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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2005MALIBU LSREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE MECHANICALCOOLING SYSTEM (MECHANICAL)ENGINE COOLING SYSTEMDIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION AND PROCEDURESLOW ENGINE COOLANT INDICATOR ALWAYS ON
2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS

Low Engine Coolant Indicator Always On

2005 Chevrolet Malibu LSSECTION Low Engine Coolant Indicator Always On
Low Engine Coolant Indicator Always On

Step Action Yes No
Schematic Reference: Engine Cooling Schematics 
Connector End View Reference: Cooling System Connector End Views 
DEFINITION: The low coolant level display is always on when the key is in the ON position.
1 Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle ? Go to Step 2  Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information
2
  1. Verify the coolant level is at the proper level in the surge tank.
  2. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
Is the low coolant message displayed on the driver information center (DIC)?		 Go to Step 3  Go to Testing for Electrical Intermittents in Wiring Systems
3
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the coolant level sensor.
  3. Inspect the ground circuit for an open or high resistance at the coolant level sensor connector.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 10  Go to Step 4 
4
  1. Turn ON the ignition with the engine OFF.
  2. Inspect the control circuit at the coolant level sensor connector for a 12-volt signal.
Is 12 volts present on the control circuit?		 Go to Step 6  Go to Step 5 
5 Inspect the control circuit of the low coolant sensor for an open or short to voltage. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 10  Go to Step 8 
6 Inspect for poor connections at the coolant level sensor. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 10  Go to Step 7 
7 Replace the coolant level sensor. Refer to Surge Tank Replacement .
Did you complete the replacement?		 Go to Step 10  -
8 Inspect for poor connections at the body control module (BCM). Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?		 Go to Step 10  Go to Step 9 
9
IMPORTANT: Perform the recalibration procedure for the BCM after the replacement procedure. Refer to Body Control Module (BCM) Programming/RPO Configuration in Computer/Integrating Systems.
Replace the BCM. Refer to Body Control Module Replacement in Computer/Integrating Systems.Did you complete the replacement?		 Go to Step 10  -
10 Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?		 System OK Go to Step 3 
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.