How to clear engine & temp/water lights on dash after repair.

Tiny
KGRAHAM82
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 SATURN SL1
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 155,000 MILES
You helped me last week with replacing my driver's window. Thank you. Now I have been running my fan on a toggle switch since I bought it 1 month ago. I put in a new temp sensor (2 wires), and now the service engine light and the water/temp light are on and won't come off. I've taken the neg off the battery-no change. I've taken both fuses out of the PCM B & the PCM, and still no change. Help please!
Saturday, August 20th, 2011 AT 7:27 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to get this straight you replaced the bottom sensor with two wires going to it?Because that is the one that tuns the fan I would also inspect the inside of the connector if its green or blue you have to replace the connector also. Now your light is it thr one that looks like a thermometer?If so that is he temp light and low coolant level light. Is your coolant low?I always fill the bottle to the seam. Also is your cooling fan turning on at about 3/4 on the gauge?Thats where it should come on at.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 20th, 2011 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
KGRAHAM82
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
Yes it is the temp light & service engine light. Fluid is full up to the line. Fan turns on about 2 mins into starting car now, so below 1/4 line. Will go check the connector now.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 20th, 2011 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
There is your poblem the fan is turning on way to early the computer must think the engine temp is way higher then it is. Are you sure you didnt put a gauge sender in place of coolant temp sensor?There has to be too much resistance in that circuit. Because with the sensor unplugged it reads at -40 degrees on the computer.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 20th, 2011 AT 8:26 PM
Tiny
KGRAHAM82
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
Now if I checked the right thing, the plug that connects to the sensor, then it has a red ring at the bottom of it, the a white housing that the 2 prongs go into. No blue or green anywhere.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 20th, 2011 AT 8:27 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
The sensor you replaced should have brown connector where you plug it in.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 20th, 2011 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
KGRAHAM82
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
I ordered a temp control sensor. My receipt says Temperature switch part # BLU TS-356.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 20th, 2011 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
KGRAHAM82
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
The old one did, like a rubber brown. The new one has a copper casing on the end that goes in.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 20th, 2011 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
KGRAHAM82
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
Ok. Took out this one. Glad I kept old one, put that back in, lights went off, and now going back to parts store to get the right one. Thank you again for all of your help. I hope this works!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 20th, 2011 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So does the fan come on at about 3/4 on the temp gauge now?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 20th, 2011 AT 10:25 PM
Tiny
KGRAHAM82
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
I've now gone to Napa, WesCan, Lordco, Princess, CTire and 2 GM dealers and cannot get the right one. They all come up with the copper end with the flat head and not the brown rubber round one. I'm ready for the stick of dynamite! I don't know what to do now. GM said it should be the right one but they don't make Saturns anymore.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 AT 1:49 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
If you read what I said I said the one you want has a brown connector where you plug it in. Not the tip that goes in head. You dont want a plastic tip sensor they crack and leak coolant into the connector. So you shouldnt have a problem finding one of those.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 AT 2:00 AM
Tiny
KGRAHAM82
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
Ok geeze. Long day. Will try again.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 AT 2:11 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
We all have are moments dont feel bad keep me posted and we will get thru this.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 AT 2:15 AM
Tiny
KGRAHAM82
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
Well the guy at the parts store insisted this was the right one. The end that joins to the connection wires is white though. Put it in and it works. The fan comes on at 3/4. Thank you for your help. Have a great day :)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 AT 9:24 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your welcome the white end ones I have seen were for the gauge even the factory ones were white for the gauge and brown for the computer.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 AT 9:29 PM
Tiny
KGRAHAM82
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
I'll keep my eye out on the temp. Strange. Again, thank you.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 AT 11:29 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your welcome anytime.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 AT 11:30 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Check Engine Light Content

Is it Safe to Drive Check Engine Light?
VIDEO
Is it Safe to Drive Check Engine Light?
Instructional repair video
Check Engine Light
GUIDE
Check Engine Light
Why is my check engine or service engine soon turned on? In this guide we talk about what this is associated with this notorious light, what it is used for and what you...
VIEW MORE