[fumble]

Wish I hadn't missed out on the $35 new coolant tanks, because this is what the original sensors look like in used ones after 18 yrs.

My 'new' (used) tank's sensor. They just pull out with needle nose pliers. Wonder if there is another car with the exact one to replace it? They just slip in. But the internal parts may look similarly deteriorated.

Here's my original.

Possibly.

Amazon.com: ACDelco 22565474 GM Original Equipment Engine Coolant Level Switch: Automotive

Buy ACDelco 22565474 GM Original Equipment Engine Coolant Level Switch: Radiators - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Review says:

Emanuel Gallegos
5.0 out of 5 starsFits more than what’s stated
January 10, 2019
Verified Purchase
This was great and it even fit my 05’ Cadillac Deville

 

[Submariner409]

Your discovery that the coolant level sensor (reed switch) simply presses into the surge tank recess is good news - we have long labored under the impression that it was non-replaceable.

Now, where do we find a new one or do we rip apart junkyard tanks until we find a decent one ?

There is no mention of a separate (replaceable) level sensor (reed switch) in the GM/Cadillac service manuals.

 

[fumble]

I junk yard several times a week, but the cars are all 10 to 20 yrs old there, so it's not likely to find a quality piece. But I can nail down some applications, part numbers and then cross reference one..... I'll pull a couple of varieties possibly starting with the Cadillacs and Buicks.

That Amazon link shows the connector looking identical. I'm assuming that the float inside the tank must have a magnet?

 

[fumble]

I found this Reed switch from a 2005 Grand Am, which is also in the other platforms like Chevy Malibu in similar years. It did turn off my Check Coolant Level message. The size is a little longer as shown and I'm not positive if it will impact levels since my car is still a work in progress and I've ALWAYS had the message. So when someone else tries it they can comment on if they needed to back the switch out 1/2" or not.

Where your sensor switch inserts in the bottom of the reservoir, the tank housing has a bit of a lip on one side retaining the switch from coming out. But when removing your old one it's easily defeated (famous last words). After so many heating cycles mine pulled right out with needle nose pliers. The Grand Am one did too even though it's in very clean condition.

Make sure you orient the switch slot exactly as your old one. If you install the sensor switch 180 degrees rotated you'll be taking it back out. It's also formed so that it fits properly only one way but you can goof it up and force it in.

 

[Submariner409]

Good find. Even if the "Pontiac" reed switch itself is 1/8" - 3/16" deeper into the recess than the original the coolant level difference isn't enough to worry about. Looks about even, though.

I'll merge this thread with the original reed switch posts for continuity.

Thanks for the research. Let's try to keep one problem in one thread - different threads for different problems - it makes the search engine work faster, too.

 

[basscatt]

that is very interesting -

-----------------------------

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for $10 - it's worth a try -

 

[Submariner409]

...... in response to basscatt's original unedited post above this one - -

Because that coolant level switch fits the Seville/Deville surge tank recess. No Cadillac switch is listed in RockAuto and replacement is not discussed in the service manual.

The OP originally asked about the tank/switch for a Deville..........2001 DTS. Look at the garbage he pulled out of the Deville tank recess....... earlier posts.

2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM 3.4L V6 Coolant Level Sensor | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

 

[Enterprise 4Cam]

wow, under $6. I'm ordering 1 just to see if it works haha

Amazon.com: Standard Motor Products FLS-16 Engine Coolant Level Sensor: Automotive

Buy Standard Motor Products FLS-16 Engine Coolant Level Sensor: Coolant Level - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Harry Yarnell]

I'll be damned!
Learn something every day.
I went out and pulled some tanks off the self, and sure enough, with a pull from a pair of long nosed pliers, the reed switch assy just pops out.
Now, what falsely turns on the warning; a stuck float magnet, or bad reed?

 

[Submariner409]

Based on this thread and what I've seen in the shop it's the reed switch. I showed our shop manager this thread and the pictures and his reply was the typical Eastern Shore "Well, sheeittt !".

Of course, a good surge tank slosh and wash can't hurt while you're at it.

Any glop in there or on that slide shaft is probably not good .......