What a great and thorough video. The only one on RUclips that actually shows how the wire works in order to get it off and back on. The creator even showed another insert showing how it works which was extremely helpful. Awesome job.
This video is awesome, thanks Rich! I followed the process today on my 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. Only suggestion is to have the replacement sensor ready to go in one hand while you remove with the other hand, and quickly push it into place, that way you don't have a coolant mess with a bunch of debris that it catches along the way in your catchpan. Thanks so much for all your contributions to the youtube community.
Cleaning it worked for me on my 2000 Regal GS. Used qtips to remove the sludge. it resembled Vaseline. Then hit it with Mass Air Flow sensor cleaner I had and now it works again!! Shoving a crumpled up plastic bag in the hole helped slowed the coolant from coming out. Thanks for the tip of leaving the metal retainer on then pushing it back. Saved me sooooo much time!! Thanks for all the vids!
I have a 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 and my Low Coolant light turns on and off a lot of times. I will change the Sensor and Thanks to your Video I know I can change it. Thank You so much ! : )
Great video!!! I'm glad you showed how to put it back on because when you took the wire off I was like no way will I get that back on. I was going to just leave it the way it was. LOL! Thanks again.
$49 part at Autozone! My light has been on for years since I nicked a dear with no body damage. Trying to sell it and any warning lights are scaring buyers away. Car sat for a year with no reasonable offers. Fixing it this weekend and I can get some cash for that old car. In short a new sensor and $50-$65 battery will potentially get me $1000 more than my offers for the same car that runs just fine. So happy for the video!
Hi Rich, very good video...my 2002 MC needed a CS too. One thing I did was cover the electrical connector to keep it dry. Other wise the Low Coolant light may still stay on. I drained out enough coolant before hand to limit the amount spilled. Just my 2 cents...thanx
Helpful video, I changed sensor on an 02 Regal GS. I found that removing the 2 headlight clips and removing the headlight lens gave me great access without removing the battery and the brace.
Hace tiempo que tengo ese mensaje en mi Impala y no tenía idea de dónde estaba ese sensor. Ahora voy a tratar de cambiarlo, ojalá lo encuentre acá en Chile. Muy buen material. Gracias. (thank´s)
Great Job! Thank you! This is the type of video that all content providers should model their content after! I'm replacing the radiator in my 2000 grand prix 3.8L. It has the exact same type of level sensor.
Thank You so much!!! I feel so Blessed now that I found and watched this video.I was actually going to pay someone to do this for me but now im going to do it myself...Thank you ,Thank you,Thank You.
@Andyatallah The wire holds the sensor in place without it the pressure inside your cooling system would push it right out of the radiator.If you are lucky cleaning a dirty sensor might make it work again.
By the way, I post How-To repair videos on my site too and I know what it takes to put one of these videos together! I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge with us. I need a better camera, one that doesn't die so quick and does better close-ups! I enjoy doing my own repairs and I know more people would if they only knew how...such as these videos help to to do.
Excellent Mr. RP, most excellent. My '94 Regal 3.8L has, apparently, the identical sensor which I replaced new a couple of years ago. It was working perfectly until last month when the 'Low Coolant' light began to flicker on the dashboard (coolant is clean and at correct levels). I'm going to check to see if I installed it all the way in with its wire clamp securely in place. Either that could be the issue or, a bad sensor already? It cost $50 ... hopefully I'll get away with just "waking it up" and won't have to buy another one. // Your videos are terrific and your experience / expertise are GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thank you sir.
Thank you! Very informative. FYI the wire clip pulling tool you engineered looks remarkably like the tool my wife uses to get the bread out of a bread machine. I'm going to use that. Should work.
Nice video richpin, thanks for posting. I was looking up how to remove the sensor from the radiator of a Chevy Lumina, and your video gave me the info I needed!
great video done this on my 01 impala. didn't have any welder wire laying around used an 8mm wrench and got under the "c" clip. also helps if you remove headlight. gives you some more space
Great Video! A cheaper way to fix this problem is by cleaning the inside of the sensor (little metal rod) with a few Q-tips, you might have to do this every couple of years. this car is known to have many issues.
grand prix 01 gtp think i have the same problem,,,great VID ,,,, convinced me,,,,, was going to do the thermostat ,, fans are runnning at 30 below C no heat
This was so helpful, this is one of the best instructional videos. Even though mine is a Buick Regal, just knowing what to look for and expect made my job so much easier. Loved the welding rod tool.... Again, thank you so much for taking the time to help so many others, for free no less. I will try to pay it forward.
@AllThingzVideo Also your generation of Taurus (96-99) has a problem with the coolant overflow tank developing a crack and leaking. They have a redesigned replacement coolant bottle you can buy.
You bet. Important Update: Jan 2013 there will be a new richpin channel for all future videos.Richpin06a channel will be mainly for all the Saturn lovers out there.Should be a lot of fun so stay tuned
Also, the light came on the following day in my sons 97 Grand Prix. ( I think the cars talk to each other in the driveway at night?! Haha) Anyway, his coolant level was fine but the light is still on but goes off occasionally and flickers. I assume the sensor is bad? Where is the sensor on this car? 1997 Grand Prix GT with 3800 Series II non-supercharged. Thanks again for the great videos!! :)
@richpin06a Thanks Rich. It lost all the fluid in one shot. I have never had to add any to this car, it was always right at the proper level. The oil was not over full and try as I may, I could not see any signs whatsoever where the coolant went. I figured that perhaps the car got so hot while sitting with AC on that the coolant evaporated? The car did not overheat and the level in the bottle is still where it was when I refilled it. Strange.....
You got some amzing videos and you have helped me a lot of times. I got a Question I have a 2000 Chevy Monti Carlo 3400 motor And the cooling Fans turn on but go rite off we thought it was the thermostat overheating it but come to find out it wasn't now the fans turn on but they shut it off is there a fan relay sensor that I can change or what do you think
Ok thank you .. And your videos are amzing help. My mom loves them.. Take care and never stop. Because you save us all money and help people so know I am thankful
very helpfull video. i have 1 96' Chevy Caprice, but this video was very informative.. quick question,, would you have any idea why my low coolant level light like the one in the begining doesnt work?? it use to turn on but now it dosent turn on, like it went out or something. when i first start the car all the light turn on execpt that one..
Thanks for the video Rich, I changed it today. it came out easy, but was a real struggle to get back in. I lubed the o rings with anti freeze like you said. Had to use a pry bar and wedge something it there to get it to go in, took awhile...Any idea why?
I did not hear a click, but it is in all the way I think. I did a pressure test on the system and held it at 15psi for a couple of minutes. How often do they pop out? How can I be sure it is all the way in?
Rich, I enjoy your videos! Question: The low coolant light came on in my wife's 99 Taurus and the overflow bottle was empty but there were no signs of leaks anywhere?! I topped off the overflow tank and ran it till hot and it would not take any fluid from the bottle (which is also the radiator cap) After driving it the following morning, the light went out. Can coolant "vaporize" in extreme hot conditions? ie running AC while parked for 1/2 hour..
Hi my check engine light is on and had it checked at autozone with there computer and it read the code as radiator coolant , I had topped it up a few days earlier then the light came on , wondering what could cause the check engine light to come on have chevy astro cargo van 2003. great video posting on the sensor
@richpin06a.. so, just because the guage is moving past 1/2 & almost 3/4 red is not an indicator. ok, maybe im not building pressure quick enuff with a bad cap or bad ect. Not giving my car to the shop just yet. (lol) A code scan tool? how does that check it will it show a code. and, do u change a heater core out..both hoses are warm but i cant tell if a small leak is present. I saw your excellent video on that! easy fix if needed
thanks alot guy, your video realy helped me out !!. although I did a system flush 1st before i stumbled upon your video but, thanks anyways. 2thumbs up
+richpin06a I have the same problem with my 01 Monte Carlo SS the low coolant level light is intermittent however I also get an intermittent check engine light with it as well and my coolant is fine and the car does not overheat the temperature gauge always stays at the halfway mark once the engine is up to operating temp and the car runs great so I was wondering if the "CEL" is normal in this case or I be looking at 2 problems or is there a chance it's something else like with the wiring harness or something else thanks for this video especially showing it on a radiator that was outside the car it helps give a much better idea on how to address the retainer clip and the overall repair last question about how much did that sensor cost new or is it something I can get of any GM brand using the 3400 and 3800 engines thanks again
Replaced coolant level sensor. Low coolant light still on! New radiator water pump thermostat coolant holes. Wasn’t saying low coolant before new parts put on. What else should I try
Replaced my radiator and used the old low coolant sensor BUT now its leaking from the sensor when there is water in it. Bad sensor or bad radiator? It wasnt leaking from there before
What is the job of that wire behind the Sensor? can i go on without re putting it! and is there is any thing i can clean my old sensor to re work again? like rust cleaner or sour stuff to melt if there is any thing like that ingreadeant in the water ( chalk)
OK. I did it. Now I have LEFTOVER of coolant (????), but radiator is FULL. I have not idea what happened. I started engine and added more (twice), but I still have about 3 cups of coolant left. Temperatures are great and sensor is fine. Why all this leftover coolant?
I have a question I went to order my sensor for my 2000 Monte Carlo SS 3.8 but was asked if I wanted the sensor or the sender?? Where is the cooling sender located?? My car is doing exactly what you listed as the issue in your video The Low coolent Light keeps coming on and all my levels are normal, Just last summer (2013) I changed the rad and both upper and lower hoses...
@richpin06a.. 98 sl2 dohc running hot at stop & traffic. guage hitting 1/2 & creeps up. get a over boil at times. new stant & flush.held pressure for 10 min with a little needle movement under 15psi. fan is good with wired jump test. #1)when should i see the fan turn on? it idles for 25min. it reaches 1/2 & creeps up.but no fan comes on. am i waiting long enuff? #2) i smell coolant inside. no wetfloor. do u just change a hcore 4 prev.maintence? $30 is cheap
What a great and thorough video. The only one on RUclips that actually shows how the wire works in order to get it off and back on. The creator even showed another insert showing how it works which was extremely helpful. Awesome job.
Thanks for watching!
Was not exactly sure how that clip worked until you showed how it works with the radiator out of the car. Thanks for the walk through.
This video is awesome, thanks Rich! I followed the process today on my 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. Only suggestion is to have the replacement sensor ready to go in one hand while you remove with the other hand, and quickly push it into place, that way you don't have a coolant mess with a bunch of debris that it catches along the way in your catchpan. Thanks so much for all your contributions to the youtube community.
Cleaning it worked for me on my 2000 Regal GS. Used qtips to remove the sludge. it resembled Vaseline. Then hit it with Mass Air Flow sensor cleaner I had and now it works again!! Shoving a crumpled up plastic bag in the hole helped slowed the coolant from coming out. Thanks for the tip of leaving the metal retainer on then pushing it back. Saved me sooooo much time!! Thanks for all the vids!
Just changed one on my 2001 Regal ! Took me about an hour following your instructions ! Very helpful ! Thanks
So it's located by the radiator cap and not the reservoir?
You bet the internet and youtube are a invaluable source of information.
Great video! Not only did it help me to change the radiator coolant sensor, it was a great instruction on how to remove the battery!
I love your old Craftsman screw driver, My dad had the whole set growing up. Wish they still made a quality product. Good Video.
Me too.
I have a 1997 Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 and my Low Coolant light turns on and off a lot of times. I will change the Sensor and Thanks to your Video I know I can change it. Thank You so much ! : )
Great video!!! I'm glad you showed how to put it back on because when you took the wire off I was like no way will I get that back on. I was going to just leave it the way it was. LOL! Thanks again.
$49 part at Autozone! My light has been on for years since I nicked a dear with no body damage. Trying to sell it and any warning lights are scaring buyers away. Car sat for a year with no reasonable offers. Fixing it this weekend and I can get some cash for that old car. In short a new sensor and $50-$65 battery will potentially get me $1000 more than my offers for the same car that runs just fine. So happy for the video!
The setup looks extremely similar to my 2000 Monte Carlo. Thanks for the help.
I have a 98 Monte carlo the same thing
Same engine set up
Hi Rich, very good video...my 2002 MC needed a CS too. One thing I did was cover the electrical connector to keep it dry. Other wise the Low Coolant light may still stay on. I drained out enough coolant before hand to limit the amount spilled. Just my 2 cents...thanx
Helpful video, I changed sensor on an 02 Regal GS. I found that removing the 2 headlight clips and removing the headlight lens gave me great access without removing the battery and the brace.
Hace tiempo que tengo ese mensaje en mi Impala y no tenía idea de dónde estaba ese sensor. Ahora voy a tratar de cambiarlo, ojalá lo encuentre acá en Chile. Muy buen material. Gracias. (thank´s)
Great Job! Thank you! This is the type of video that all content providers should model their content after! I'm replacing the radiator in my 2000 grand prix 3.8L. It has the exact same type of level sensor.
Man if this works for me you are the greatest, I've called everywhere and talked to 20+year mechanics
Thank You so much!!! I feel so Blessed now that I found and watched this video.I was actually going to pay someone to do this for me but now im going to do it myself...Thank you ,Thank you,Thank You.
My mechanic quite me... $400 for it (he is actually good mechanic!)
@Andyatallah The wire holds the sensor in place without it the pressure inside your cooling system would push it right out of the radiator.If you are lucky cleaning a dirty sensor might make it work again.
By the way, I post How-To repair videos on my site too and I know what it takes to put one of these videos together! I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge with us. I need a better camera, one that doesn't die so quick and does better close-ups! I enjoy doing my own repairs and I know more people would if they only knew how...such as these videos help to to do.
Excellent Mr. RP, most excellent. My '94 Regal 3.8L has, apparently, the identical sensor which I replaced new a couple of years ago. It was working perfectly until last month when the 'Low Coolant' light began to flicker on the dashboard (coolant is clean and at correct levels). I'm going to check to see if I installed it all the way in with its wire clamp securely in place. Either that could be the issue or, a bad sensor already? It cost $50 ... hopefully I'll get away with just "waking it up" and won't have to buy another one. // Your videos are terrific and your experience / expertise are GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thank you sir.
Thank you! Very informative. FYI the wire clip pulling tool you engineered looks remarkably like the tool my wife uses to get the bread out of a bread machine. I'm going to use that. Should work.
Nice video richpin, thanks for posting. I was looking up how to remove the sensor from the radiator of a Chevy Lumina, and your video gave me the info I needed!
great video done this on my 01 impala. didn't have any welder wire laying around used an 8mm wrench and got under the "c" clip. also helps if you remove headlight. gives you some more space
Fantastic video. Just about to go fix my 1996 LT1 Z/28 with your tutorial in mind.
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Great Video! A cheaper way to fix this problem is by cleaning the inside of the sensor (little metal rod) with a few Q-tips, you might have to do this every couple of years. this car is known to have many issues.
Thank You, exactly what I needed to fix my 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
Great job im going to replace the coolant level sensor on my aunts 2000 montecarlo v4 3.4 it has the same problem as this impala
Incredible video! I have an 02' Impala and can't wait to change mine! Thanks so much!
You my friend made a great video. Thank you. Made my job easier.
grand prix 01 gtp think i have the same problem,,,great VID ,,,, convinced me,,,,, was going to do the thermostat ,, fans are runnning at 30 below C no heat
This was so helpful, this is one of the best instructional videos. Even though mine is a Buick Regal, just knowing what to look for and expect made my job so much easier. Loved the welding rod tool.... Again, thank you so much for taking the time to help so many others, for free no less. I will try to pay it forward.
Nice video, same issue on my 98 z28, same sensor & set up well done
Thanks 👍
Good video thanks you saved me time and frustration.
@AllThingzVideo Also your generation of Taurus (96-99) has a problem with the coolant overflow tank developing a crack and leaking. They have a redesigned replacement coolant bottle you can buy.
You bet.
Important Update: Jan 2013 there will be a new richpin channel for all future videos.Richpin06a channel will be mainly for all the Saturn lovers out there.Should be a lot of fun so stay tuned
Also, the light came on the following day in my sons 97 Grand Prix. ( I think the cars talk to each other in the driveway at night?! Haha) Anyway, his coolant level was fine but the light is still on but goes off occasionally and flickers. I assume the sensor is bad? Where is the sensor on this car? 1997 Grand Prix GT with 3800 Series II non-supercharged. Thanks again for the great videos!! :)
@richpin06a Thanks Rich. It lost all the fluid in one shot. I have never had to add any to this car, it was always right at the proper level. The oil was not over full and try as I may, I could not see any signs whatsoever where the coolant went. I figured that perhaps the car got so hot while sitting with AC on that the coolant evaporated? The car did not overheat and the level in the bottle is still where it was when I refilled it. Strange.....
Great video! 2000 Buick Regal is similar.
You got some amzing videos and you have helped me a lot of times. I got a Question
I have a 2000 Chevy Monti Carlo 3400 motor
And the cooling Fans turn on but go rite off we thought it was the thermostat overheating it but come to find out it wasn't now the fans turn on but they shut it off is there a fan relay sensor that I can change or what do you think
C. Osi Is the vehicle running hot or overheating.
Thanks for getting back to me ye s it's running hot fans kick on but go rite off
C. Osi The coolant temp sensor is the only way the computer knows when to turn the fan on and off so i might look there first.
Ok thank you .. And your videos are amzing help. My mom loves them.. Take care and never stop. Because you save us all money and help people so know I am thankful
@nikecortez123 No that code is related to the Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit.
very helpfull video. i have 1 96' Chevy Caprice, but this video was very informative.. quick question,, would you have any idea why my low coolant level light like the one in the begining doesnt work?? it use to turn on but now it dosent turn on, like it went out or something. when i first start the car all the light turn on execpt that one..
Are you saying when the vehicle does its bulb check (key to run)there was a low coolant ounce but not now.
yes
Roberto Ruiz
Sounds like the bulb might be burnt out.
Thanks for the video Rich, I changed it today. it came out easy, but was a real struggle to get back in. I lubed the o rings with anti freeze like you said. Had to use a pry bar and wedge something it there to get it to go in, took awhile...Any idea why?
What i see a lot of the time is that aftermaket parts do not fit as well as a factory part.
I did not hear a click, but it is in all the way I think. I did a pressure test on the system and held it at 15psi for a couple of minutes. How often do they pop out? How can I be sure it is all the way in?
If i recall there is a wire retainer that holds it in place so as long as it is in the right place there should be no problem.
Okay, thanks
Worked great on my '98 Trans Am. Thanks.
Rich, I enjoy your videos! Question: The low coolant light came on in my wife's 99 Taurus and the overflow bottle was empty but there were no signs of leaks anywhere?! I topped off the overflow tank and ran it till hot and it would not take any fluid from the bottle (which is also the radiator cap) After driving it the following morning, the light went out. Can coolant "vaporize" in extreme hot conditions? ie running AC while parked for 1/2 hour..
I like it sure beats draining the whole system.
@ZRX1200RUTROWE They fail because electronic parts don't stand up to heat well.Sometime cleaning them works sometimes not.
Hi my check engine light is on and had it checked at autozone with there computer and it read the code as radiator coolant , I had topped it up a few days earlier then the light came on , wondering what could cause the check engine light to come on have chevy astro cargo van 2003. great video posting on the sensor
Do you have the actual code number.
Do you have to bleed the system after doing this?
Taking the headlight out is way easier on some cars. Gives enough access.
@richpin06a.. so, just because the guage is moving past 1/2 & almost 3/4 red is not an indicator. ok, maybe im not building pressure quick enuff with a bad cap or bad ect. Not giving my car to the shop just yet. (lol) A code scan tool? how does that check it will it show a code. and, do u change a heater core out..both hoses are warm but i cant tell if a small leak is present. I saw your excellent video on that! easy fix if needed
I am glad you found it helpful.
thanks alot guy, your video realy helped me out !!. although I did a system flush 1st before i stumbled upon your video but, thanks anyways. 2thumbs up
+richpin06a I have the same problem with my 01 Monte Carlo SS the low coolant level light is intermittent however I also get an intermittent check engine light with it as well and my coolant is fine and the car does not overheat the temperature gauge always stays at the halfway mark once the engine is up to operating temp and the car runs great so I was wondering if the "CEL" is normal in this case or I be looking at 2 problems or is there a chance it's something else like with the wiring harness or something else thanks for this video especially showing it on a radiator that was outside the car it helps give a much better idea on how to address the retainer clip and the overall repair last question about how much did that sensor cost new or is it something I can get of any GM brand using the 3400 and 3800 engines thanks again
Replaced coolant level sensor. Low coolant light still on! New radiator water pump thermostat coolant holes. Wasn’t saying low coolant before new parts put on. What else should I try
Cheers mate! Thorough video, excellent.
Now you can show it who is the boss.
Great story....glad i could help.
thnx! very generous and clear advice and demo
my dads 02 escalade did this for a while and all of a sudden quit! we didnt know this was a common issue with this era of GM cars!
This sensor just went out in our '97 GTP. $75 for a new one!
Removal/Installation is virtually identical to this video.
Hi Rich. I had the same thing happen on my Buick Park Avenue.
You should put more details about the car you're working on in the video description.
one of the best videos.
@ballershanelle The fan will come on when the temp reaches 226 deg Fahrenheit.I check them with a scan tool.
thanks it worked well with my 98 buick century
Thanks for the video, it was very very helpful. Danny
@AllThingzVideo Yes you coolant system can lose a small amount over time.
great detailed info & video, thanks
@AllThingzVideo The 97 grand prix takes the same sensor as this 2000 impala so i suspect it is in the same location
Replaced my radiator and used the old low coolant sensor BUT now its leaking from the sensor when there is water in it. Bad sensor or bad radiator? It wasnt leaking from there before
Could you just unplug the sensor if you just wanted the light to go off? Or do you think it would stay on?
hey Rich: on a 1998 Oldsmobile regency is there clip/fastener holding the coolant level sensor ?
Would a bad sensor also cause the engine light to come on?
This was everything 🙌
Thx for the great video!
do u drain the coolant first from the rad? and remove the reservoir tank?
What is the job of that wire behind the Sensor?
can i go on without re putting it!
and is there is any thing i can clean my old sensor to re work again?
like rust cleaner or sour stuff to melt if there is any thing like that ingreadeant in the water ( chalk)
Nice Video
very good video!
Great vids very informative
Great video!
OK. I did it. Now I have LEFTOVER of coolant (????), but radiator is FULL. I have not idea what happened. I started engine and added more (twice), but I still have about 3 cups of coolant left. Temperatures are great and sensor is fine. Why all this leftover coolant?
Is radiator fan working.
thanks for the tutorial
Changed the sensor. The light is still on. Is they're a reset anywhere to eliminate the light ?
Thank you for the info.
THANKS AS ALWAYS FOR YOUR HELP RICH
WHEN IN DOUBT RICH HAS THE ANSWER
~GOD BLESS
~DAVE
Excellent
I have a question I went to order my sensor for my 2000 Monte Carlo SS 3.8 but was asked if I wanted the sensor or the sender?? Where is the cooling sender located?? My car is doing exactly what you listed as the issue in your video The Low coolent Light keeps coming on and all my levels are normal, Just last summer (2013) I changed the rad and both upper and lower hoses...
I believe the level sensor in is in the same location as the one in this video.
ok Thanks again...
@gamingeugenics I hope it was helpful.
Amunptahmaat, Not sure but all the ones i have seen that go in the radiator like this one has a clip.
Where u from
Will this be the same for a buick century?
did you ever find out if it was?
very helpful. thank you
Wouldn't it be a bad idea to put the same coolant back in that spilled out?.. wouldn't it be dirty after touching the rest of the inside of the hood?
great video
Will this be the same steps as changing the coolant sensor on my 99 century limited 3.1?
It should be very similar.
OK thanks
@richpin06a.. 98 sl2 dohc running hot at stop & traffic. guage hitting 1/2 & creeps up. get a over boil at times. new stant & flush.held pressure for 10 min with a little needle movement under 15psi. fan is good with wired jump test. #1)when should i see the fan turn on? it idles for 25min. it reaches 1/2 & creeps up.but no fan comes on. am i waiting long enuff? #2) i smell coolant inside. no wetfloor. do u just change a hcore 4 prev.maintence? $30 is cheap
thanks! great help
Can the sensor also cause the check engine light to turn on? I have a 98 monte carlo
The ones i have seen only turn on the low coolant light.
richpin06a what about the coolant temp sensor?
Good one
Thank you! Cheers!