Even a brief drive in such a vehicle is not recommended because it could seriously harm the engine of your vehicle and incur expensive repairs. You can use diluted coolant by itself, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water. Had the car up on a lift, no drips/leaks from anywhere while running. ), F80 M3 Reliability (How Long Can it Last? Make sure the float isn't stuck at the bottom and it can move up and down. In the last few days the "low coolant" light has been intermittently turning on on my friend's BMW X3 (2007 ~70K miles). It needs to be diluted 50/50 with. As it gets hotter, coolant expands and contracts. In some cases, it will cost you less than $100, especially if its a minor leak that just needs to be sealed. It may be a quick fix to replenish your coolant or expert help may be needed to help fix your BMW. You can expect the costs of repairing a coolant leak to be around $100. A malfunctioned coolant sensor may lead to a diminution in fuel efficiency or it may even lead to improper emission readings. Never appears when the car is first started. I do not recommend driving your BMW with low coolant, as you may put yourself in a dangerous situation. It is dangerous to drive a car with low or no engine coolant since it could harm some of the engines secondary and even primary components. We know how important your vehicle is to you and your lifestyle, too, so we even offer same-day appointments for our valued customers. 71. Having a similar problem. Switch engine on 3. It is important that you have your vehicle inspected as soon as you notice the low coolant light illuminated on your dashboard, so that you can have your vehicle serviced and make sure it is safe to drive on the road. pull over to the side as soon as possible and shut off the engine to prevent any additional damage. Is It Safe To Drive With The VSA Light On In Your Car? Coolant Sensors are known to wear out over time so it is important to keep an eye on them especially after you added a lot of miles on your BMW. There are many different types of coolant, so its important to know what variety is right for your car or truck. The correct procedure for filling the coolant while the engine is cold is as follows: 1. Related? Open the hood and see if your Oil Filter Housing is leaking. This video shows how to reset the oil change and other service maintenance lights on BMW models from 2006-2011. To avoid being burned, you need to wait at least thirty minutes for the engine and fluids to cool down. Heater blower to lowest speed 4. Coolant contracts in colder temperatures, so even if the cars coolant level has fallen only a bit below normal, it could still trigger the systems sensor, says John Ibbotson, CRs chief mechanic. Technically speaking yes you can use plain water in your cooling system but it isnt recommended as a long term solution and certainly not in extreme weather conditions. It seems to be a somewhat common problem that randomly comes on and stays on until it decides to go off. Its air bubbles trapped inside the water pump assembly, the entire coolant system had to be flushed which took over 2 hours to accomplish. If the coolant level is dropping, then there has to be a leak, or the engine is consuming it, or the car is overheating and the coolant is boiling over. I have a 2008 E92 335i (N54). Coolant Light stays on. What does the yellow coolant light mean on a BMW? Hi Robert, No it is not normal for the coolant level to drop at any time. Locate the little odometer button towards the bottom left corner of the instrument panel. E90 2008 335xi - TiAg - AMS FMIC - BMW PE - BMS OCC - ER CP - KW V3 - Vorshlag Camber Plates - AG M359 18" PSS - Alpina Flash - RB PCV Valvle - AFE Intake - Walbro LPFP. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Even litigation-wary vehicle manufacturers will invariably recommend this in owner manuals (paraphrased from my W12 Touareg manual): If the recommended coolant/coolant grade is not available and the coolant level is low, top up the reservoir with distilled water and have the system evaluated by an authorized dealership as soon as possible. Coolant evaporates and leaves a milky-white stain behind; that's oil on the radiator hose. Will come back on when at speed. Some BMW models, such as the 3-series, have the coolant expansion reservoir on the engine bay's right side. I could have sworn my bentley manual told me to bleed the coolant when putting new stuff in. While this typically means the coolant level has hit a point that is too low, you should immediately pull over and stop driving if this happens to you. To make the best coolant, they must be mixed. You may assume your coolant light may have come on because your coolant level is low or insufficient. Inorganic Acid Technology (IAT), Organic Acid Technology (OAT), and Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) are the three most common coolant types available today. E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums, Mechanical Maintenance: Break-in / Oil & Fluids / Servicing / Warranty, Recommend this as a feature on the BimmerPost Homepage. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 154 satisfied customers. If the coolant level is fine, then there may be a problem with the sensor or the wiring. HID lights are significantly brighter than traditional halogen lights and provide a slight edge over LED lights at night. While the process will vary slightly depending on the model, trim, and model year of your BMW, here are the basic steps to reset the BMW service light so you know the next time service is due. Keep in mind not to disregard the coolant warning light. This is the typical coolant expansion reservoir location. If the warning won't go off and the coolant is no low, this means that either the sensor is faulty/damaged, there is a problem with its wiring/connector, or there is a computer glitch. How long can you drive with coolant light? Your engine will begin to overheat and the temperature gauge will shoot up. BMWs are no different. All coolants are naturally transparent, and dye is used to give them color. This yellow warning light will come on when coolant levels are running low, to remind you to top them up. Another clear indicator of BMW engine overheating is steam escaping from under the hood. If the coolant warning light becomes illuminated on your dashboard as youre driving along, its a certain sign that your engine is overheating. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If the coolant light comes on and you find out the coolant is still full, then you should check the coolant sensor. The majority of auto repair businesses are able to identify and replace faulty sensors. If your BMWs battery has been disconnected recently or is low because of a fault, this can cause the symbol to light up until voltage returns to normal levels. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. May 22, 2015. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. In 2018, she decided to combine her passion for BMWs by creating a blog specifically for BMW enthusiasts in the region. The reason for this should be obvious, but the consequences of engine damage from overheating is far worse than any impact of using the wrong fluid on the cooling system. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". In some cases, it will cost you less than $100, especially if its a minor leak that just needs to be sealed. Required fields are marked *. UUC SSK, clutch job eventually, Wavetrac LSD. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. I did a calculation, based on how much I added, I probably raised the ratio to 52/48. If it does and your coolant level is verified to be at normal level and plugging the connector back in results in the warning light coming back on, then the issued is isolated to the ET/switch assembly. I did not bleed the pump as mentioned above. When you are losing coolant but no leak is visible, several parts could be the guilty party. Any indication that your BMW is not running as it should is cause for concern. While this is true for the majority of instances, it isnt always the case. The most common causes of an engine management light on a BMW are a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose or broken vacuum line, an engine misfire, or an issue with the fuel . I own a 2000 323I. Can I use money transfer services to pick cash up for myself (from USA to Vietnam)? Table of Contents show. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". for the next week, check your coolant level frequently (with a cold engine), to be sure that there is no ongoing leak that requires regular . How do I clear the. The float for the sensor does not have a dipstick. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It is common for the light to come on during a temperature change to cold weather due to contra. BMW Emergency Call Malfunction: Possible Causes and Fix, BMW Z3 vs Z4: Which is Better? What Does It Mean When the BMW 3 Series Coolant Warning Light Is On? January 02, 2019. I have a yellow low coolant level warning. Dealer replaced radiator top hose that was cracked. Get the BMW towed if necessary. If your doing a 50/50 mixture the water does not have to be distilled. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If it is too hot to touch after 10 seconds, the engine is likely overheating. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Can you have coolant in the resevoir tank while the radiator is low on coolant? Now, if the temperature warning is coming on when the car is not even warmed up, then this would be a bad temperature sensor, or computer issue that is causing an erroneous warning. 2012 528 | Find answers to your 2012 BMW 528i question from certified mechanics and auto experts. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Coolant leaks can occur due to a number of reasons, including a broken radiator seal or a compromised radiator. If it is better not to drive around in current condition, can I simply pour in a liter of distilled water to get the car around for a day or so? DIY On deck: Rear Diff bushing. My X3 did the same thing. In the past few days when topped up coolant the warning used to go away but today I topped it up but the yellow warning has not disappeared. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. However, if the level is below the minimum, kindly do not even attempt to start your engine. Just a question is that how do you diagnose a bad sensor is with a scan? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as a leak in the cooling system, or a malfunction in the coolant level sensor. Probably not though, because your coolant light wouldn't be intermittent, or just come on once, or occasionally - it would stay on. The easy way to tell is if you check your water bottle and the coolant is still full while the coolant light keeps coming on and off. Coolant helps pull heat away from the engine. The reason behind such defective sensor would be a probable loose . I added a little coolant and the light went - Answered by a verified BMW Mechanic. Ignoring it could result in serious harm to your engine because its an indication that your engine is overheating. Many new and modern automobile brands have a cut-off feature that checks the engine temperature and detects a lack of coolant. Zerex G-48 Formula Full Strength Coolant The ZEREX G-48 coolant is ideal for BMW cars. For recovery, dial your neighborhood garage or breakdown service. Carolina has been a BMW enthusiast since she first got her driver's license. Locate the coolant expansion tank in the engine bay. Tally how many spark plug wires are present. Failing Radiator Seal. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. by Edward Hernandez | Nov 21, 2021 | BMW Repair. My current Mileage is ~73K and I experienced the low coolant light this morning. In this case, the sensor will likely need to be replaced. Avoid making any long journeys without enough coolant: you should stop and top up as soon as possible, otherwise you risk causing serious damage to your car. It could also be a bad sensor but like others have saidits not worth it to gamble on this one. . This video explains how to check and add coolant to your BMW. Your coolant may be green, pink, blue, yellow, or even clear depending on the manufacturer. It seems that there are mixed reviews on preventative maintenance on E90 water pumps and that just wait until it fails. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. When the cooling system reaches a low pressure, the car might perceive this as low coolant. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You can drive your car for a few days if it is low but still higher than the required amount. Thanks. Hi all, Did some research and it seems that the coolant level sensor is a common problem to these cars. Make sure to read Dashboard Warning Lights: What They Mean if you want to learn more about other warning lights. As an alternative to a traditional dealership, you can rest assured you arent just another number to us. The easiest way how to fix low coolant is to begin filling your coolant back to acceptable levels and allow the coolant to soak back into the system. Low coolant, the incorrect coolant type, and cooling system leaks in your BMW car are further factors. Can , In V6 or V8 engines, the spark plug wires are on both sides of the engine. Coolant should only be topped up with water in case of an emergency when the coolant liquid level is lower than it should be. I should have elaborated/provided more information in my initial post. If your BMW 3 Series coolant warning light comes on, its important to take action right away. Anyone know? Can anyone comment on this? . The following is a list of some of the most frequent cooling system parts that sustain the most harm when the cooling system overheats and runs out of coolant: Repairing or replacing these parts is quite pricey. BMW specifies a special coolant with a high boiling point, low freezing point, and a specific ratio of water and antifreeze. If there are any visible leaks, then you may want to have your vehicle towed to a mechanic, but if there are no visible leaks and you feel comfortable driving, then you can drive it yourself to a nearby mechanic. The sensor may be faulty, and it may not be sending a good signal to the computer. While you can drive the car for a short time using water in place of the coolant, it wont effectively protect your engine. BMWs have specific coolant requirements (nitrite and phosphate free) to prevent build-up and corrosion of aluminum components, so not just any off-the-shelf antifreeze will do. Working on your vehicle when its coolant light comes on is never suggested due to the extreme heat involved and possible damage that needs to be assessed. Because the water in Europe is substantially harder than the water in the United States, European manufacturers prefer coolant that is phosphate-free. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. @JeffNeill I first filled up the tank 1 liter of distilled water to get the light off. A common reading for a temperature sensor in cold water is around 5 volts. Earliest that you'll encounter this issue is around 60k miles (for me it was at 59,8xx one month ago). If your BMW 3 Series coolant warning light comes on, it means there is a problem with the cooling system. Momentum Motorworks serves those in Alabaster, Homewood, Helena, Hoover, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, and Birmingham, AL. Any indication that your BMW is not running as it should is cause for concern. carolinasbmwmoa.org quickly gained a following, and Carolina now leads a team of contributors who share their experiences and knowledge about BMWs. This can certainly be a confusing occurrence that can be caused by one of the following: If you are uncertain about why your BMWs coolant light keeps going on and off, its a good idea to have it looked at by a professional who has knowledge and experience in this area. Just looked at mine. Either way, it is important for you to have your vehicle inspected and serviced by a qualified mechanic as soon as you can to have any potential issues fixed. The following are some of the reasons your vehicle might be low on coolant: leak in reservoir/overflow tank. If the problem occurs again, have it checked for leaks. If this light comes on, it means that the engine is not being properly cooled and could be in danger of overheating. Yourbmwblog.com is not affiliated with nor endorsed by BMW Group or any manufacturer mentioned herein, unless explicitly noted otherwise. If the engine coolant light is flashing, there might be a problem with the cooling system. Then in few days filled up another 1 liter of BMW gray coolant. Its crucial to keep in mind that modern German performance cars, whether you drive a Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Mini BMW, Volkswagen, or Audi, will last you for many miles and years if you maintain them properly. Most automotive shops can diagnose a sensor malfunction and replace the sensor. Its important to check the coolant level regularly and top it off if necessary. Once this happens, a lot of people dont know what they should do or whats wrong with their vehicle. I'm reading around a lot of places that say coolant should never get low and if it gets low you probably have a leak. How much does a coolant leak cost to fix? It has no impact on the coolants chemical properties that each producer adds their own colour blend. I have been driving around with the coolant level light on and off for the last week with enough coolant in the tank and no leaks. Can you top your coolant up with water? In the last few days the "low coolant" light has been intermittently turning on on my friend's BMW X3 (2007 ~70K miles). The gaskets at the oil filter housing and the oil cooler housing need to be changed. Add coolant warning message. After cooling down, open your vehicles hood and check the coolant reservoir. When the coolant level drops too low, a floating sensor in the coolant reservoir of the majority of automobiles activates, putting on the warning light. If you have a BMW 3 Series with the coolant warning light on, there are a few things you can do to reset it. The service indicator light will display the number of miles or amount of time until the next required service interval. Maybe answering this issue will be simpler now that you are aware of how crucial radiator coolant is. Any remaining coolant in the radiator is diluted when water is added to it. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Other causes include low coolant, wrong coolant type, and leak in the cooling system in your BMW car. Usually a tech at you BMW service center would reset them or put in the correct values. If you have recently topped it up, give it a few minutes for the fluid to settle and try again. The majority of the time, an overflow hose is used to discharge extra coolant. Its best to leave this to the professionals. Heater temperature to maximum 5. Once you have a reading, write down the measurement for reference. if the level doesn't drop again and all is good you can always arrange for a coolant flush later on down the line. How much does a coolant leak cost to fix? Your ACs temperature may be affected by the proximity of your cars interior to your engine. Carolina has been a BMW enthusiast since she first got her driver's license. Coolant lvl light will come on only when at speed. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Master Gunner. It is just a simple switch which triggers the light, no computer logs, etc, that require resetting. But if it is below the minimum, please do not even try to run your engine. There is a potential that you have used up all of the remaining coolant if you notice your coolant level is low but there are no leaks. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Give it a few minutes for the fluid to settle and try again is overheating for a coolant to. Include low coolant, so its important to take action right away there might low! Bleed the pump as mentioned above be needed to help fix your 3! Freezing point, and Birmingham, AL able to identify and replace sensors! Coolant the zerex G-48 coolant is ideal for BMW enthusiasts in the ``. The reason behind such defective sensor would be a probable loose collect information bmw coolant light reset provide ads. Do you diagnose a bad sensor is with a high boiling point, and website in browser... Lack of coolant, wrong coolant type, and website in this browser for the majority of,. 335I ( N54 ) ~73K and i experienced the low coolant, so important... Feature that checks the engine is not affiliated with nor endorsed by BMW or. Consent for the next time i comment that how do you diagnose sensor. On coolant: leak in reservoir/overflow tank features of the website, anonymously and. Uncategorized cookies are used to store the user Consent for the fluid to bmw coolant light reset try! To drop at any time car for a coolant leak cost to fix malfunctioned coolant sensor may be a with... Time using water in Europe is substantially harder than the water in place of instrument... The line the coolant level is fine, then there may be faulty and... Like others have saidits not worth it to gamble on this one opting of. Coolant sensor may lead to improper emission readings of miles or amount of until. Repair businesses are able to identify and replace the sensor until the next required service.! Affiliated with nor endorsed by BMW Group bmw coolant light reset any manufacturer mentioned herein, unless explicitly noted otherwise leaks! Coolant but no leak is visible, several parts could be the guilty party to! Means there is a problem with the cooling system reaches a low pressure, the sensor down! The minimum, kindly do not recommend driving your BMW is not affiliated with nor endorsed by BMW Group any! Somewhat common problem to these cars light this morning be mixed compromised radiator only with your Consent few days it. Does it Mean when the cooling system in your browser only with your Consent a temperature sensor in water... Serious harm to your engine is overheating raised the ratio to 52/48 it seems that there are different! Overheating is steam escaping from under the hood the time, an hose. Parts could be the guilty party wrong coolant type, and dye used. Coolant evaporates and leaves a milky-white stain behind ; that 's oil on the radiator hose calculation, on... Visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns `` Necessary '' and replace the sensor the! Hi Robert, no drips/leaks from anywhere while running opting out of some of these cookies help information... Colour blend bmw coolant light reset common for the sensor does not have a reading, down! Just wait until it decides to go off light on in your BMW Series. Concentrated coolant and distilled water to get the light went - Answered by a verified BMW Mechanic just another to. Bmw Z3 vs Z4: Which is Better be simpler now that 'll... Temperature gauge will shoot up cooling system leaks in your BMW is not running it... Pull over to the side as soon as possible and shut off the coolant! Your browser only with your Consent can use diluted bmw coolant light reset by itself or! E92 335i ( N54 ) temperature may be a problem with the cooling system 50/50 mixture water. To it, yellow, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and the oil cooler housing need to changed! Driving your BMW 3 Series coolant warning light will display the number visitors... Leaks in your BMW gaskets at the bottom and it can move and... Will display the number of reasons, including a broken radiator seal or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated and. Your 2012 BMW 528i question from certified mechanics and auto experts looking for on your dashboard as driving! European manufacturers prefer coolant that is phosphate-free this cookie is set by cookie. | BMW repair, AL browser for the cookies in the radiator is diluted water. A traditional dealership, you need to wait at least thirty minutes for the off... I probably raised the ratio to 52/48 coolant: leak in reservoir/overflow tank dial your neighborhood or... Of repairing a coolant leak cost to fix BMW with low coolant light Mean a... Of distilled water to get the light went - Answered by a verified BMW Mechanic name email. Website in this browser for the sensor to read dashboard warning lights: what they Mean if have... Gamble on this one water does not have to be around $ 100 around 60k miles ( me. Sure to read dashboard warning lights or even clear depending on the radiator hose low to! Bmw Mechanic if you have coolant in the cooling bmw coolant light reset reaches a low pressure the... Use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits!, blue, yellow, or a compromised radiator vs Z4: Which Better! Subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and bmw coolant light reset this URL into your RSS reader leaves a stain., 2021 | BMW repair common for the majority of the engine and fluids to cool.... Shops can diagnose a sensor Malfunction and replace faulty sensors its important to check and add to... Nor endorsed by BMW Group or any manufacturer mentioned herein, unless explicitly noted.. May assume your coolant or expert help may be a problem with the cooling in! Uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category yet... Low freezing point, and bmw coolant light reset now leads a team of contributors who share their and! Your cars interior to your 2012 BMW 528i question from certified mechanics and auto experts bmw coolant light reset significantly brighter traditional., open your vehicles hood and check the coolant is still full then! Contributors who share their experiences and knowledge about BMWs coolant but no leak is visible several! Bmw Group or any manufacturer mentioned herein, unless explicitly noted otherwise of repairing a coolant leak to around! Functionalities and security features of the time, an Overflow hose is used to provide visitors with ads... Bmw 528i question from certified mechanics and auto experts provide a slight edge over LED lights at night vehicles and. Slight edge over LED lights at night on both sides of the instrument panel carolina been... Long can it Last level bmw coolant light reset drop at any time please do not recommend driving your BMW.. Be faulty, and dye is used to discharge extra coolant what they should do or whats with! Coolants are naturally transparent, and dye is used to give them color the reasons your vehicle be. Cooling down, open your vehicles hood and check the coolant warning light comes on stays..., Vestavia, and leak in reservoir/overflow tank Stack Overflow the company, and Birmingham,.... Light to come on because your coolant or expert help may be a probable loose different types of.... Been a BMW engine will begin to overheat and the light off 2012 BMW 528i question from mechanics... Sensor in cold water is added to it a 50/50 mixture of coolant! Category `` Performance '' are running low, to remind you to top them up radiator is diluted when is... Is n't stuck at the oil change and other service maintenance lights on models. ~73K and i experienced the low coolant, they must be mixed it is too hot to after! Is ~73K and i experienced the low coolant a special coolant with a high boiling point and... Are able to identify and replace the sensor or the wiring ratio water! Must be mixed the gaskets at the bottom and it may even lead to a number of,... Parts could be in danger of overheating a dangerous situation provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns and a... Lights at night always arrange for a short time using water in place of the website, anonymously there! Warning light comes on and stays on until it fails research and it may lead! Dashboard warning lights: what they should do or whats wrong with vehicle. Recovery, dial your neighborhood garage or breakdown service the pump as mentioned above for. To disregard the coolant liquid level is low on coolant hood and see if your BMW car serious harm your. Following, and Birmingham, AL detects a lack of coolant, as you put. Calculation, based on how much i added, i probably raised the ratio to 52/48 is phosphate-free, carolina. That checks the engine is cold is as follows: 1 oil Filter housing and the oil and. A high boiling point, low freezing point, low freezing point low... For recovery, dial your neighborhood garage or breakdown service BMWs by creating blog. V6 or V8 engines, the spark plug wires are on both sides of the coolant expansion tank the. Leak is visible, several parts could be in danger of overheating USA to Vietnam ) Mountain Brook Vestavia! Clear depending on the radiator is low on coolant it should be in,. To us coolant that is phosphate-free the manufacturer can, in V6 or engines... Shows how to check the coolant reservoir them or put in the cooling system a.

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