I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado. The LOW COOLANT light came on. I checked the coolant level in the surge tank. It was less than a 1/2 inch below the cold level so I added some of the DEX coolant. the light is still coming on. Any thoughts on what else it could be? There is no direct access to the radiator and I don't see a radiator cap. Thanks for any ideas.
Help with Low Coolant light on Silverado
- Thread starter jd0716
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FredH
Platinum Member
Is there a sensor screwed into the surge / over flow tank ? Not sure about your vehicle , but on both Semi's that I have owned and the APU on current semi have a sensor screwed into the surge tank . When sensor goes bad , light comes on , and with semi , Flippin truck shuts down were ever you may be .
Your looking for a likely round type probe with 2 wires coming out the back .
Fred H.
Your looking for a likely round type probe with 2 wires coming out the back .
Fred H.
CurlyDave
Elite Member
I have had sensors like this on cars and light trucks.
As Fred says, look for something on the outside of the coolant overflow tank with wires coming out of it.
Many times the problem is only dirt accumulation of the optical part of the sensor. Before you spend any money, take the sensor off and clean it and the part of the overflow tank it looks at. I have had this fix the problem.
As Fred says, look for something on the outside of the coolant overflow tank with wires coming out of it.
Many times the problem is only dirt accumulation of the optical part of the sensor. Before you spend any money, take the sensor off and clean it and the part of the overflow tank it looks at. I have had this fix the problem.
Toyboy
Platinum Member
My '05 has a similar problem w/washer fluid.
yooper1
Veteran Member
On the Chevy Talk board, there are a few discussions on the low coolant light.
Sounds like it has / is a problem for the years around yours
Sensor is supposedly in the reservoir. They say just change it out
Here is one:
low coolant/service 4WD - ChevyTalk --The Social Network for Chevy Fans
Sounds like it has / is a problem for the years around yours
Sensor is supposedly in the reservoir. They say just change it out
Here is one:
low coolant/service 4WD - ChevyTalk --The Social Network for Chevy Fans
The Haymaker
Veteran Member
Just be thankful you are only dealing with a reservoir sensor. 
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgSuN6B5_Ck]Replacing a Heater Core 2001 Chevy Tahoe - YouTube[/ame]
Got on a track to find out how to replace the core after spending a few hours tearing my dash apart to clean as much of the heating/cooling system I could reach because my seldom used truck has picked up a few rodent inhabitants. Never did find core or condenser. Now I know why!
Good old GM engineering. They make it so you can remove the blower motor with no tools by turning it 1.5" , yet you need a Hurst Tool to service the system.
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgSuN6B5_Ck]Replacing a Heater Core 2001 Chevy Tahoe - YouTube[/ame]
Got on a track to find out how to replace the core after spending a few hours tearing my dash apart to clean as much of the heating/cooling system I could reach because my seldom used truck has picked up a few rodent inhabitants. Never did find core or condenser. Now I know why!
Good old GM engineering. They make it so you can remove the blower motor with no tools by turning it 1.5" , yet you need a Hurst Tool to service the system.
Willl
Elite Member
Wife had a Cavalier that had the same problem, float sensor in tank was sticking.
Pulled tank and added a mix of simple green and water and shook the heck out of it. Rinse and repeat X2. Reinstalled and never had another problem.
Pulled tank and added a mix of simple green and water and shook the heck out of it. Rinse and repeat X2. Reinstalled and never had another problem.
WilliamBos
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Just be thankful you are only dealing with a reservoir sensor.
Replacing a Heater Core 2001 Chevy Tahoe - YouTube
Got on a track to find out how to replace the core after spending a few hours tearing my dash apart to clean as much of the heating/cooling system I could reach because my seldom used truck has picked up a few rodent inhabitants. Never did find core or condenser. Now I know why!
Good old GM engineering. They make it so you can remove the blower motor with no tools by turning it 1.5" , yet you need a Hurst Tool to service the system.
Thanks for the tip.
I messed with the truck today. I disconnected the battery for about an hour, reconnected it and still had the same issue. I even tried disconnecting the wire that goes to the surge tank and the darn light still came on. I am not great when it comes to working on cars, beyond brakes, plugs, oil changes, etc..., but this seems like it should be simple. But I am still stumped.
I don't think i mentioned in my initial post, but the light comes on after about 30 - 60 seconds.
I called AutoZone to see if they have the sensor I need and the employee I spoke to said there is a radiator coolant sensor but it isn't serviceable. He couldn't find any sensors listed for the surge tank. Am I correct in thinking the thing on the bottom of the surge tank with wires going to it is the sensor? Thanks.
I don't think i mentioned in my initial post, but the light comes on after about 30 - 60 seconds.
I called AutoZone to see if they have the sensor I need and the employee I spoke to said there is a radiator coolant sensor but it isn't serviceable. He couldn't find any sensors listed for the surge tank. Am I correct in thinking the thing on the bottom of the surge tank with wires going to it is the sensor? Thanks.