after a bit of trail ride the other day....and a bent track rod....the rrc decided to throw another curve ball on me. The coolant light starts blinking....which means low coolant...simple enough remedy, I grab some water and open the resovoir....and its full.
Bummer. So I figure the sensor is on the blink...no biggie.
On the way home, I go to use the blinker and it doesn't work:confused:
I could have worse problems.
Is it possible that the two electrical issues could be related?
Haven't had a chance to check the fuses yet....that's tonights project.
Can the coolant sensor be cleaned or fixed when it fails. Don't really want to shell out the cash for a new sensor.

-seth

Originally posted by sachilles
Is it possible that the two electrical issues could be related?


I do believe Lucas sired both of 'em :flipoff2:

Seth,

Prob just a freak thing, I dont think the two are on the same circuit, then again I could be wrong...


For a quick fix grab a fuse or a paperclip and jam it in the female prongs after disconnecting the connector on top of the cap. This will stop the blinking...

If you want to keep the sensor w/o spending the bucks for a new one (very understandable @$70) take the top of the cap apart, you will find a resistor in there....Most likely it is shot....resolder a new one in and you're all set

good luck,
Kaan

Sounds good....now I just have to remember which one of my mooch friends borrowed my soldering iron....and get it back.
-Seth

Originally posted by Kaan


If you want to keep the sensor w/o spending the bucks for a new one (very understandable @$70) take the top of the cap apart, you will find a resistor in there....Most likely it is shot....resolder a new one in and you're all set

good luck,
Kaan

Kaan:
While I haven't exactly been 100% lately, I believe that the cap is just a switch. Those I have replaced for failing have shown an open circuit when the level is high and a closed circuit when the level falls.

There was a rash of cap failures earlier this spring. I replaced two or three in the same week!

Ok....so if I unplug it and it stops blinking....great. If not, I jump it with a fuse.
When I have spare time, solder in a new resistor.
Sounds easy enough.......bet I can screw it up somehow.:rolleyes:

paul,

i think you are right that the cap acts as a switch. If working correctly, it closes the circuit when the fluid is topped and vice versa..However, there is def some type of resistor inside that is usually the culprit. In other words, most caps can be fixed for a matter of cents....take one apart to check it out....

Believe it or not they are all connected. If I remember right the blinkers, cruise control, temp gauge, and coolant level are all on the same fuse. I had the smae thing happen. I believe I touched the wire on the temp sender and grounded it out, sparked etc. I'm driving down the road and notice the water level sensor. Do the same thing you do and am thinking bad sensor, then I notice that the blinkers don't work and neither does the cruise control. Checked the fuse, it was blown, replaced and all was well. Good old Lucas Wiring!

Of course I didn't see upovr's post until after I figured it out on my own.
Come to find out, I had issues with my ARB as well.

I thought I had jumped the coolant sensor, but it was just because it wouldn't turn on until after a few moments.
I noticed, it was still an issue, after I had restored the fuse for the blinker. Low an behold, I reconnected the sensor, and it was working properly.
What I didn't realize was that my ARB, was likely the ultimate cause. The original owner, tapped the blinker wire, near the steering column to get power to the switch:confused: :mad:
.....so basicly it tripped the fuse...but once the fuse was restored it still had issues.
Seeing as I had all the plastic off, I moved the power wire to the cigarette lighter lead. ARB and everything work fine now.

Of course I have a new problem....I'm smelling coolant in the interior. I'm not seeing any leaks under the hood. Have new water pump, radiator...hoses and t-stat are fine. Ran it with the resovoir cap off, and I can see a bubble or too every so often.
Its one of two problems...neither are that appealing.