I have been getting the "Check Coolant Level" message appearing on the dashboard despite the coolant being full. I have read some other posts that say that the sensor in the expansion tank is so sensitive that it can detect that the coolant mix is not correct and this is the message that it gives. I am based in Cameroon where there is no Halfords or even a JLR dealer or workshop. I am using Total (French owned oil company whose petrol stations are dotted throughout the country) own brand coolant that is simply labelled as coolant for hot countries. This is ready mixed and is blue in colour. I have not seen any other brands or even coolant sold anywhere else, so I am clueless about orange or green coolant that have been mentioned in other posts.

Is there a way to stop the error message appearing without having to check the level each time before I go out in the car?

Regards,

Steve

You can either replace the sensor (without having to drain the coolant) or replace the expansion tank complete with sensor.

Recommended to do the latter as it is usually what I believe to be the sighting glass for the sensor in the expansion tank that is the problem. Not too expensive, just getting it to you! .
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I Used to get this on an 02 TD6 but only after a period of high speed driving. I lived with it and nothing bad happened.

I can see it being a pain if it happens all the time though.

seems like a simple fix.  405 AB exec seats Baltic and Cirrus
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is the coolant you are using ready mixed?

the sensor detects the strength of the coolant mix, and lets you know if its not strong enough.

if you are using a coolant for a hot country then its possible that this is a weaker mix and the sensor doesn't like it. After all it will not need as much antifreeze in it in Africa as it would in say Sweden.

not saying that thats the reason, however it sounds plausible to me, so the sensor could be OK its just the mix is wrong. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
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i changed the tank a few weeks ago as was the same and only about 40 quid, easy to do and saved about 100 quid from a garage as its a common issue apparently  _____________________________________________________
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I had fitted a new expansion tank in February after the original and first replacement sprung a leak. The level is always full or near full whenever I check before driving so it must have been the sensor and the ready-mixed consistency. Anyway, had some rear suspension parts replaced by my Paris Land Rover trained mechanic and he has reset the fault code so the message has disappeared. There no drips under the vehicle, so I reckon the problem has been rectified.

Thanks for all replies and suggestions.

Regards,

Steve

The message has returned and is refusing to go away! I changed the coolant yesterday to one that is dark green but was told by someone here that the colour is only a dye and that whether you buy blue, pink or green it is all the same strength. Changing the expansion tank has been suggested, so I will probably order one of those when I order a couple of interior trim panels. It is really annoying as the level does not seem to drop and I have to check every day, just to be on the safe side.

Regards,

Steve

I have read many times that the coolant concentration if low can set off the warning. I am yet to read any explanation as to how a simple magnetic switch not in contact with the fluid can be effected by the concentration of the coolant. It is surely activated by a magnet in the float? The float sinks and sets off the warning.
As it happens I have just started to get the odd incorrect low coolant warning so I have just splashed out 4.68p on a new BMW unit after taking mine out and finding nothing wrong with it. Maybe thats a waste of 4.68p but for the cost and the 2 minutes it takes to change I will take the loss but fingers crossed its a win 2007 TDV8 VSE
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Just in case anyone wants to test their magnetic reed coolant level switch, you just need a magnet and a continuity tester / multi meter.  2007 TDV8 VSE
2003 TD6 gone.
2002 P38a gone
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wayneg wrote:

I have read many times that the coolant concentration if low can set off the warning. I am yet to read any explanation as to how a simple magnetic switch not in contact with the fluid can be effected by the concentration of the coolant. It is surely activated by a magnet in the float? The float sinks and sets off the warning

Measuring specific gravity is affected by temperature. Quite substantial changes can occur. I doubt that the system in the RR is a hydrometer.

This article is quite interesting http://www.reichertai.com/clientuploads/di...ometeR.pdf John
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Good point weegie. Ron B. VK2OTC
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Steve, i posted this in a different tread.

oe90,
to quote you "If the problem is with the "float" or internals then no amount of fixing the sensor will make any difference. Crying or Very sad " Well, I am glad to inform you that you were "wrong" Very Happy

first thank you for the post on how to remove the switch and wayneg explaining how the switch works.

after that it was clear that the switch is a sturdy little device and short of contact being corroded or broken, switch was probably OK. so that left me with the "floating dougnath". out with expansion tank and as can be sean in the picture my was dirty and oily.

The only way the system could do that is if the float acted like a hydrometer float and was affected by the relative density of the coolant.

Does a correct mix have a sufficiently different density to that of plain water?

.... check out how a hydrometer works, it’s a float that changes level due to density, so yes the float in the header tank does change level due to mix of coolant/water. The reason bumps etc doesn’t send them message up every time is the refresh rate the system uses to give a warning, it may well have an algorithm to say if X number of checks show ‘low’ then post the error message.

Received the "Low coolant level"message today while coolant level is correct.Do one clean the bottle as Nino did or do you replace the bottle?Where do one get the correct anti-freeze....from LR?
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