Pull or twist sensor from the coolant reservoir?

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by JonJon78, Feb 4, 2022.

  1. JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    Peterbilt 389 Cummins X15

    Cant tell if I pull or twist the old sensor off from the coolant reservoir? Obviously don't wanna "try and find out" then break those clear tabs and be stranded...

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  3. DeereRunner97

    DeereRunner97 Medium Load Member

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    Unclip the three prong that goes into the sensor and then twist while pulling. Be careful though, I think you will loose some coolant.
     
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  4. JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    10-4 thanks. I bought a couple extra gallon of coolant.

    I've been listening to the "low coolant" buzzer alarm on the dashboard the past couple hours. I can't keep the music loud enough!!! :biggrin_2559:
     
  5. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    If it's cold out, heat it up or they will break.
     
  6. JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    Heat what? The plastic pull tabs?
     
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  7. jason6541

    jason6541 Road Train Member

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    Yes, but if engine warm that will suffice as long as engine isn’t scalding
     
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  8. JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    It came right out. Sadly that didn't fix the "Ding, Ding, Ding, low coolant warning light on the dash....

    Watched a YouTube video that says inside the reservoir is a magnet that senses the actual level...

    Maybe I got a bad magnet and need a new reservoir?
     
  9. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Could be. But first check the wiring on the sensor. It could be damaged. You can also just unplug the sensor and it will get rid of the ding sound, but have a check engine light on and obviously if you grt low coolant there wont be an alarm. A new aftermarket coolant tank is like $350 at peterbilt. Ive replaced 3 on mine because of that stupid sensor... Unhook hoses and theres 2 bolts on top and it pulls right out. Lose about 3 gallons of coolant of you dont drain it.. Can fix it in the truckstop
     
  10. JonJon78

    JonJon78 Road Train Member

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    I just pulled the new sensor out, left it hooked up, let the truck run. The warning light went off, put it back underneath the coolant tank and it stayed off... Hopefully when I drive again Monday it doesn't come back on, if it does ill have to buy the new tank.

    Definitely a stupid design the way this is... the sensor was $180 with inflation that tank is probably $600 now :biggrin_25512:

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  11. Goodysnap

    Goodysnap Road Train Member

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    Put a tank on it. Just low coolant warning? Any CEL?

    Pull test wires at sensor connector. Also check for spread wiring pins. Jamming a paper clip or jumper in them will spread the pins.
     
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