2005 L300: Low engine coolant sensor turns on

[jwblue]

Hi:

I am new to this board.

The low engine coolant sensor is lighting on on my L300 about 30 seconds after the vehicle is turned on. After driving for about 2 minutes, the light turns off and stays off.

However, when I look at the engine coolant reservoir , the coolant is only about an inch below the High line.

When I turn the engine off and exit the vehicle there seems to be the smell of hot engine coolant. I am not certain of this. I might be only noticing it since I am looking for an issue.

Do I have an issue?

[fdryer]

Welcome to Saturnfans!

Its recommended that coolant level checks be done when the engine is cold. Was the level checked cold or hot? What's the condition and color of coolant? Old coolant may deteriorate and cause precipitation to stick onto the float inside the coolant container, causing erratic indications. Replacing coolant at recommended intervals can ensure against contamination. If a leak in the cooling system lowers coolant level, you may have to do some troubleshooting to look for possible leaks.

[jwblue]

Originally Posted by fdryer

Welcome to Saturnfans!

Its recommended that coolant level checks be done when the engine is cold. Was the level checked cold or hot? What's the condition and color of coolant? Old coolant may deteriorate and cause precipitation to stick onto the float inside the coolant container, causing erratic indications. Replacing coolant at recommended intervals can ensure against contamination. If a leak in the cooling system lowers coolant level, you may have to do some troubleshooting to look for possible leaks.

The coolant was replaced in June of 2010.

It was checked when it was cold.

Is it normal for there to be the smell of hot coolant after turning off the engine?

[fdryer]

No, there shouldn't be any coolant smell. Its one hint of a leak some place, the other is the recent low coolant level. The best and safest way to find coolant leaks use a pressurized tool; a hand pump with a pressure gauge and adapter to fit in place of the coolant cap to allow pumping up pressure on a cold engine and searching for the leak. Autozone may have one for loan and worth asking about. The other way to find possible leaks are the tell tale marks of dried coolant that resembles chalk or steam from a hot engine. It may be as simple as a loose hose clamp or worn out coolant cap.

[ss476hawk]

I had this same issue. It would happen and I would add some coolant and it would stop for about a month and then start happening agian. Turns out my water pump was leaking just a bit and causing the drop in fluid. Changed the pump when I changed the timing belt and no more problem!

[jwblue]

Originally Posted by ss476hawk

I had this same issue. It would happen and I would add some coolant and it would stop for about a month and then start happening agian. Turns out my water pump was leaking just a bit and causing the drop in fluid. Changed the pump when I changed the timing belt and no more problem!

I am not even going to bother buying coolant.

If it is loosing coolant, there must be a leak.

I just had the radiator and water pump placed last year and it still under warranty.