Coolant level ligh keeps coming on after flushing system.

[paris1]

My dealer recently flushed and refilled the cooling system in the course of repairing a leaking gasket. Ever since I keep getting a recurring coolant level light on the dash in spite of the fact that the expansion tank is full. Is this caused by an air pocket in the system and, if so, what's the best way to work it out? Haven't had a chance to return it to the dealer yet.

[jparnes1]

To bleed the system, do this:
Hook up a battery charger, if you have one.
Verify the level of coolant in the tank. If you have air in the system, the level will go down after bleeding.
Turn the heat to high and the fan to low
Insert the key and turn it so all the idiot lights come on, but do not start the engine.
Fully depress the gas pedal for about 10 seconds. This activates the pump and starts the bleeding cycle. You will hear the pump running on and off. Do not turn the key until the cycle is complete. This process takes about 12 minutes.
Add coolant as necessary. You should only fill the expansion tank to the minimum line. Coolant expands when hot and there needs to be room for this in the tank. Otherwise the plastic tank can develop a crack.

[paris1]

So is this a procedure that can be performed with the engine cold or hot? What is the purpose of using a battery charger? Also, I would think the expansion tank would have a pressure relief feature to avoid damage.

[jparnes1]

Originally Posted by paris1

So is this a procedure that can be performed with the engine cold or hot? What is the purpose of using a battery charger? Also, I would think the expansion tank would have a pressure relief feature to avoid damage.

You want to do it cold so you can remove the expansion tank cap safely. The battery charger is used so that you don't drain the battery during the bleeding procedure. You don't have to use it but why not?
And yes, you would think that would be a design feature.

[paris1]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

You want to do it cold so you can remove the expansion tank cap safely. The battery charger is used so that you don't drain the battery during the bleeding procedure. You don't have to use it but why not?
And yes, you would think that would be a design feature.

Do you leave the cap off during the procedure?

[jparnes1]

Originally Posted by paris1

Do you leave the cap off during the procedure?

Yes that way you can check the coolant level and add if necessary during the bleeding cycle. Just keep an eye on the float.

[rking117]

if the light came on after it was flushed at the dealer then the best option is to have them fix it. I suspect that since they flushed it they will perform this at no charge. Just make sure you ask them first.