Hi, I need to replace the low coolant sensor in 1998 SSei. I need to know if sensor is threaded into radiator and how to remove and replace it. I know that I have to drain radiator first then remove wiring connector. Also, when replaced should it be sealed with anything like silicone? Thanks for any info on this as I am not used to working on cars.

Here is the part you need:


ACDELCO Part # 19151900

Very easy job. Study the photo above to see how it is connected into the radiator.
You really don't have to drain the coolant if your quick to pull out the old sensor and pop in the new one. You will lose a bit of coolant so be repaired to top it off and burp the system of air later.

1. Buy the part from local GM parts Department or Auto parts store or www.rockauto.com wherever you chose.
2. Disconnect wiring connector. There is a Green connector lock. Just pop it out and don't lose it.
3. Stuff some old rags or paper towel below the sensor for spillage
4. Take out old sensor
5. Quickly install new sensor
6. Clean up (don't forget to remove paper towel or rag)
7. Top off fluid
8. Burp system
9. Reconnect wiring connector

No silicone needed. Just be careful to not damage the o-rings on the sensor.

If you need help just let us know.

Thanks much for your info. This is exactly what I needed to know. Will be coming back for more questions in future.

No Problem at all! That is why we are here.


-Toddbs2

I was getting false "low coolant" warning so I just replaced the sensor on my car earlier today, here'* how I removed the old sensor.

The sensor is held in place by 2 clips (see pics in previous post above) which snap over a ridge that goes most of the way around the sensor opening in the radiator side tank. I was concerned that I didn't want to take any chances with breaking the ridge when pulling the old sensor out (and thus ruining the radiator and turning this into a much bigger job).

I was easily able to gently pry the upper clip over the ridge to release it but it was not so easy to get at the lower clip to pry it over the ridge, and to pry both clips simultaneously to release the sensor. I noticed that if you look at the sensor mounting ridge from behind (like if you were sitting in the passenger seat and have x-ray vision) the ridge around the sensor opening is shaped like a capital D, with the ridge on the top, bottom and curved right side of the D and no ridge on the straight left side of the D. There is additional ridges extending back from the points at the top and bottom of the straight left side of the D which prevent the sensor from being rotated, since the clips on the sensor attach over the top and bottom of the D-shaped ridge.

So what I did was pry the top clip on the sensor enough so that it cleared the ridge that otherwise prevents the sensor from rotating and while prying the top clip I rotated the sensor counter-clockwise (if looking forward at the radaitor from the passenger seat) a quarter turn so now the clip that was at the bottom is now on the right (curved) side of the D and the clip that was at the top is now on the left (straight) side and no longer holding on to any ridge. Then pry the clip that was at the bottom (now on the right side) and when it releases over the edge of the ridge the old sensor is easily pulled out.

I used my finger to plug the sensor opening while I put down the old sensor and picked up the new sensor, because the clips on the sensor are tappered it is easily pushed into the opening and snaps into place.

Although I haven't attempted to replace the sensor yet, your info answered my concerns about how to release the clips holding the old sensor in place. Thanks much.

Thanks for the information. I too had to replace my low coolant sensor, and the information on this post was very helpful. Now I'm moving on to replace the intake manifold gasket on the SSEi