Hi guys, basically my engine coolant level warning lights have been turning on and off intermittently, and I've checked that my coolant is 100% full.

I've searched both .com and .com.au forums and the consensus is that the coolant level sensors do get faulty in majority of RX-8s, and to replace this, you need to replace the whole bottle because the sensor is integrated in the bottom.

The question I have, is it worth getting the sensor (and the bottle that comes with it of course) to stop this warning light coming on and off, or should I just say, "Stuff it, just disconnect the sensor!"?

Anyone else have experienced the same problem, if yes, what did you do? Any other possible cause for this warning light to come on other than the above?

It costs $350 (incl. labour) from Promaz to replace.

Thanks in advance for any response.

 

I think you are right on the money, the coolant sensor has gone bad. You could probably try to clean the connections on the sensor, or replace the coolant tank. You could probably save some money on installing the new one yourself. It is very simple.

 

Thanks, I did thought about this after I posted the question, and looked up OnlineMazdaparts website. I believe this is the right part? http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

Not helpful when AUD is so low against USD at the moment, but would work out around AUD$270 delivered, I can save $80 by doing myself, not a lot of savings though...

 

Hey Iggy
My coolant light was doing that while back and Mazda replaced it under warranty (was still under warranty then) it was faulty sensor. Now my cars doing it again. I ignore the light lol. Nate's was doing same and his car was out of warranty, he ended up disconnecting the sensor altogether.

 

yeah, that's the right part "Reservoir Assy" and if you want to save a little more you could buy it from this place. http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...11&catalogid=2 That's where I buy my parts... or you could try to see if anyone here on the forum is parting-out an 8 and ask to buy their reservoir for cheaper.

 

Thanks Kall, yeah, I might just disconnect it. But I'll see if cleaning makes a difference. Thanks for letting me know.

Thanks BG-8 as well for the link, certainly cheaper (which helps). But at this stage, I might just save my money and disconnect the sensor as above.

 

that's probably fine too, but I can't stand the fact knowing that there is something wrong with my car. I usually replace parts that are not even broken yet, imagine if something is wrong. lol I can't drive my 8 knowing something is wrong with my baby but that's just me...

 

My coolant light came on halfway through a session at a recent track day - not a good feeling when anything lights up when you're flogging it!

Came straight in and it was off before I stopped the car. Hasn't come back but I'm sure it's only a matter of time. I think I'll just disconnect it and keep an eye on the coolant.

 

I want to say that the coolant temperature messes up the sensor. I'm not 100% sure, but it's possible. If it gets over certain temperature it could mess up the sensor's reading.

 

This happened to me a few track days ago and it does make you nervous when you first spot it that is for sure.

When I mentioned it to Mazda with the suggestion there might be some air in there and maybe bleeding it could cure the problem they didn't bother - just put in a new reservoir as I was under warranty.

This is the second replacement I have had now in 4 1/2 years ownership so its probable I can look forward to this happening again as nothing has changed with the part and that I don't understand as it appears to be a common fault.

And BG-8 I agree - I would still replace it - it would irritate me knowing it was faulty.

 

See

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/coolant-bottle-greatest-secrets-revealed-182793/

Bottom line:

1.) Get new bottle
2.) Unplug it and live with the light while checking coolant often.
3.) Take it out(the bottle) and fluch/clean with white vinegar. Let it sit overnight and flush it really good with water, then re-install.

 

Read through the thread I linked below and you get more info than you probably ever wanted about this damn bottle.

 

^^^ I have never read so much in my life... but I must say, that is some good "old school" investigation, getting down and dirty with the issue gGood stuff, keep up the good work!

 

Thanks guys!

 

I had a bug up my @ss.....it was pissing me off!

 

Well no more coolant light coming on........ Nate just went on a disconnecting spree and disconnected mine and Tofubox' sensors lol

 

i thought u told me to **** off so you can goto bed >.<

 

shoot i got so sick of the false alarms I ponied up the bux for a new one. had it installed 2 weeks ago. my best "mod" so far. LOL

 

Firstly I never told you to **** off and secondly i wasn't standing outside next to u the whole time I was surfin the net inside too!! You know you are welcome over anytime
Has your light turned off now Jas???

 

Disconnecting the sensor is not a good idea. If one of your hoses develops a leak they you can say good buy to your engine which will cost thousands to repair.

I have a new bottle on its way at the moment as I got sick of seeing the light coming on so often and I was told at my last service that i may have a slight coolant leak. This got me paranoid and hence the new bottle.

skc