Flashing coolant level light (tried the usual suspects)

[james_16v]

Had the coolant level light flashing almost constantly for around 6 months now.
So far I have tried:
Bridging the level sensor, also tried a new one also just incase.
Disconnecting the coolant temperature sensor on the head, also tried swapping them with the other 2 to rule them out.
The only thing left (I thought) was the clocks were at fault but i've just swapped them for a different unit and still it flashes, albeit alot brighter now thanks to the brand new bulbs that were in it 
Just done a bit of research and found out that the pre 90 specs also had a relay that controls this light.
Does anyone have an idea what number relay etc this is or any other suggestions.
Its driving me nuts!

[DarnPB]

Are you sure that the system does not have an air lock? An air lock would give you a false coolant level, so that you think it's up to the mark, but when the system becomes pressurized, the airlock compresses and the coolant level reduces.
Failing that, it could be a peice of the wiring loom that is not as new as it once was, and is earthing out somewhere.

[Conker]

Failing that, it could be a peice of the wiring loom that is not as new as it once was, and is earthing out somewhere.

+1

Does bridging the wire turn the light off?  (Remember that you have to restart the engine - once the light starts flashing it won't stop no matter what you do) If bridging doesn't work, its prob a wiring fault.

[james_16v]

DarnPB - I don't think its an airlock as the light will flash as soon as I start the engine and ive checked that its submerged in coolant on start up.
I also don't have any cooing problems to suggest an airlock.
Conker - Yeah ive tried bridging the wire to no avail.
However ive just read a post about early models having a number 43 relay and a guy who sorted the same problem by removing it, ill check in the morning to see if I have one.
Failing that it can only be a wiring fault, and I wouldn't know where to start with that!!

[rubjonny]

bridging the pins rules out anything to do wirth the level sensor, and disconnecting the temp sensor rules that out as well. this leaves a wiring or relay fault, as you have swapped the clocks. the level sensor relay is #43 clipped above the fusebox, pull it out and this will disable the level sensing completly and the light should go out regardless of if level sesnor plugged in or not (this was how my cab was when i got it)

[james_16v]

Sorted 
After months of torture watching that light blink at me I finally sorted it.
I pulled relay 43 out turned on the ignition and the light started blinking as usual, my heart sank, but started the car and the light went off!!
Ive tried it numerous times and it repeats this pattern of flashing with the ignition on but goes out once the car is started, strange but im just glad its off when driving as it was a major distraction.
 

[rubjonny]

yep this is normal, the light comes on as kinda a self test, then it should go out.
either your relay is bust or the wiring between it and the level sensor

if you dont care about level sense just leave the relay out

[beechymonza]

mine has been flashin 4 the last 9 years, if i pull this relay out, does this mean that the temp gauge doesnt move either, cause i would want 2 see how hot it was gettin?

[hobbes]

On mine, after i start the car and all the other lights have gone out my water light flashes once - is that the self test? 

kinda related subject, where should i the temp gauge on my 16v to be?  it normally reads between 1/3 and just under half way...

[james_16v]

mine has been flashin 4 the last 9 years, if i pull this relay out, does this mean that the temp gauge doesnt move either, cause i would want 2 see how hot it was gettin?

Jesus! 9 years!!! I thought I had it bad with a few months.
My coolant temp gauge still works with this relay removed, I believe it just controls the light.

On mine, after i start the car and all the other lights have gone out my water light flashes once - is that the self test? 

kinda related subject, where should i the temp gauge on my 16v to be?  it normally reads between 1/3 and just under half way...

Mine normally stays about half way on the gauge and rises to just under 3/4 in traffic before the fan kicks in and brings it back down which i'm led to believe is normal.
What oil temps are you getting?