Description
Low Water Sensor Replacement
What is the Low Water Sensor all about?
Your engine needs coolant in order to maintain an optimum operating temperature. In order to ensure that optimal temperature is maintained, you need the right amount of coolant in the radiator, reservoir, and engine. If the temperature exceeds a threshold, serious damage can occur. Leaks will result in low levels of coolant, which will be detected normally by low water sensors (or, more accurately, coolant level sensors).
The low water sensor doesn’t track the level of coolant in your engine or the radiator. Instead, it works as a thermistor, which uses relative temperature difference to determine the amount of coolant flowing through the engine during operation. The temperature difference information is sent from the low water sensor to the car’s computer, where it is used to determine whether there is sufficient coolant or not. If the computer determines there isn’t enough coolant, it turns on a warning light in the dash (the actual light will vary from one automaker to another, so consult your owner’s manual).
Keep in mind
- The coolant level sensor is electronic and can suffer from many problems, including wiring harness issues.
How it’s done
- The vehicle hood is raised and secured in the open position. The washer fluid is then drained.
- The windshield washer reservoir is unbolted from the inner fender and removed.
- The low water sensor is removed from the reservoir and the reservoir is flushed.
- The new low water sensor is installed in the reservoir which is then reinstalled and refilled with washer fluid
- The wipers and washers are tested for proper operation.
Our recommendation
A Low Coolant warning light on your dash will not prevent you from driving the car, but you’ll overheat the engine if you don’t heed its warning. If the level sensor is not working properly, it should be diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Low Water Sensor?
- Erratic coolant level warnings
- Low Coolant warning light activates on the dash, despite a full and functioning system
How important is this service?
Preventing your engine from overheating is critical. The right amount of coolant circulating through the engine and the radiator will prevent overheating. Still, if the coolant level sensor is malfunctioning, you will not know if enough coolant is present. We recommend having the sensor diagnosed by our expert mechanics immediately.
