Need help fining plug location after radiator install
 

Hey guys,
I had a leaky radiator so I went ahead and replaced it over the weekend. I put everything back together (or so I thought). Bled the coolant with the heater on and everything was good. Next day I go out for a ride and it starts over heating after a while. I popped the hood and found I forgot to plug one of the sensors. I tried looking for the location and cannot find it anywhere :dunno: Thanks for any help in locating the sensor location


2001 BMW X5 3.0 Auto (sorry for the big pic :wow:

http://i66.tinypic.com/vh6wb4.jpg

Look around the lower radiator hose or on the side of the radiator. Looks like a temp switch for the fan?

Where you stopped (not moving, but engine running) when you noticed overheating? If you were moving (5mph+) and still overheating, then you still have an issue. The system might still have air in it.....

Thanks for the reply. The plug is on the driver side / upper hose side. It doesnt overheat stop or while driving as long as the heater on once i switch it off it starts overheating

I think that goes on the bottom of the expansion tank, it plugs in to the temp sensor. Does it reach down there?

Probably this.

As far as overheating, are you sure you bleed the system all of the way? Have you checked the condition of the fan clutch?

I had to top off coolant a few times( over a couple days) maybe a few ounces, after changing all my hoses. I changed my fan clutch since it was leaking oil onto the fan and after doing so I noticed the butterfly vents on the electric fan shroud would open at idle partially.

Does your electric fan kick on? New fan clutches have also been known to be faulty.

Everything works. I ONLY changed the radiator literally. Car works normal no overheating unless I turn off the heater, so I guess this plug is a sensor for the heater pump? Can someone with a 3.0 take a pic of where this plug plugs into.....:excited: its matched with the plug to the abs module if that helps

It can't hurt to crack the bleeder screw on the expansion tank open again and watch for a minute or so. Last time I did mine I experienced the same thing, cracked the bleeder screw for about a minute, there appeared to be no air, was straight coolant then finally a couple bubbles worked their way out. Its been perfect ever since.

Did you find the plug underneath the expansion tank? If not it's on the very bottom more in the direction of the passenger side than driver side. I could be off in my recollection. The easiest way to know is to take a photo with your phone from the fan shroud side facing the expansion tank from underneath it.

Thanks,

Aaron

I bled the system via bleeder screw (thanks dypwick :thumbup: ) and it seems to have fixed the overheating. I do however want to find where that plug plugs into!! I will take some more pics

are you talking about the coolant level sensor? because that one is plugged in under the expansion tank.

LOL,

I posted possibly the same question today then;) Seems like we might be looking for the same connector. Does yours come from the wiring going to the headlights, and is right above the DSC iii ( Google it and you will know right away what I am talking about)? Look for the cylinder on the right side across from engine mounted on wheelwell side of engine compartment, above and behind the DSC iii, it has a hose going to the lower portion of your radiator, and a hose coming from the oil separator I believe. A 2 pin connector goes in there. To further figure out where it goes please share the two wire colors underneath that ribbed black shielding of the wire. Is it green and red?

Thanks,

Aaron