"Coolant Level" Warning

[Calico_NC]

I know that the coolant level is not low, but why has this warning been showing for the last 4 or 5 months. It started happening when the shop installed a new fan assembly b/c the a/c was not working. Ever since then it's been comming on every time i start my car. Could it be a sensor or something? If so, how do u install it?

[dacoyote]

I know that the coolant level is not low, but why has this warning been showing for the last 4 or 5 months. It started happening when the shop installed a new fan assembly b/c the a/c was not working. Ever since then it's been comming on every time i start my car. Could it be a sensor or something? If so, how do u install it?

Yes... how about a little 411 about the car?

[DaveVoorhis]

In my 525i, the sensor is located on the bottom of the radiator expansion tank, and is secured with a plastic nut. It's easily removed if the radiator is pulled out, but I'd check the sensor lead connector first. It's inclined to get contaminated with road salt and whatnot, and may be corroded. I cleaned mine with a file after the warning appeared intermittently, even after the sensor was replaced. The warning hasn't appeared since.

The sensor itself has several failure modes. Careless removal of the sensor can easily result in its float being pulled off in the expansion tank, and water and road salt can invade the sensor and corrode the innards until there's nothing left.

And, of course, if the problem has appeared immediately after shop repairs, it's possible the shop dislodged or removed the sensor lead and forgot to put it back.

[Kalevera]

Ditto, it's usually the harness connector and not the sensor itself.

best, whit

[Calico_NC]

thanks ill check that out! ASAP!

[Springfield1952]

FYI Calico - when you post it's a good idea to tell what year & model you have since there are so many different flavors of e34. You might also put it in you profile (like mine is above). That way the responses you get can be tailored to your particular car. Welcome to the board.

Curt.

[Calico_NC]

okay i got you

[miliue]

Late reply here but, if it's not the harness connector, it could just be some grit in the expansion tank that has jammed the float on the sensor.

If you feel up to it, drain your radiator a bit and unscrew the coolant level sensor (located at the bottom of your expansion tank) and make sure the float moves freely.

[Calico_NC]

okay im'a gather all the info and make an attempt at it. not really too familar with cars though, im only 20.