The question is... Is the check engine light on because of the bad coolant
sensor? And, are we talking about the coolant temperature sensor or a
coolant level sensor? The coolant level sensor will not affect the smog
test, but the coolant temperature sensor will. In fact a defective coolant
temperature sensor should illuminate the check engine light, or at best,
store an OBD II trouble code indicating a bad coolant temp sensor in the
engine control computer. Once the smog station attaches the OBD II link from
the smog machine to your Buick's OBD II connector the trouble code will be
relayed to the smog machine, and your Buick will fail the smog inspection.
Ask your mechanic which coolant sensor he determined to be bad, and also how
he or she found out.
posted by SmogTips Support
