Check Coolant Level! Too high??

[m3f_uogecko_69c360b3d4]

The computer is telling me to Check Coolant Level (see owner's manual) after driving when I turn the car off.



Does anyone know if it will give me this warning when the coolant level is too high?



I thought it must be low so I went out and bought some BMW antifreeze, measured out some water and started to add it to the coolant overflow and it pretty much immediately overflowed. I know that it's supposed to be filled to the "cold" line and I know that this is only supposed to be done when the car is cold itself.



I couldn't see the coolant and thought it must be very low when in actuality it was very high.



Any ideas? Should I siphen some out?



G

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Its too low. I fill mine to the brim usually, it'll spit out any extra if theres too much.



I think theres a low/high mark on the bottle though.

[m3f_uogecko_69c360b3d4]

You fill yours past the cold line? Mine is up to the brim currently but is still reporting "Check Coolant Level"



??



G

[m3f_tiMMM]

...I have the same damn problem...everytime the engine is turned off..I get 'check coolant level'...coolant level was fine when checked..been going on for like 3 months now...WTF?? any ideas fellas??....I should ask Sirius this....dude is like our in-house mechanic :bow:



...I'm thinkin' if the level is fine...then it might be the frickin' coolant SENSORS being a biatch??!!..any suggestions?

[m3f_uogecko_69c360b3d4]

Copy the pain in the ass - I'd like to know what's going on too - and I'm not really down with this over-filled coolant - should I syphen it down to the "cold" line when the engine is cold?

[m3f_tiMMM]

oooohh Sirius....where you at dude?...it's your cue....haha..seriously....what's your take man?

[m3f_beemertek]

You need a new sensor, located in the bottom of your expansion tank. Common problem.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Sorry, got tied up at work. What beemertek said. Your level sensor is dead. Get a new one.

[m3f_tiMMM]

AH...good ole' Sirius...knew you'd chime in dude... :beer:



...just as I suspected....stupid level sensor eh...



..now the real question is: How much for the sensor and is it a DIY Trev?

...'preciate ya trev

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

I think the sensor is around $30 bucks, and sure, its an easy DIY.



Gotta drain the coolant though. Just unhook the old sensor, remove it, pop in the new one and refill and burp the coolant system.



Requires a wrench, a size that I can't recall. My gray matter is tired tonight.

[m3f_beemertek]

You don't need drain the coolant if you don't want. Remove the plastic ducting that's over your core support. Remove the fan, remove the fan shroud clips. Take the hose clamp off the breather hose on the top drivers side of the radiator and disconnect the hose. Clamp this hose with some vise grips so it don't leak. Unplug the coolant sensor and rotate the fan shroud clockwise with the expansion tank attached until it's far enough upsidedown that you can replace the sensor without loosing any coolant.. You'll have to feed the hose that connects to the expansion tank through the hole in the fan shroud.

[m3f_FLY G-550_9b0fb0d13b]

Gentleman,



Is this issue with a any specific year. Cause it sounds like a couple of hrs of DYS work. :???: Cheers

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Its a common problem on alot of E36's in general.