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Thread: 325E "Thermo Time Swtch" For Cold Start Valve. $180!? Anyone have one/way to bypass?

  1. #1
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    Thumbs down 325E "Thermo Time Swtch" For Cold Start Valve. $180!? Anyone have one/way to bypass?

    The $200 e30 is still having a hard time starting when its cold out. I replaced the ECU temp sensor, cleaned AFM and throttle body, adjust idle control valve and it made it run SOO much better.

    Well that sensor was only $20 locally with my shop discount.

    The "Thermo Time Swtch" For Cold Start Valve I can get online for.... $180! Thats just crazy.

    temp_sens_1.jpg

    ALSO the previous owner replaced the cold start valve with a tested good one from a re-supplier.

    So, I am not going to pay that for a stupid temp sensor just for cold starts.

    Does anyone have A GOOD used one for sale?

    OR how about this?
    Its just a switch right? What if I ran wires from it to a push button in the cab and when the car is cold you hold the button while starting? Will this work? Or for that matter could do the same thing but have the button apply voltage to the cold start valve?
    Will either of these work?

    Thanks!
    Last edited by darknezz7; 09-24-2017 at 02:26 PM.
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  2. #2
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  3. #3
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    No e30s, again :(
    I like your push button idea, though
    No e30s again.

  4. #4
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    But will it work? I guess one way to find out lol. Watch it fry the ecu.

    Its $180 everywhere, bmw part, no aftermarket.

    part #
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    Last edited by darknezz7; 09-29-2017 at 09:19 PM.
    Slowly climbing the ladder. But never reach the top.
    Click Car 4 Build!
    '86 325es-Turbo m30!
    '94 325iA-Clean DD
    '94 530i
    -6 Spd swp
    '89 Cherokee 4x4-4.7L stroker
    '97 Eclipse Spyder-4g64/63 stroker Turbo.
    '89 535is-RIP 2020, engine now in e30!
    '84 318is-RIP 2016.

    '89 535iA-Parted 2012
    94' 530iA-RIP 2004, engine in new 530i
    '78 530ia-first car RIP 2005

  5. #5
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
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    Best bet is another good used one. It was found on many of the Jetronic and Motronic 1.0 cars. But yes you could simply replace it with a switch. It's job is to activate the cold start valve for a variable length of time (<8 sec) depending on coolant temperature. Have you actually tested the switch?

    This switch controls the length of time the CSV remains open. Time varies according to coolant temperature. Maximum time is 8 seconds.
    1. Make sure coolant temp is below 86° F (30° C).
    2. Disable ignition system. This is to prevent the car from starting while cranked.
    3. Disconnect the CSV harness and place a volt meter or test light across the connector pins.
    4. Have a helper crank the engine. The test light should go out after no more than 8 seconds. A warmer engine will have the light go out sooner.
    How to troubleshoot if the light fails to light. Failure will be caused by either power not reaching the switch, or the switch is not closing to ground.
    1. Disconnect the thermo time switch.
    2. Check for voltage at the G terminal (black/yellow wire) on the connector when the engine is cranking.
    3. Check for continuity between the W terminal on the switch and ground. Coolant temperature below 86° F (30° C) should be closed. Above 105° F (40° C) that the switch should be open. Between those temps is undefined.
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  6. #6
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    No e30s, again :(
    did it work?
    No e30s again.

  7. #7
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    Lol. Still havnt messed with it. Funny how when you work at a shop and have the privilege to use all the equipment you need, in a warm private place, but dont want to be there after work cause you just worked mostly on fords all day....

    Yes I did test the switch and wiring, its def the thermo time switch sensor... ill just jumper the switch this weekend and see if it starts. then wire in a button. or fry the circuit ya know whatever.

    It is getting painted on sunday tho, at least I plan too... so many projects, trying to finish up the 535i motor too.
    Slowly climbing the ladder. But never reach the top.
    Click Car 4 Build!
    '86 325es-Turbo m30!
    '94 325iA-Clean DD
    '94 530i
    -6 Spd swp
    '89 Cherokee 4x4-4.7L stroker
    '97 Eclipse Spyder-4g64/63 stroker Turbo.
    '89 535is-RIP 2020, engine now in e30!
    '84 318is-RIP 2016.

    '89 535iA-Parted 2012
    94' 530iA-RIP 2004, engine in new 530i
    '78 530ia-first car RIP 2005

  8. #8
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    Wired 12v to the thermo switch from a fuse through a 15amp push button next to the headlight knob. Press for a few secs and hold while turning key. Starts cold every time. $5 push buttton > $180 thermo time switch.
    Slowly climbing the ladder. But never reach the top.
    Click Car 4 Build!
    '86 325es-Turbo m30!
    '94 325iA-Clean DD
    '94 530i
    -6 Spd swp
    '89 Cherokee 4x4-4.7L stroker
    '97 Eclipse Spyder-4g64/63 stroker Turbo.
    '89 535is-RIP 2020, engine now in e30!
    '84 318is-RIP 2016.

    '89 535iA-Parted 2012
    94' 530iA-RIP 2004, engine in new 530i
    '78 530ia-first car RIP 2005

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