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[Tim Smith]

This is probably going to be one of those problems which you lot are going to look at and say "That's obvious!", but it's a niggling little thing which is driving me batty. I have a coolant level warning come up on my display, but here'e the rub - The resevoir is full, and after 1000+miles I haven't had to put a drop of water into the system. The engine oil isn't creamy, and the water in the resevoir is the normal colour, so I don't suspect Oil/Water contamination.
Could it be a faulty sensor? if so where is it? and just how does the system work out if the coolant is low? (or not)

[andyc]

Its normally the sensor in the bottom of the header tanks, common problem.

Gm only sell as the complete header tank, £26.16 + VAT and have on the shelf, but some will say you can replace just the sensor if you can find a working one from a scrap yard

Cheers
Andy

[TheBoy]

The sensor is very difficult to remove without damage, so I'd recommend getting new one. Some antifreeze will also obviously be needed

[tango]

you say the reservior is full
might sound silly but are you filling it to the marked cold point level as stated on the expansion tank when its cold

[the alarming man]

yeah i was going to ask that as water expands when it is hot

[ajr3773]

Its not so much the sensor that fails its the plunger that collapses in the bottom of the header tank which in turn gives the sensor a false indication that the header tank is empty.

Try pushing the plunger in the bottom of the header tank up and down a few times and this might cure the error message. If it then comes back you need a new header tank.

[Richard A]

Hello, long time away, however I still look in, please take the advise and replace the 'header tank', cleaning is never the answer.
richarda

[TheBoy]

Its not so much the sensor that fails its the plunger that collapses in the bottom of the header tank which in turn gives the sensor a false indication that the header tank is empty.

Try pushing the plunger in the bottom of the header tank up and down a few times and this might cure the error message. If it then comes back you need a new header tank.

Only if the coolant has been neglected. For well maintained cars, its either a dry joint on the reed switch, or the reed switch itself.

[Tim Smith]

Thanks Guys, Methinks that I'll get a new header tank from Vauxhall. I get the impression that to get one from the breakers is likely to be a false economy. Again, Thanks for your invaluable words of wisdom- it makes decisions like these so much easier.

[Paddy Flannery]

Tim,

Not wanting to teach you to suck eggs and all that, but don't forget to buy genuine VX coolant to replace into your system when you get the new tank.

Hopefully, you will have a shiny new header tank with nice pink coolant and no warning message.