Radiator (coolant level) light

[Riverology]

My radiator light comes on first thing in the morning and then goes away after a few miles as the van warms up. Anybody think I should be worried or have any idea why? Thanks

[AD2101]

Possibly silly question but, you've checked to make sure the overflow bottle isn't low on coolant, right? If its full and the radiator light is still on, then it's likely a stuck float in your overflow bottle. I just unplugged the sensor coming off the end of the bottle to get rid of the stuck radiator light and make sure I check the coolant levels whenever I have the hood up. Here is a relevant thread that should give you more information and another option just in case it's not as simple as a stuck float.

[Riverology]

Thanks AD2101, I'll check it out now.

Just to wrap this up. It is the sensor thank goodness. Once the engine warms, the light goes off. Was going to try cleaning it, but am not brave enough to force the old thing off to do so yet. Just leaving it plugged in for now, not too bothersome.

[spacecruisers]

My radiator light stays on, but the van never overheats and there doesnt appear to be anything wrong with the radiator, so I suspect an electrical issue? Any thoughts? Trying to narrow down what the cause may be.

[llamavan]

The "radiator" light is actually the coolant level light. The light comes on when the level in the overflow reservoir is under the "add" line. Simply add coolant.

Very rarely, the float in the reservoir gets stuck, or the wires to the sensor are shorted.

Gwen

[spacecruisers]

ill take a look at the reservoir and check out the float. i think it may be possible the wires are shorted since it remains on constantly...

[spacecruisers]

PO said that the rad light was stuck on so i didn't bother to check the coolant level. it was near empty so i filled it up and the light went away.