coolant light on

[bmidd]

i was going to put gauges where the computer board is above the mirror and pulled it out and found out it wasn't plugged in. the coolant light is lit and won't go off. the resevoir is ull and i have never had an issue with coolant. does anyone think the sending unit in the tank could be bad and would it trip the light?
thanks,
brian

 

[demq]

welcome to the club [fake] ...
Mine is coming on time to time too...
It is most probably the fluid's reservour's sensor's floater which doesn't float any more or is getting stuck... The new one is about $20, or you can find a good deal on the junk yard...

 

[andreyiv]

My panel says "check coolant level", "see owner's manual". I went out and bought some coolant, added it and it was fine for awhile. Then it said the same thing again, I added some more. After a couple of days I opened the cap again and there was too much coolant and it went over the top. Now it says check coolant level now and then, don'
t know what to do. BTW The car is a 95 325i.

 

[vlad]

demq's right. Those sensors use a foam piece for a float. Eventually they become soaked and don't float any more. Unscrew the sensor from the reservoir and manually lift the float up, check your light. If it goes out, replace the sensor.

 

[bmidd]

i'll try that later today, thanks!

 

[rjp325i]

My sensor has been replaced twice in the last 5 years. They simply do not last long no matter where you source them. Usually the problem begins as an intermittent one and then goes altogether keeping the light on. Be careful if you remove the sensor when the engine is warm, its under pressure.

 

[sxl]

this is a really useful site. I have recently bought an e30 m3 convertible and I am having the same prob. My BMW specialist has mentioned it's most likely the sensor needs replacing.

 

[rjp325i]

Most members are only too glad to help. That is one of the reasons we are here. Good luck and join in, you never know when you may know something and can help someone else.

 

[dsobering47]

did you just say you just bought an e30 m3 convertable?..........i thought they never made e30 m3 convertables..........

 

[bmidd]

i just needed the pigtailthat connects to the sensor so the light will go off and the dealer doesn't stock it. local guy said to just tie the wires together and the light will go out!

 

[rjp325i]

E30 M3 convertibles were Europe only models.

The light will go out but doesn't that deactivate the purpose of the coolant level sensor?

 

[sxl]

did you just say you just bought an e30 m3 convertable?..........i thought they never made e30 m3 convertables..........

apparently only 786 ever made. It has full m3 leather seats and trim. It's a shame summer is nearly over. I have attached a picture of it.

 

[bmidd]

E30 M3 convertibles were Europe only models.

The light will go out but doesn't that deactivate the purpose of the coolant level sensor?

sure does, i've never had an issue with coolant loss and as soon as i find another pigtail i'll hook it back up!

 

[rjp325i]

You have a great car there. Just because you never had a problem before does not mean you won't in the future. I never have either but the sensors are so cheap it does not pay to not replace the unit. It is only a matter of time after you replace the pigtail that the float unit will go anyway. I have never seen just the replacement pigtail. The car is a collectible and too nice to chance it.

 

[bmidd]

there is nothing wrong with the sensor, just the wiring on the pigtail where it joins the little black receptacle on top of the sensor. my receptacle is cracked and the pins don't make contact. the dealership doesn't stock that part so i have to find a salvage yard with a donor car for that.

 

[rjp325i]

The dealer should be able to order it for you even if it isn't a normaly stocked item. What would he do if you brought the car to him to fix? If it has a part number he should be able to special order the part if you can't locate a good donor vehicle. BMW Mobile Tradition may be of help also. Like you said originally though, try the route of a donor vehicle first.