Coolant Expansion Tank
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| 1 | Coolant expansion tank |
| 2 | Filler cap |
| 3 | Vent hose connection |
| 4 | Blanking plug |
| 5 | Expansion hose connection |
| 6 | Engine coolant level sensor |
The engine coolant expansion tank is installed in the left side of the engine compartment. The tank is located by a grommet on its underside and positively secured with a bolt and washer to a bracket on the vehicle body and a second bracket that locates in a molded slot in the tank body.
The coolant expansion tank has 2 connections; one vent connection through the radiator overflow and one for coolant inlet into the thermostat housing. The vent pipe is secured in the tank with a plastic clip. The expansion hose connection to the thermostat is a quick release connector, retained with a spring clip. A third connection adjacent to the vent hose is not used and sealed with a blanking plug and O-ring seal.
The coolant expansion tank provides the following functions:
- The service fill.
- Engine coolant expansion during warm up.
- Air separation during operation.
- System pressurization by the filler cap.
- Coolant level sensing.
The pressurized expansion tank system is continuously separates the air from the cooling system and replenishes the system through a hose connected between the expansion tank and the electric thermostat. A continuous vent into the expansion tank, through a hose connected to the radiator, prevents air locks from forming in the cooling system.
A 'MAX' and 'MIN' cold fill level markings are molded into the exterior of the tank. The engine coolant expansion tank has an air space of approximately 0.5 liter (1.06 US pints), above the 'MAX' level, to allow for coolant expansion.
The engine coolant level sensor locates in a sealed cavity at the bottom of the coolant expansion tank body. A float with an integral magnet is located inside the coolant expansion tank. The coolant level sensor contains a switch that reacts to the position of the magnetic float. The coolant level sensor is hardwired to the Body Control Module/Gateway Module (BCM/GWM) assembly.
The magnetic float is designed to float very close to the bottom of the tank, significantly below the 'MIN' cold fill coolant level. The magnetic float in this position does not indicate float failure, for example sinking or sticking. The float has a travel distance of approximately 15 mm (0.59 in) from the bottom of the tank.