Pic diagnostics

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by 80stech

The coolant level sensor should be in the bottom of the expansion tank. I think they are a bit finicky though. AFAIK the face lifts (mine anyway) no longer used the sensor because I think they had too many customer complaints about the light coming on.

Isn't the sensor only on cars with the high cluster? Cars fitted with the low cluster had the low coolant sensor omitted?

[80stech]

Yes, maybe it's a high/low cluster thing. I do have the low cluster, the sensor is still there but not connected (and I think the wiring is even there but taped back from the factory) and there is a low coolant icon but no bulb in the dash. I looked into hooking mine back up a long time ago when I first got the car but never did.
Anyway, it's the bottom of the level float stick that operates a magnetic switch in the sensor so hopefully that helps with figuring it out

[X5chemist]

Great thanks for new information. I thought I was going to have to drain the tank to get it out. It's a blue replacement sensor. I have a black one to install. The old parts are still in a box. I have not thrown any of those parts until I'm satisfied. We drove it 10 miles back to my house. No brake issues. No other codes popped up. For tearing apart half the engine side equipment, I think only one code is amazing.

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by X5chemist

For tearing apart half the engine side equipment, I think only one code is amazing.

For the love of God!! Don't tempt fate saying things like that....

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

[X5chemist]

Well, the wifey drove it home. She complained about rubber burning. New hoses need to break in. I added a lot of new wire loom. Lots of wiring needed new loom. I hate seeing exposed wires. I'll remove the air intake and do more degreasing. The previous power steering housing leaked badly. It still has oily residue left. I'll get all that cleaned up when a new coolant level sensor is installed.

Are the red floaty level thingies removable and interchangeable? I had two new tanks to install. I'll keep the other as a spare replacement.

[X5chemist]

Well, the new sensor is toast! A new sensor was installed carefully. Same low coolant error. It was confirmed to be low. It's still bleeding out air. So more coolant was added. I'll keep adding coolant until it doesn't need any. Hopefully the code will clear. I'll pull out the Foxwell and scan it better.


Is idle supposed to change when the 710 ( ) cap is removed? With the cap off before replacing the CCV system, it would idle almost idle the same. Now, if the cap is removed, idle does change by a lot. Is that normal now? It only has about 30 miles on it. So far, no codes but the "Check coolant level".

[Bdc101]

If you take the oil cap off, extra air gets into the intake past the IACV through the crankcase ventilator.

[X5chemist]

All the new hoses must be working properly. The old hoses will be cracked open. I'm wondering of any are clogged. I didn't see any goo while taking it apart. I want to see the CCV insides for sure. The intake was clean inside. One last check this week before installing the top engine cover. With cold weather here now, the wifey wants to use heated seats!

[X5chemist]

A final coolant leak was chased down on Thursday. It might have been the original leak which started a refresh. The shroud and fan were taken off. Only the drive belt was taken off. Using a small mirror and flashlight, the leak was found. No leaks under the 1 year old thermostat. The water pump had evidence of leaking for a while. The o ring was completely flat. Bolts were loose too. The pump has a BMW stamp on it. A new 125,000 mile warranty pump with a metal impeller is installed. A nut was dropped wearing gloves. It couldn't be found. Four new flat locking nut were used. The size is M6-1.00 if I remember correctly. I'll have to check the receipt.

A new URO coolant level sensor was installed. It still dings for low coolant. I'll top if off everyday for a week. If it doesn't clear, a dealer sensor will be tried.

[X5chemist]

It's been over a month. No leaks until yesterday. Is it normal for seals to leak when it's cold? It's been below freezing for a few days. The leak is right below the tank. The new tank is going to be replaced anyway. The "check coolant level" is annoying. I'll get underneath and check the leak location. A replacement tank is ready. I'll keep the removed one as an emergency replacement.