Radiator Light On - Why?

[HokieDSM]

I recently (about 10 days ago) replaced my radiator in my Talon with a new All-metal unit after the original unit started leaking at the endtanks. I'd been driving it perfectly fine up until two days ago, the lower radiator hose started leaking all over the place. I tightened up the clamp, and put water in the overflow tank. Driving it afterwards the car seemed fine, and I put coolant to rebalance the mixture when I got home.

The next day, the radiator light comes on, but the coolant system seems full, and I'm not overheating or anything. So, what gives? What could be causing the light?

 

[Doug99RS]

Thank you for not forcing us to explain what system the light is used for.

However, the light is not really a light for the radiator. It's a light in the shape of a radiator yes, but it's actually for the coolant resevior. It's got a float in it like the gas tank and when it gets low, it turns on the light. That's PROBABLY your problem since you've been losing coolant left and right it sounds. Your resevior is probably empty. Check that first and get back to us. Also, make sure the float has not broken free from the sensor part. If that doesn't help you out, let us know and we'll provide more info for diagnosing this problem.
Doug

 

[HokieDSM]

Doug - like I said, the reservoir is full. I made sure of that today, and was actually to the point of nearly overflowing...

Oddly, when I was out driving today, the light went out - but if it comes back tomorrow, then I'll continue to consider the mystery unsolved.

 

[Defiant]

There was probably a bit of air in the cooling system that was burped out as the engine heated up and expanded the water. The sensor may be getting iffy, or corroded. Yank it off and give it a look.

I'm not sure if it's a float or a pair of contacts.

 

[sleeper96]

i believe that light is actually the windshield washer light put some fluid in your washer reservoir

 

[HokieDSM]

i believe that light is actually the windshield washer light put some fluid in your washer reservoir

*smacks hand against forehead* Thats IT! You've solved all my problems! THANK YOU!



No, it's not a washer reservior light. That's a different light, and besides which, 1Gs don't have that light.

Speaking of my radiator light... I'm still working on it - the light went out, but yesterday the lower radiator hose started leaking again - I tightened it back up today, we'll see how it goes.