How to Check the Coolant Level Switch in a 1998 Saturn
The Saturn has a red indicator on the lower right side of the dashboard that appears when the engine coolant level is low. The first thing to check is the coolant level in the expansion tank. If the tank is full, the switch in the tank may be stuck. A little soap and arm water will free the switch so you get an accurate reading again.
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Things You'll Need
- 10mm socket
- Turkey baster
- Small bucket or container
- Channel locks or pliers
- Liquid dishwashing soap
- Warm water
Instructions
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Open the hood and locate the two plastic tanks on the passenger side. The yellow tank is the coolant expansion tank, which contains the switch. The white tank contains windshield washer fluid. Between the top of the two tanks are two bolts that keep the tanks in place. When the engine is cold, unscrew the cap on the expansion tank. Use the turkey baster to suck out all of the coolant and empty into a small bucket.
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Remove the black rubber hose that connects to the top of the expansion tank. Use a 10mm socket wrench to loosen the clamp that keeps the hose connected to the tank. Move hose aside.
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3
Unscrew and remove the bolt that secures the washer fluid tank with a 10mm socket. Lift up the washer fluid tank (nothing has to be disconnected) and move aside so you have access to the outlet tube and the rubber hose at the bottom of the expansion tank. With a pair of pliers or channel locks, squeeze and move the spring clamp on the black rubber hose so it's no longer clamped over the outlet tube.
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4
Unscrew and remove the bolt that secures the expansion tank to the side of the car with a 10mm socket wrench. Unplug the plastic connector to the switch at the bottom of the tank. Detach the black rubber hose from the outlet tube. You may need to wiggle and pull the hose to remove it.
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Take the expansion tank into the house and place in a sink. Grab some dishwashing liquid and pour about a tbsp. into the expansion tank. Cover the outlet tube with your thumb and fill the tank with warm water. Cover the top of the tank with the cap or your hand. Shake the tank for about a minute or two. Repeat the process until you can hear the switch in the tank rattle, indicating that it's no longer stuck. Thoroughly clean and rinse off any soap from the tank and take it back to the Saturn.
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Connect the bottom rubber hose to the expansion tank's outlet tube and secure it with the spring clamp. Attach the plastic connector to the switch at the bottom of the tank. Screw in the 10mm bolt to secure the tank. Reattach the black rubber hose at the top of the expansion tank and screw the clamp back in place. Move the windshield wiper fluid tank back in place and screw in the 10mm bolt to the side of the Saturn.
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Tips & Warnings
Only work on coolant expansion tank when the engine is cold or you could burn yourself if you open the expansion tank when the engine is hot.
