How coolant level sensor works
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How coolant level sensor works? A Coolant Level Sensor is like a multimeter which measures resistance of a certain amount of water. Water has conductive minerals in it therefore conducts electricity. A certain amount of water has a certain resistance to electricity. Fixing this voltage at, for clarity's sake, 12.0v, we can change the resistance of the conductor carrying this 12v by adding more water (and the minerals which conduct in it), or taking water away. Like a fuel gauge, At a certain resistance, the sensor will give off a certain reading. The fuel gauge uses the change in this reading to move a needle; the coolant temp sensor uses this reading to trigger events in the cars ECU (Electronic Control Unit) or BCM (Body Control Module). The ECU or BCM will then light the dashboard warning for the Coolant Low Warning and log A DEC (Diagnostic Error Code) and probably also flag the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT on your dash. When the coolant is topped up again, the coolant sensor sends a different signal as it sees a different resistance, and turns off the dash light(s). |
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