I am getting low engine coolant warning with the red light, (2001 XK8) level is good.

Obviously a sensor problem?

Where is the sensor located please?

Colin

 

A relatively common problem. The pressurized overflow tank has a sensor built into in. The sensor is a glass encapsulated contact in a tube installed in the bottom of the tank. It is easy to snap out and isolated from the tank so there is not a leak issue. You have to remove the tank to get to it. The sensor has a separate part number but most shops will replace the entire tank assembly. The complete tank assembly is about $225 on the net. The sensor alone has got to be less than $50 but I have never bought one.

 

If I park on a slope (up hill), I get the low coolant light. about 3 ounces of fluid is enough to turn it back off.

 

Funny coincidence, as I am taking my Jag to the shop today to have the Expansion Tank replaced. My Sensor Light was also coming on even when it was completely full of coolant. Research on all the Forums pretty much pinpointed the overflow reservoir as the problem so I bought a new OEM part from British Parts Uk for $140.00 + shipping. I saw several good deals on eBay that were unfortunately, for other models/years. Funnily enough (or not) the very same expansion tank that I needed showed up for $75.00 on eBay the day that mine arrived. As Test Point stated, this seems to be a pretty common problem. My mechanic temporarily disconnected the Sensor while waiting for the Tank to arrive. I'll be glad to have everything back in order today!
Good luck,
Brian

 

When the sensor was disconnected did that shut off the warning message(s)?

 

Yes, that pretty much cuts off the route. As long as you KNOW that you are not low on coolant, it won't hurt anything. For me, I would rather not start jury rigging this car. I have a 1994 Q-45 that is getting long in the tooth that I don't mind taking shortcuts on..............but not my XKR.
Brian

 

I wouldn't jury rig my Jag either. I was just wondering if a disconnect would shut off the warning message(s).

I'm not sure which site I saw it for sale but the price of the sensor was $50.

 

Hi,
Actually, I think that I gave you slightly skewed info on that post. I had forgotten that my mechanic used a "wire jumper" to fool the car when he bypassed the sensor rather than just disconnecting it. He put the new Expansion Tank in a few days ago and removed the temporary jumper. I had a scare on the way home as the Low Coolant light came on again and I thought.................damn, it was the sensor after all and I just wasted money on the tank. Fortunately, I checked the tank and it WAS low on coolant this time. I added a bit and it has been fine since then.

Thanks to all that addressed that problem on other posts, as their sage advice to replace the tank was spot on!
Good luck with yours.
Brian

 

My car has been giving me the low coolant indication off and on for the past year. I have been holding off on a repair/replacement in hopes that a repair could be performed. It appears a repair does not seem to be an option.

 

Hey Gus,
If you want to experiment with a tank, I could send you my old one to dissect and operate on. You may find something of use in the process. I know that this tank WAS losing a small amount of coolant (probably through the seam) so it is possible that the float is OK after all. Just let me know.
Brian

 

Yes please! Check your PM. Thanks!

 

my 97 had not thrown this warning since I had the tensioner repair done/water pump. I used to get it a few times before the repair. It was on when wife started car a day ago on a chilly morning, car was outside. I had her turn it off and back on and it went away. I will check the level but like in the past it was not low.

 

Hi Gus,
No problem, I'll get it off to you in the next few days. I know that you'll share any insights with the rest of us, as usual.
Regards,
Brian

 

Hey Gus, it's on it's way!
Brian

 

Brian,

I just got it in the mail and will begin working on it. The timing was good, I recently ordered reload material for my 45 and it has not come in yet so this tank is first.

 

Got primers? A little hard to find at this time.

 

In the mail! So they say! I got them from Cabelas. I wanted Federals but no luck.

 

Cabelas is the high priced spread. Try Mid South Shooting Supply.

Aren't you paying a huge 'hazardous material' surcharge?

 

Yes I am! I am still pulling together a host of locations that I can order from. Right now I am using Cabelas, Perry, Fabus and I have 2 others but unable to recall them now. At one time reloading was not a concern I could get the ammo cheap, not today.

 

Hey guys,
This too funny! I actually dropped off the Expansion Tank at the Post Office as I was on my way out of town...........................to go shooting! Did some great plinking with my Buckmark Plus, H & R .22 w/14" barrel, Remington 19 shot .22 and my Browning Hi-Power 9mm (just to keep current with it). Down to my last box of reloaded 9mm. Guess I'll have to refresh my memory on the Dillon Progressive procedures and change the .44 setup back to 9mm. Probably time to reload for the Colt .45 too. Seems some of us Jag guys have other similar interests!
Regards,
Brian