andreasy

I am facing the problem with radiator coolant random light trigger so, I am about to order the complete reservoir assembly to replace it. I have read here that the sensor is included in the reservoir.

I'd like to ask now if it would be easy for a non-meachanic to replace this unit and if there's any special step I should be aware of, especially in regards to the water that is already in the radiator. (i.e should I empty the water first from the radiator?).

In order to remove the reservoir, do I just work on the top of the vehicle or are there any hidden bolts on the bottom that need special tools?

Any extra info would be helpful

mysql

its just two nuts and two coolant hoses. So its extrmely easy to replace

Mazurfer

Yep...very easy, you can do it. Shouldn't take long at all or be difficult in any way at all. Go for it!

andreasy

clear enough.
thanks a lot

mysql

the two nuts are in plain view on the top. The two coolant hoses are on the left of the reservoir. Just use pliers to loosen the clamps.

I was actually hoping you had a recommendation for a REPLACEMENT of the OEM with something aftermarket. The OEM one turns brown after a while and is unsightly.

Mazurfer

Well.......while it makes it really difficult to check level(flashlight required), you could paint it black like I did.
I did this when I did the wiper reservoir because I couldn't stand it.

andreasy

It gets brown because of the high temperature. I don't believe though that there is any type of transparent plastic that will not be affected by the high temperature.

andreasy

I finally did it and at the same tome I emptied the whole radiator and changed coolant (that was easy). I must say it was really hard (for me at least). First of all, in order to get out, I had to take the battery and its enclosure out. It took me a lot of time to figure out how to disassemble the enclosure and take half of it out since the base cannot be taken out. Then the hoses were so short that they also added some difficulty. Of course next time will be much easier.

Is the battery needed to be taken out in normal scenarios or is it just mine? (I replaced it with a stronger one but I don't remember the size of the original although I believe it's the same size).

For the time being I am filling with coolant.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

So easy even caveman can do it.

bose

iTrader: (5)

how much was the part? mine is doing the same thing.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Yes, battery needs to come out.
They are $150 or so.

bose

iTrader: (5)

Good times. Thanks MM.

chr1s

Is there an aftermarket coolant reservoir available for our car? I've been searching on here and on the intarwebz and can't find anything.

I hate the stock one.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

u can use any bottle, as long as u can retro fit it.

Just make sure u have enough coolant in it thats all.

chr1s

that would require fabrication work on my part and I'm waaay to lazy for that!

hehe. thanks though.

zacknolden

Were you manage to get yourself or made a coolant reservoir for your car? I am making one right now.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I sell mine, 140 bux shipped

Jeff_Blair

I have to replace mine as well, the lip is cracked.
I just called the dealership, and they're about $225... ouch

I called a junk yard, and they have a '07 with one. Do you think that one will fit in a '05?

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Its all the same.

Raptor75

I think I have the same issue, the Coolant low light keeps coming on in express way driving but the coolant level is fine. Mines under warranty so I'll let the dealer have the fun.

04RX8man

^prob a sensor....dealer should handle it no problem

JMKuco

Hi,

UP !!
I do not have 2 hose but 3 !!
There is a 3rd one going strait to the radiator...is the coolant going from the reservoir to the rad or from the rad to the reservoir...

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

One to the bottle of the bottle, it goes into the Radiator.

one to the left side of the bottle, Its coming from the Engine (its a bypass,whatever)

and the last one? well you dont have to disconnect that(its right next to the Cap)

JMKuco

yeah but there is an other hose pluged directly to the top of the radiator... and I don't know where to plug this one on my new collant tank....is this a outcoming or an incoming ?

Smurfy

I'm relpacing my coolant tank too. I took a look at it and it does look easy, but what about the water that is in there already? Do I just removed the tank and empity out the water? If I do, would that do anything to the radiator?