Coolant level warning displays only at start up?

[Gene in NC]

Coolant level warning displays only at start up? What's up with that? "89 525 180k mi.

[ScottyWM]

Mine will do that when it is right at the sensor level. When warm the coolant expands, so you don't get the warning. When cold... well you get the idea.

[uberhahn]

Same here in my M60 530i.

I've got a small leak somewhere in the heater core. $$ to repair, so I live with it, as it is minor. I typically get the message when cold, once started, gone within 30 sec. Testing after a hot-restart shows no message.

uberhahn

[Akhil]

Take the coolant level sensor connector out and short 2 terminals with a jumper wire. Then start the engine. If you don't get that message now, means your sensor is bad. I replaced mine 2 weeks ago. I had the same problem as you have.

[Eric Clark]

Same here in my M60 530i.

I've got a small leak somewhere in the heater core. $$ to repair, so I live with it, as it is minor. I typically get the message when cold, once started, gone within 30 sec. Testing after a hot-restart shows no message.

uberhahn

Heater core is a rather inexpensive repair if you do the work yourself. Cost for parts is under $150. It is a bit of a pain but Johntee540 and I can walk you through it after we learned the hard way.

[zuzuk212]

Also ... take a look in the expansion tank ... if you see something floating around the top and looks like a tube ... it's the float from the sensor. I had this happen.

Ken

[Paul in NZ]

dont you also get the warning when you switch of????(if you have had the warning at all)

[Rob]

Yeah I think you do. I get Low Engine oil and low coolant level when I start up. But I checked engine oil it seems fine..:

[Gene in NC]

aul, may be getting at shutoff. My son has the car 150 mi away. Will request update.

What is significane of msg at shutoff?

[uscharalph]

Heater core is a rather inexpensive repair if you do the work yourself. Cost for parts is under $150. It is a bit of a pain but Johntee540 and I can walk you through it after we learned the hard way.

That's a lot of labor - Heater Core. How long did it take you guys?