dragginS10

ok so i have a 96 z28 and my low coolant light was on. I read on the forums to just unplug the coolant sensor. So i unplugged it and soon after, my check engine light came on. I had some one with a scanner thing scan it and it came up as my catalytic converter. He told me this can be caused by my coolant sensor and to get a new one then my check engine light would go off. Does anyone know if this is true because i dont want to go out and spend 50 $ on a new sensor if thats not the problem. thanks in advance

Stl94LT1

Try pulling the sensor and cleaning it.

dragginS10

How should i clean it? (sorry i bet this question has been answered alot)

shoebox

Your trouble code has nothing to do with the low coolant sensor. You should post the exact trouble code you have, because many people interpret them incorrectly.

Here is some info on the low coolant sensor. You can clean the sensor with anything reasonable that does not cause damage to it. There is a small metal post inside that can get dirty.

Injuneer

Listen to Shoebox.... there is no way a faulty coolant temp sensor will cause a code for the catalytic converter. And there is no way that a new coolant temp sensor should cost $50. Find a more reliable source for the "scanner thing".

dragginS10

thanks for your help guys. Ill find out the code today and where should i buy the low coolant sensor. Auto zone said 58$. Also does autozone do diagnostic tests for free?

shoebox

They will scan your car (OBD-II's), but they might not do it if the check engine light is not on.

dragginS10

thanks alot shoe box....i used the search thing and realized this is a very common problem and has been answered alot already. my bad

ACE1252

I recently had the low coolant sensor issue. A new one from Autozone solved the problem.

moparman

The code could be stored, even if the SES went off. Autozone will probably pull the code. Be sure to write it down. Autozone is capable of giving you a printout of what the code(s) could mean, if you ask for one.

Z28avalanche

I had the same problem and I just unplugged it. Just check your coolant level often.

dragginS10

i just got back from auto zone... the code is P0420. The guy printed me out the definition and it says :
"BBCatalyst efficiency below threshold- bank 1
Problem cause
BB1- Leak in exhaust before converter
BB2-Faulty H02S
BB3- Rich Air/fuel ratio
BB4- Faulty Catalytic converter"

moparman

If there are no exhaust leaks, I'd consider the O2 sensor. If you had a scan tool you could see if the sensor was switching.

dragginS10

I think there is an exhaust leak .. i hear a very loud hissing. But its been like that for a while, what would make the SES light come on now?

Injuneer

P0420 sets when the Bank 1 after-cat O2 sensor voltage swings approach 90% of the pre-cat sensor voltage swings. Swap the two after-cat O2 sensors side to side. If the problem follows the sensor (P0430) its a faulty sensor. If the problem stays on Bank 1, its one of the other 3 causes.