E53 Coolant Gauge Dead?

DIYX5 · #1 08-31-2013, 02:50 PM

Hi Guys, I'm new to the forum. I've been learning a lot from all you experts. Thank you.
I have a 2001 X5 4.4i, E53 with 80K miles.

Radiator hoses burst and instrument panel coolant gauge shot into red.
Pulled car over and took it to indy - 3 miles away.
After investigating, Indy replaced Radiator, fan, cooling pump, hoses, belts thermostat...everything except the coolant tank.. one big job.

Now, the instrument panel coolant gauge does not register the engine temperature, its always blue.
BTW, the HVAC climate control when I set it to Max cold blows only cool air. I set it to Hot, and did not get too hot.

Asked Indy to check again, he did, and says everything is new, could be the instrument panel gauge. I've spent $$$$so far, and would like to tackle this myself. Please advice.

Zulu95 · #2 08-31-2013, 04:09 PM

Sounds like a faulty thermostat so the engine never gets warmed up.

DIYX5 · #3 08-31-2013, 04:21 PM

Hi Zulu95. All my research on this forum suggested thermostat too. And I asked Indy. He checked it again and said it was new, and it came with all the hoses for the radiator. There are no engine codes, and since he worked on it, I've driven about 50 miles.

Zulu95 · #4 08-31-2013, 05:55 PM

New thermostats can be faulty.
Have him check the actual engine temperature readings. This will show if the sensor/computer control for the dash gauge is faulty.

TerminatorX5 · #5 08-31-2013, 09:52 PM

or, he did not snap in some of the plugs all the way, and there is no temp readings... there must be some codes, either the temp is not rising to operating temperature, or at least in IKE module, indicating that the cluster is not receiving the iBus signal for the temperature... i'd bet, that the ibus connection inside the cluster is fine, as other items there work... do a test #2, it will show you if the needle for temp is operational or not...

since cluster is receiving the signal (i bet it does), you should be looking for loose connections where the work had been done...

DIYX5 · #6 09-01-2013, 12:34 AM

Hi guys thanks for taking the time to look.. I read here about the hidden menu, and #2 test to move all gauges to full limit. I tried to bring up the hidden code in the cluster. Steps: ignition key position 3 > trip reset stick push and hold... even after several attempts, I could not bring up the 'test' menu. It’s like both the instrument panel reset sticks are not doing anything. There are several procedures around here, the E39 the X3, may be I' haven't found the right procedure for the 2001-x5.
The weather is 86 F, so it is warm. And I drove for about 20 miles, I'd expect the temperature in the engine to go up and the gauge to move. Nothing...gauge stays in cold ‘blue’ range and does not move.

I'm not familiar with the IKE module. I will investigate this some more.. thank you

TerminatorX5 · #7 09-01-2013, 12:39 AM

where in VA are you? close to NoVA?

Gregory891 · #8 09-01-2013, 04:58 AM

Does the car produce heat? How hot is the radiator or a cooling hose after a short drive? Did your independent know how to bleed the system and cycle the electric cooling pump to get the air out of the system? Did you try to replace the coolant temperature sensor (easy & cheap to do)? Put a thermometer from your kitchen in the coolant tank after a drive.

DIYX5 · #9 09-01-2013, 08:54 AM

I live in fairfax, Virginia - not too far from you. If you would take a look I'd gladly drive there, if only I was sure the coolant is actually flowing and its only the gauge... I will try the kitchen thermometer idea from Gregory. The Indy fixes imports and is fairly good..if its a coolant air bleeding issue, I'd expect the gauge to be irratic right?

I'm fairly adept at fixing things.. My 1995 5 Speed Altima is still with me at 195K... so is my 99 Odyssey with 150K. I maintain them with minimal indy help. I can do a decent oil change, read OBD codes, replaced radiator, air bags, ECU, cleaned fuel injectors, solenoids, plugs, distributor, Mass airflow, coils, EGR etc

.. but this X is just sapping my strength...the list of issues is growing with nasty surprises every day

Gregory891 · #10 09-01-2013, 12:37 PM

A few things to help:

A coolant sensor will only send a signal to a (functional) temp gauge if it is immersed in liquid. An air pocket won't transmit much heat to the sensor. Check yours in terms of resistance when cold and warm (Bentley manual).

From memory (it's on the X site or you can find in a Bentley manual) you set the heat to max, heater fan on low, key on aux ignition position (engine not running), do this for a minute or two. Your Indy hopefully did this and then kept filling the car up and also used the bleeder screw on the radiator.

Does your car make heat?

Could be that your temp gauge has failed (less likely but possible)?