Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Tim Smith on 27 July 2011, 11:56:53

Title: Coolant Level Warning
Post by: Tim Smith on 27 July 2011, 11:56:53
This is probably going to be one of those problems which you lot are going to look at and say "That's obvious!", but it's a niggling little thing which is driving me batty. I have a coolant level warning come up on my display, but here'e the rub - The resevoir is full, and after 1000+miles I haven't had to put a drop of water into the system. The engine oil isn't creamy, and the water in the resevoir is the normal colour, so I don't suspect Oil/Water contamination.
Could it be a faulty sensor? if so where is it? and just how does the system work out if the coolant is low? (or not)
Title: Re: Coolant Level Warning
Post by: andyc on 27 July 2011, 12:11:15
Its normally the sensor in the bottom of the header tanks, common problem.

Gm only sell as the complete header tank, £26.16 + VAT and have on the shelf, but some will say you can replace just the sensor if you can find a working one from a scrap yard

Cheers
Andy
Title: Re: Coolant Level Warning
Post by: TheBoy on 27 July 2011, 12:57:42
The sensor is very difficult to remove without damage, so I'd recommend getting new one. Some antifreeze will also obviously be needed
Title: Re: Coolant Level Warning
Post by: tango on 28 July 2011, 16:04:58
you say the reservior is full
might sound silly but are you filling it to the marked cold point level as stated on the expansion tank when its cold
Title: Re: Coolant Level Warning
Post by: the alarming man on 28 July 2011, 16:19:12
yeah i was going to ask that as water expands when it is hot
Title: Re: Coolant Level Warning
Post by: ajr3773 on 28 July 2011, 17:27:16
Its not so much the sensor that fails its the plunger that collapses in the bottom of the header tank which in turn gives the sensor a false indication that the header tank is empty.

Try pushing the plunger in the bottom of the header tank up and down a few times and this might cure the error message. If it then comes back you need a new header tank.
Title: Re: Coolant Level Warning
Post by: Richard A on 28 July 2011, 18:38:12
Hello, long time away, however I still look in, please take the advise and replace the 'header tank', cleaning is never the answer.
richarda
Title: Re: Coolant Level Warning
Post by: TheBoy on 28 July 2011, 19:09:52
Quote
Its not so much the sensor that fails its the plunger that collapses in the bottom of the header tank which in turn gives the sensor a false indication that the header tank is empty.

Try pushing the plunger in the bottom of the header tank up and down a few times and this might cure the error message. If it then comes back you need a new header tank.
Only if the coolant has been neglected. For well maintained cars, its either a dry joint on the reed switch, or the reed switch itself.
Title: Re: Coolant Level Warning
Post by: Tim Smith on 01 August 2011, 14:15:52
Thanks Guys, Methinks that I'll get a new header tank from Vauxhall. I get the impression that to get one from the breakers is likely to be a false economy. Again, Thanks for your invaluable words of wisdom- it makes decisions like these so much easier.
Title: Re: Coolant Level Warning
Post by: Paddy Flannery on 01 August 2011, 14:46:28
Tim,

Not wanting to teach you to suck eggs and all that, but don't forget to buy genuine VX coolant to replace into your system when you get the new tank.

Hopefully, you will have a shiny new header tank with nice pink coolant and no warning message.