How to Change the Low Coolant Sensor on a 2002 Buick Century
by Ashton Daigle
Your 2002 Buick Century includes a radiator coolant sensor. This sensor, mounted on the inside of the radiator, tells you when your radiator needs coolant. When the coolant is low, the sensor causes a trigger to light up a warning light on the dashboard. As nice of a feature as the coolant sensor is, it can sometimes stop working. When this happens, you should change the sensor, which is a fairly straightforward do-it-yourself project.
Step 1
Pop the hood of your Century and remove the negative battery cable with the socket set.
Step 2
Open the radiator cap by pushing down on it and twisting it to the left.
Step 3
Kneel below the front end of your Century and locate the radiator drain plug. Place the drain pan beneath it and pull the plug, allowing the coolant to drain to just below the sensor, which is mounted on the side of the radiator. Put the drain plug back in.
Step 4
Remove the plastic wiring harness from the back of the old sensor. Also pull up the clamp that holds the sensor in place against the radiator. Remove the rest of the sensor from the radiator by pulling it out.
Step 5
Plug the wiring harness into the back of the new sensor and then remount it to the radiator.
Step 6
Refill the radiator with fresh coolant and replace the radiator cap. Also replace the negative battery terminal.
References
- Buick Century 1997 Thru 2002: Haynes Repair Manual Haynes Manuals; 2003; John H. Haynes
Things You'll Need
- Socket set
- Needle-nose pliers
- Drain pan
- Coolant
Warnings
- Never open a radiator when it is still hot. The contents are under pressure and can cause severe burns.
Writer Bio
Ashton Daigle, a New Orleans native, graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1998 and went straight to work as a journalist. In 2005 he tackled the biggest news story of his life - Hurricane Katrina. Daigle is writing a collection of essays: What It Means to be a Saints Fan.
