perhaps the problem is not the sensor but the wiring. the insulation may be worn and is grounding the conection/circuit giving you the false reading.(light)
Check your coolant first, if it's not low then replace coolant level sensor
check coolant sensor float most common problem.
Fill your coolant to the level that it should be at. If it still comes on when the coolant is at its proper area, then it is an improper sensor. You will need to have it replaced immediately to reset the sensor.
The coolant sensor is a common fault which causes this issue. You will need to replace the coolant expansion tank as the coolant sensor is built into the bottom of the unit.
,I have to replace my sensor too, The coolant sensor is located on the side of the Radiator, NOT the plastic coolant overflow bottle, as one would expect. You might want to drain the coolant down a little so when you take out the sensor, you don't make a mess. I think the sensor on these are around $40.00TomTom4049Just bought the coolant level sensor at AutoZone for $6.99, that's pretty cheap folks. This one is for a 1999 Cavalier with the 2.2, yours may vary slightly.I have a buddy who is non-mechanical when it comes to his car. Funny but he was a aircraft maintenance mechanic is the Air Force! I find that an odd juxtaposition. I will replace his sensor, flush and change the oil, oil filter, air filter, and replace the coolant, and install new plugs. He's a little short on funds so I bought everything myself. Everyone needs a friend like me.
Check your coolant sensor for built up sludge, or the sensor may need replacement.
I had this problem and the manfold gasket was leaking I am aware of sensor issues with this but I has to replace the manifold gasket problem solved.
bad coolant sensor
Level SensorThe coolant level sensor is known to fail in that the magnet attached to the sensor comes loose and falls to the bottom.These are not repairable, and will require either black tape over the warning light with vigilant monitoring of the levels by you, or replace the tank.See "Related Links" below for moreDisconnect the Sensor approach...The coolant sensor is located in the coolant reservoir bottle. It cannot be serviced, you can only replace the reservoir. However, if just the sensor is bad, you can also try unplugging the sensor at the coolant reservoir bottle. Unscrew the two screws holding the reservoir bottle in place. With the bottle loose, tilt the bottle slightly toward you until you see wiring coming out of the reservoir bottle, that will be the wiring for the sensor plug. Unplug the sensor plug, and reattach the reservoir bottle. The Low Coolant light will not come on anymore, but you will now need to keep tabs on the antifreeze fluid level in the reservoir by occasionally checkingthe fluid level.usually located at rear of the radiator near top--
A coolant sensor could be a liquid level sensor and the other is a temp sensor OR The coolant is different temperatures at different places inside the engine and way way cooler when it comes out of the radiator so where the two sensors are mounted can cause difference's. OR they are two different pieces and calibration will not be identical and they will produce slightly different readings.
I have seen this before more than likely your coolant sensor has a internal short and needs to be replaced.
the sensor is going out