll just have to open all the windows up and let the wind noise muffle it....
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