Low Engine Coolant Indicator Always On

Low Engine Coolant Indicator Always On

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview)provides an overview of each diagnostic category.



Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit/System Description

The engine cooling system contains an engine coolant level switch to alert the driver in the event of a low coolant level. When the engine coolant level in the surge tank falls below a certain level, the coolant level switch opens. When the body control module (BCM) detects an open or a high voltage level on the coolant level indicator control circuit. For at least 10 seconds, it will send a GMLAN message to the driver information center (DIC) requesting display of the low coolant level message. There is approximately a 10-second delay before the BCM sends the GMLAN message to prevent the message from being displayed, due to coolant sloshing in the surge tank. The lamp will also illuminate for approximately 3 seconds during the display test at the start of each ignition cycle.


Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Engine Cooling Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

Cooling System Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for scan tool information


Circuit/System Verification

* Observe the engine coolant level. The engine coolant level should be within the operating range. Refer to Capacities - Approximate Fluid, and Engine Coolant in the Owner's Manual.
* Ensure that the vehicle has the correct engine coolant with correct concentration and is not old, contaminated, or contains additives. Refer to Recommended Fluids and Lubricants in the Owner's Manual.
* Inspect the cooling system for the following:

- Leaks
- Kinked or pinched hoses, especially at the radiator
- Loose, missing, or damaged radiator air seals or deflectors

* Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.

Important: The low coolant indicator should be OFF with the engine coolant at the proper level.


* Command the instrument cluster indicators ON and OFF with a scan tool. The low coolant indicator lamp should turn ON and OFF with each command.



Circuit/System Testing

Important: Circuit/System Verification must be performed before performing the Circuit/System Testing.



1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
2. Verify that the low coolant indicator turns ON and OFF with each command when the instrument cluster indicators are commanded ON and OFF with a scan tool.

• If the low coolant level indicator does NOT turn ON, test for poor connections at the IPC or a faulty IPC.

3. Ignition ON, disconnect the coolant level switch.

• If the low coolant level indicator turns OFF with the switch disconnected, test the coolant level switch signal circuit for a short to ground.
• If the low coolant level indicator does not turn OFF with the switch disconnected, replace the coolant level switch.
• If the signal circuit tests normal, inspect for poor connections at the BCM or a faulty BCM.




Repair Instructions

* Radiator Surge Tank Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)



Repair Verification

Verify that the low coolant indicator is OFF with the engine coolant at the proper level.