The coolant light on my mom's 2002 is always on. The car doesn't overheat or have any issues running whatsoever. I even had a coolant flush done less than 1000 miles ago. The stealership wants $180 to replace something... I don't know what it was, because I wasn't with her. Looks like a sensor has gone bad to me. What do you all think?

 

Your exactly right,,


If the vehicles 'low coolant' lamp is on, and thats what seems like your describing, then there isa low coolant 'sensor/switch' in the coolant bottle that monitors thefluid level that's usually the culprit..You can proveout the sensor by unplugging it and the lamp should cancel.. Then, bridge the 2 connections on the sensors harnessconnector and the lamp will illuminate..

 

Can she buy just the sensor, or does she have to buy a new coolant bottle for $180 like the stealership says?

Edit: And would that be the coolant temp sensor?

 

Some models you can buy a replacement sensor, but it looks like the Escape is a complete bottle assy.. The bottle/sensor assembly should be about 70.00 on up depending on any offered part discounts from your servicing dealer.. The coolant 'temp' sensor,, and the 'level' sensor are two different components, different functionsand in different locations.. 180.00 was parts/labor?

 

Sorry, I don't have any mechanical advice, but just wanted to let you know your mother's Escape isn't alone in the low-coolant warning light department. Our 03 did the same thing, but we were fortunate that it was repaired under warranty.
Mo Horn

 

i have the same problem, what could happend if i don´t fix the problem? becouse. i'm not in the US, and i don't know if i'm going to get spare parts here.