Ok, weird problem regarding Heater/temp/cold

[BluesClues]

Ok, my X does something that I think is weird..

Lately here in Steeler Country, I mean Pittsburgh, its been close to Zero degrees.

So I go out and start it to get the defroster going.. I then run back in side for my bowl of Oatmeal and I come back 15 minutes later.. When I get in the temperature needle is pegged to the red. If I get in and drive away the needle will not come down. It will not only stay in the red but the heater and defroster will not warm up.
Now if I get in my X and turn it off, then turn it back on, the temperature needle will go back to normal, about 1 click under the middle of the gauge. Now the heater will begin to spit our hot air and i begin to feel nice and warm..

Why is that? If I dont turn it off and on again, the air stays cold ???

Where can I even begin to look or check??

[noncom23]

Hmmm, stuck thermostat ?

[BluesClues]

So is that something that I just make an appt for at the delaer? Would this be covered under their extended 2yr 24000 warranty?

[noncom23]

Should be.

Originally Posted by BluesClues

So is that something that I just make an appt for at the delaer? Would this be covered under their extended 2yr 24000 warranty?

[Wagner]

Thermostat is shut, this is causing the engine to heat up and the coolant is not getting heated, thus no heat for the heater.

[BluesClues]

So does that mean that if I drive with the needle pegged at te red, i run the risk of ruining the engine?

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by BluesClues

So does that mean that if I drive with the needle pegged at te red, i run the risk of ruining the engine?

Ah, yes.

Running with uncontrolled temps on an engine with large portions made of aluminum = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[BluesClues]

I knew you were going to say that!!!!!!!!! Im afraid that when I take it to the dealer they are going to say, "Umm sorry we couldnt dupicate the problem" but I guess that way I can have noted in the system that i complained about it in case the engine goes.. wow engine only has 34k miles..

[Lotus Man]

Right there with you, buddy. Read my #9 problem:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...-footwell.html

Apparently, it's a sensor glitch. Given the ambient temperature, and the brevity of the vehicle warm-up period, it is physically impossible to be up in over-heating temperature level. For crying out loud, some stock car racers board up their radiator air ducts and circle the lap a few times before the engine is up to "optimum" operating temperature! And they do this in the ambient Daytona/FL heat!

IMHO - Not worth scratching up your interior and contributing to more rattle noises by taking apart and reassembling your dash to correct this problem (if that even corrects it). Just turn your ignition off and back on every time this happens...what, 2 or 3 times in a calendar year? Peanuts. 'Sides, it's not repeatable in normal cold weather or other warm temperatures -- only in the EXTREME cold, thus difficult to duplicate at a shop unless you're able to pick that perfect ultra cold day, which happens to be after the vehicle has been parked overnight outside of the service shop, and for the technician responsible to witness the phenomenon upon start up. Because if the porter or service advisor even moves the car, turns the ignition on and off, the phenomenon is gone. In summary -- not really worth the hassle...and maybe even cause more damage along the way during diagnosing and fixing than just leaving it alone. Either way, it's your money.

[rjs1222]

This is from page 63 of my owners manual.


"Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it running while the vehicle remains stationary. Instead, begin to drive immediately at a moderate engine speed."

Don't know if this has anything to do with your problem or not.