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Thread: Coolant level sensor issue

  1. #26
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    As far as I know the magnet is in the Styrofoam float. All it does is provide continuity from one wire to the other one the on the sensor's harness when the cost moves from one position to the other similar to the brake fluid level sensor.

    If you remove the cap when it's completely cooled and the level goes back to normal you shouldn't have to add more coolant.

  2. #27
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    I just got home after a drive and noticed that coolant, is in fact, pretty low.....I'll keep adding more coolant and continue to monitor for leaks. I did do a pretty long drive the other day with the heater on 90/full blast.....definitely one of those stupid problems that is so simple, yet causes big headaches
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!

  3. #28
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    Removed connector to the coolant level sensor in the tank and connected it to my old one...hung it off the coolant temp sensor, turned on the accessories and NO CODE! Going to swap them back out and send the new sensor back to FCP....I verified with a hook that the new sensor in the tank had the float up top so something has to be defective with the new sensor.
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!

  4. #29
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    Getting close now. I can feel the excitement!

  5. #30
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    I wouldn't be so quick to send it back though if you did verify that you were low on coolant.

  6. #31
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    Definitely the sensor....swapped in the old one, problem solved!

    So, if you ever buy a new sensor, before you install it, connect it to the wiring and hang it upside down and see if you get the error!
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!

  7. #32
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    Glad you got it sorted out. Now fill up your coolant and get a warranty exchange from FCP!

  8. #33
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    Well, got the first problem sorted, and I'll have to keep monitoring for the second problem....leaks. I swear, this was the dumbest design ever. Couldn't do the sensor through the through the top so 1) you can remove it easy and 2) you don't lose all the coolant and have to do a bunch of extra steps just to get it out. I just checked and I have a small leak from the sensor. If I turn it, no the nut, the leak will stop. Tried tightening the nut and got it as tight as possible by hand. I just don't have any confidence though.
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!

  9. #34
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    Quote Originally Posted by BMWManiac View Post
    Well, got the first problem sorted, and I'll have to keep monitoring for the second problem....leaks. I swear, this was the dumbest design ever. Couldn't do the sensor through the through the top so 1) you can remove it easy and 2) you don't lose all the coolant and have to do a bunch of extra steps just to get it out. I just checked and I have a small leak from the sensor. If I turn it, no the nut, the leak will stop. Tried tightening the nut and got it as tight as possible by hand. I just don't have any confidence though.
    What kind of coolant tank did you get?

  10. #35
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    Quote Originally Posted by LockDots View Post
    What kind of coolant tank did you get?
    Febi-Bilstein....the problem is, I tighten the nut as tight as possible with my fingers, and there is no leaks. I then bleed the system and when I return later, the pressure seems to be enough to start a leak through the sensor....an annoyance I'll have to keep watching for. If this goes on much longer, I'll bite the bullet and get a OEM tank with new OEM sensor.
    Last edited by BMWManiac; 08-23-2017 at 08:50 AM.
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!

  11. #36
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    Get a Behr tank. They're the OEM for BMW. I've heard the Behr branded stuff isn't good but mine's been holding up fine for over a year now. No leaks or cracks. My sensor is a Febi sensor and I can attest to being able to tighten it really well without leaking.

  12. #37
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    I ordered a behr tank previously and it came cracked....ordered this one because it came without the sensor, tried my old sensor with the febi-bilstein tank, nut was coming loose, so I ordered a febi-bilstein sensor for the febi-bilstein tank, which was DOA......SO, here I am with a Febi-Bilstein tank, Hella/Behr sensor, and right now it is good, but I don't have confidence in it.

    I plan to do a bleed, and then a long drive to make sure all is well.
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!

  13. #38
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    Jeez, you have the worst luck dude lol.

    I wouldn't hold something arriving damaged against the manufacturer. For all you know it could have broken during shipping or handling/processing. You can never go wrong going OE though.

  14. #39
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    And this tank just can't contain the pressure. Testing it at home does nothing. As soon as I go on a long drive, I will home and will be leaking through the sensor and find the nut loose....buying an OEM BMW one and ending this stupid problem once and for all
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!

  15. #40
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    You've got the rubber o-ring on the sensor, correct? P/n 61311361249


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  16. #41
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    Yes, I have the o-ring and took the new one from my new, dead sensor and it didn't work. I don't think it is the seal because the locking nut always comes loose. I even got it on there so tight, I was pretty excited. Filled it up, bled it in my garage to operating temp (180 on my gauge). Let it cool down for a couple of hours, no leaks! Go for a long drive, come home, leaking and burned my damn finger trying to tighten that locking nut (yeah I know it was going to be hot).

    Just removed it, boxed it, and ready to ship....BMW tank should be here in a week or so. I looked on FCP Euro...the Meyle, Behr, and Rein brands are all made in China? I wonder if the BMW branded one will be too? I've never experienced this problem and between the DOA sensor too, it has been one stupid, frustrating problem.
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!

  17. #42
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  18. #43
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    Quote Originally Posted by CvilleBill View Post
    I like being able to look on the side to see where my coolant level is at. I think that tank also looks horrible....maybe the pictures of the installation, but just not a fan. If it fit with stock fan shroud, I'd probably feel different
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!

  19. #44
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    BMW coolant tank installed, sensor screwed on tight, no more leaks....about friggin time
    1997 Arctic Silver/Black M3
    CES Stage IV (651rwhp/615rwtq @ 24 psi)

    1999 Techno Violet/Dove M3
    Auto/Convertible and staying stock!

  20. #45
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    Quote Originally Posted by BMWManiac View Post
    BMW coolant tank installed, sensor screwed on tight, no more leaks....about friggin time
    Told you that's what you had to do!

    Glad you got it sorted out.

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