Bypass coolant alarm

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dvisor
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Bypass coolant alarm

Post by dvisor » Sun Jul 24, 2016 7:32 pm

Hi - I remember some time ago, there was a post describing how to temporarily kill a Haydn coolant alarm that's going off when it shouldn't. This is for the earlier two screw model. I think it was bridging the two screws with a short lead, or earthing one of the screws? I can't find the post at the moment. I know it's better to solve the cause of the problem, which I think I may have already done (residue on the screws), but I want an easy way to stop the squawking in my ear if it starts up again when we are away in the Bongo for a few weeks.
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haydn callow
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Re: Bypass coolant alarm

Post by haydn callow » Sun Jul 24, 2016 7:38 pm

Just Earth the sensor screw with a short length of wire.......one end to screw head other end to earth.
But why has it started going off? What have you done recently?
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
Developer of the Mazda Bongo Coolant loss Alarm
Also BMW Clocks
dvisor
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Re: Bypass coolant alarm

Post by dvisor » Sun Jul 24, 2016 8:01 pm

Thanks Haydn. I've had the alarm for a good few years, but started getting a weak alarm after the self check that continued for quite a long time. The noise stopped (or weakened further) when I used the electric windows, and resumed when I released the window switch. I'm guessing its either the strength of the coolant, or dirty screw tips. I've cleaned of the screws, and I think it's improved. There doesn't appear to be any coolant loss. Bypassing the coolant alarm will just be a last resort if the issue isn't resolved, and it starts to drive me crazy while we're away.
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haydn callow
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Re: Bypass coolant alarm

Post by haydn callow » Sun Jul 24, 2016 8:03 pm

Could be a electrical gremlin.
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
Developer of the Mazda Bongo Coolant loss Alarm
Also BMW Clocks
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Re: Bypass coolant alarm

Post by Northern Bongolow » Sun Jul 24, 2016 8:47 pm

as the alarm tests when the bongo is started, and the glow plugs could still be on it could be that the starter battery is suspect or the alternator is slow to increase its voltage output, or there is a glow plug with lower resistance (failing). this is poss being picked up on the coolant alarm.
put a meter on the starter battery,and alternator and coolant alarm power supply while starting the bongo.
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Re: Bypass coolant alarm

Post by dvisor » Mon Jul 25, 2016 11:35 pm

Thanks - I'll check this out when I get back.
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mikeonb4c
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Re: Bypass coolant alarm

Post by mikeonb4c » Tue Jul 26, 2016 9:11 am

Mine has the odd grumble and is usually persuaded to stop by operating something electrical to (i guess) change the demand on the electrical supply. I do live a bit in fear of it going off full tilt somewhere inconvenient. But luckily it is so infrequent, and always stoppable, that i've avoided fitting a cut-off switch.....so far! I've fitted new screws and think this has helped, and it has given 10 years of good service, so i musn't grumble if it grumbles.
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