A hole on the top of coolant expansion tank

[FlyingVolvo]

When I replaced my reservoir, the old sensor died too. You can mess with it, but it seriously is a very important sensor that I wouldn't want acting up. Just replace it!

[bobice]

When I replaced my reservoir, the old sensor died too. You can mess with it, but it seriously is a very important sensor that I wouldn't want acting up. Just replace it!

I'll replace the sensor as FCP sells it for ~$15 I think. But since the sensor died frequently during replacement of the reservoir, is there any tip to avoid it? Or is it due to a slightly-different designed tank?

[FlyingVolvo]

Most of the time when it "dies" during replacement, it happens to be the original sensor, which in most cases now means it's at least 10 years old. I think the key is to unplug the electrical connection first when messing with the expansion tank. A lot of people tug at the tank with the level sensor still attached which likely damages the connection.

[bobice]

Most of the time when it "dies" during replacement, it happens to be the original sensor, which in most cases now means it's at least 10 years old. I think the key is to unplug the electrical connection first when messing with the expansion tank. A lot of people tug at the tank with the level sensor still attached which likely damages the connection.

I should have disconnected the battery first then.

Must be the reason.

[FlyingVolvo]

I don't mean the car's main electrical power (battery). I simply meant the electrical connector for the coolant level sensor. If it's still attached, it has a tendency to get yanked on, damaging already very old wires.

[bobice]

Found that where the wires go into the black electrode has a crack, must have occurred when taking it out from the tank. Be really careful if you don't want to spend $25 for a new one.