Hey guys,

I own a '85 190E and lately the coolant light is on. What exactly does this mean? Does it mean that I'm low on coolant? I checked the tank and it looked okay. Are there anyother problems that could trigger this light? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

My 190e has a level sensor about halfway down the front of the overflow tank. They are easy and cheap enough to change, a circlip and a new sealing ring should fix your problem, dont even need to drain the overflow tank for this either, just drop the level below the sensor

Before you buy a new sender, unplug the electrical connector (a plug) and clean the contacts. You might even add a conductive grease.
I had this problem -- a little "cleanup" of the connection eliminated the problem.

Are you checking the coolant cold? If the light comes on while cold, add a little to bring it just over the minimum line. If it's coming on when you are warmed up, then it should always be on when you are cold. At any rate, if the addition of some coolant puts it out, problem solved. If not, then you may need a new level sensor. It is a float type proximity switch and is not adjustable as far as I know. Relatively inexpensive to replace...and a very necessary warning system component to have working right 100% of the time..

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Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
2000 Dodge Grand Caravan SE

[This message has been edited by jeffsr (edited 09-04-2000).]

One other comment. I don't know it MB does this but some cars use sensors that will not be activated in water. By putting water in the reservoir the light won't go out. It will as soon as the water mixes and the necessary mixture is present at the sensor.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician

[This message has been edited by stevebfl (edited 09-04-2000).]