cadillac catera.....does this sound like a bad coolant temperature sensor?

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j_sin00

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i recently bought a 1998 catera. the salesman said it needed a new coolant temp sensor. does this sound like the problem? it has a orange light come on. its a picture of a radiator with liquid way at the bottom. i would assume that is a low coolant lamp. the temperature gauge doesnt work either, however after i drive it, it doesnt seem hot. it doesnt smell hot and there is not a huge amount of pressure in the hoses. i have been running the defrost which will intermittently turn on the cooling fans. that may be the reason for it not being hot. but anyways i was just wondering if that sounded like the problem or if i should check something else first.
 
The engine is your Catera is actually a Saab v-6. The light you are speaking of indicates that the coolant level is low. Check the level!!!! If the coolant temp switch is bad, expect a decease in power, fuel mileage, and eventual disintegration of your exhaust system, including O2 sensors and catalyst. Power wash your engine bay to keep road salt from interfering with the action of your switches. A CLEAN ENGINE IS A HAPPY ENGINE!! When things are right, the coolant cap can be left removed with no consequence to engine heating, if the fans come on at the correct times..
 
Did you check the coolant? Light says low. But of course someone filled it, right.
The best you can hope for is that the salesman happens to be telling the truth. But not the whole truth.
Assuming it is full and the coolant level light is on, That sending unit is malfunctioning, as is the sensor for the temp.

At worst, he intentionally sold you a car with a bad head gasket by draining off just enough coolant so it doesn't blow steam out the tailpipe. The coolant gage wouldn't read hot because there is not enough liquid to reach sensor.
Time will tell.
You may have little or no legal recourse if you signed "as is" and no warranty.
Don't let that stop you. Fear of bad business publicity or bodily injury works.
 
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