On my project the wire going to the sensor was already broken off somewhere in the engine bay (part of it is currently in the backseat), then when replacing the radiator I accidently broke off the sensor when installing it. Since I haven't been able to find a replacement sensor, I think the best thing to do is somehow disable it because it's on constantly when the engine is running. How is this done, does the wire just need to be grounded out or is there another method? Thanks.

EDIT: Oh yeah, this is for a 1978 98.

 

I'm sure someone with more experience on your '78 than I will respond soon with a more definitive answer. But I'll add that my '98 T/A had a coolant level sensor go bad (indicated low coolant level even when it wasn't low). On that car, simply disconnecting the sensor connector disabled the warning light. Years later when changing the coolant, I replaced the sensor and its been working fine since. In your case, I would try disconnecting the sensor to see what happens. If that doesn't work, try grounding one of the pins on the connector and check again. Good luck.

 

The Olds low coolant sensor is simply a contact that is immersed in the coolant. The coolant serves as a path to ground, so when the coolant is low (or the wire is disconnected) the path to ground is lost and the alarm goes off. Ground the wire and you should be good to go.

 

Perfect, do you know how the wire was routed? I've been having a hard time with finding where it broke off from. If I can track along it's original path I think I can find it. Thanks.

 

Found it, turns out the wire is routed underneath the washer bottle on the driver side, total non-intuitive way of routing. The wire was broken off right past the washer bottle, it was repaired and the connector was shoved into a local ground on the fender. The alarm has been silenced.

 

Glad it worked out. I had the same issue with my 94 Cutlass Supreme, and I'm using Johnny b's method, I disconnected the wire at the sensor and the next time I change my coolant fluid I will replace the sensor. This same issue happened on all 3 CS I've owned over the last few years. I've always got my eye on the temp gauge anyway, so I probably would not have an overheat failure if I can help it.