Coolant Overflow Container Sensor?

[CyberEye]

While poking around my engine bay, I noticed a plug up near the passenger headlight area that wasn't plugged into anything. A friend took a look and said that it is supposed to be plugged into the bottom of the coolant container. When he pulled mine out, there was no spot on the bottom for the plug to go into.
Should I worry about this too much? or just keep an eye on my coolant level since my computer wont tell me if it's getting low.

 

[Slipstream]

No, there is nothing that plugs into the overflow coolant tank. There is no sensor inside the tank.

Actually there is. It's on the bottom of the tank. I can't verify any particular model or year that this is present in, but I can tell you it is present in my 95. I can nab some pictures if you'd like.


In regards to the original question, just keep an eye on it...anyone who trusts solely to the idiot lights for warning them of problems shouldn't be driving.

 

[trbotaln]

I have it too.

 

[n0c7]

After I dumped my coolant I was checking to see if the overflow was empty as well. I then noticed that there was a thermostat/resistor looking plug about 2 inchs in length with a wire connected to it just hanging around the area of the overflow. I knew it was meant to go somewhere, so I started the search. Apparently I found that it plugs into the bottom of the overflow. My question is, what exactly is that thing, and since it was disconnected, what problems may it have caused? Also, I'm surprised I wasnt leaking coolant everywhere? Maybe the overflow was empty before I dumped it, I can't verify that.

 

[steve]

There is a float switch in the bottom of the overflow bottle. It's there to tell you that the coolant is low. Perhaps it's stuck and the PO disconnected it to shut off the idiot light.

If that's the case seriously washing out the bottle with really hot water will usually free up the sensor.

Steve

 

[n0c7]

There is a float switch in the bottom of the overflow bottle. It's there to tell you that the coolant is low. Perhaps it's stuck and the PO disconnected it to shut off the idiot light.

If that's the case seriously washing out the bottle with really hot water will usually free up the sensor.

Steve

Thanks Steve. I put it back in and once I bring the car back on the road I'll know what to check and do if the 'idiot' light comes on.