Carlsson coolant level issue.

[sgould]

On the way back from Devon to London last weekend we got a low coolant level warning.  When we stopped at the services, there was a small leak from the hose to the coolant tank.  Although the clip was tight, I tightened it further, cleaned the area and it doesn't seem to have leaked there again.

Today, OH reported that the low coolant level warning was showing again. I have fluorescent dye in the coolant, so I went down tonight and explored with my UV torch, and I couldn't see a leak.  I went to top up the tank with more coolant, and it didn't need any...

I now suspect that the level sensor is failing.  Has anyone had an issue with the sensor?  It doesn't look as if it's replaceable.

[carrera]

I don't know the 9-3, but is the level sensor similar to the 9-5, s a low level can be simulated, or is it one of those clever float position types that are used on the windscreen wash reservoir ?

[sgould]

I have no idea.  I've looked at the parts list and I can't find the sensor as a separate part.  The connector is underneath and the coolant tank is black plastic.  You can't see anything. It's described as being the same as the other Saab model level switches, a reed switch operated by a magnet in a float.  When the float drops the magnet trips the switch.

Arrow points to the coolant level sensor.  The whole sensor is up inside the tank.  I don't think there's a way of separating it.   The reed switch is the same as the one on our steam iron.  The float cracked and the magnet corroded and swelled up, jamming the float.

All I can check easily is the connector for corrosion.

I think that I will keep topping up as necessary until it's drier and warmer weather.

[carrera]

Oh, similar to the wndscreen washer fluid tank, except in black to make visual checks impossible. 

[Audax]

I vaugely recall that even though they revised the coolant tank that they still cause issues on the V6, just not as often.

[sgould]

I've had a look again this morning after a cold night.  The level is right on the mark. I'm out for the rest of the day, and most of tomorrow, so I'll investigate the connector later in the week.  But no real panic at the moment.

[aerojon]

those 2.8 tank were known for splitting at the seam..A few US owners have changed the pipes coming off the tank(as well as the tank) to those of the NG9-5 as they are protected a lot better from the turbo external heat by foil piping..

[sgould]

I think that I'm on my fourth set of pipes! I must look at the NG 9-5 ones.  But they are so vulnerable that I carry a spare set.

I heard that the tank fails, but I've also heard that they modified it for later cars, but, of course, no confirmation of that.  When it's a bit warmer, I'll take the tank off and have a closer look.

[sgould]

Finally got around to checking the parts list.  The V6 coolant tank has different part numbers for 2006-7  and 2008-11.  The earlier part number has not been superseded.