Hi,

My engine coolant level sensor is knackered and the replacement came this morning. I assume it's a simple job, so could anybody point me to some instructions on how to replace it please?

 

Coolant Expansion Tank Vehicles Without: Supercharger
Open the engine compartment and fit paintwork protection sheets.
Ensure that the cooling system is cool and very carefully, remove the pressure cap.
Place a cloth under the expansion tank to absorb any spillage caused by disconnecting the hoses.
Release the hoses from the expansion tank.
Release the hose clip (expansion tank to thermostat housing hose). Disconnect the hose from the expansion tank and remove the clip.
Release the hose clip (expansion tank to radiator, air bleed hose).
Disconnect the hose from the expansion tank and remove the clip.
Fit blanking plugs to the pipes and the tank.
Remove the expansion tank from the mounting.
Remove the bolt which secures the tank.
Remove the tank from the rear mounting grommets.
Disconnect the coolant level sensor connector.
Remove the expansion tank from the vehicle.
Use a pipe clamp to clamp the bottom hose branch.
Release the pipe clip and move it along the pipe.
Disconnect the tank from the bottom hose and remove it from the vehicle.
Empty any surplus coolant from the expansion tank into a drain tray.
Remove the cloth from the engine and clean any spillage from the engine bay.

Remove the coolant level probe.Use a lever to release the probe from the expansion tank and remove it.

Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.

 

It's a little tricky, but not difficult. It just snaps in from the bottom.

 

If you are only changing the inserted sensor on the bottom outside of the expansion tank, then no need to remove the tank and hoses. You will have to disconnect the tank from its bracket, but the hoses can stay connected.

There is no coolant loss when replacing with this method. The sensor does not sit inside the tank itself.

 

The sensor is inside a glass tube that is very susceptible to breakage when removing without removing the reservoir. Breaking the old one that is going into the trash is not a problem but be very careful installing the new one. It just snaps in place.

The last reservoir I replaced, one directly from a dealer parts counter, had the sensor permanently attached to the tank with some kind of adhesive. That tank will have to be replaced should the sensor fail.

 

Stupid question, but where is the expansion tank? It's a UK car, if that makes any difference.

 

I almost always replace the reservoir with new sensor as the main issue is the float inside sinking and no longer floating and not the sensor itself.

 

I have the sensor in, so I figured I might as well try it.

 

That was exactly my situation. I bought a new sensor and installed it. Still didn't work. Got a new tank and everything was fine. If anyone would like to purchase a new sensor, I have one for sale

 

It will be easier if you return the sensor and purchase the tank which has the sensor already installed. I never could repair the leak at the o ring where the sensor snaps in. Always leaked until tank replaced.

 

The sensor is isolated from the coolant by a tube internal to the tank. If your tank was leaking at that point no '0' ring was ever going to stop it.

 

Can somebody tell me where the expansion tank is please?

 

Or am I being really stupid and it's the thing where you pour the coolant?

 

No ......................................... but yes :-)

(see post #4 here : https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...eplace-129460/

 

Cheers. The old one broke inside when taking it out, so I'll get a new tank next week.