Hi folks, small pointers pse:-)

[silverback mike]

Hi folks, back again!!
I am now the custodian of neils 328i and intend to give it some tlc (and major beans)
couple of things. The obc is saying check coolant sensor... Now is this the one on the top of the rad or a hidden one?
Also it goes very well but intermittently loses power and goes limp, after being left, fires up and fine again for a bit..... Coil breaking down? Throttle control module? Intriguing one this :-)
ta folks

[silverback mike]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. I thought it may be a spark issue as it happens intermittently. Could the coolant sensor cause the ecu to temporarily to 'limp' until re started? I'll start by changing the plugs and have a fiddle with the leads. Unfortunately can't fit a reader on it till Thursday, cheers for the help though

[miniman]

silverback mike said:

Could the coolant sensor cause the ecu to temporarily to 'limp' until re started?

My immediate thought was that the two things were related. Have you got access to INPA?

[silverback mike]

Thanks guys, I've checked levels and all fine.
Miniman, what's inpa?

[miniman]

INPA is the BMW diagnostic software. I've found it invaluable for getting to the bottom of niggly things. My local indy wanted £75 to plug it in; I bought the cable from eBay for £50.

If you buy the cable, you will almost certainly find that the seller has **accidentally** left a copy of the software in the box.

[R6dug]

Mine does it it comes up check coolant level

Simon

[Mattt]

jz325i said:

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Disclaimer: These are just my opinions. I do not give advice. You should seek professional advice if you have any concerns or queries.

You really don't need to put that.

[silverback mike]

jz325i said:

silverback mike said:

Thanks guys, I've checked levels and all fine.

Could you check to see if there's a wire not pluged in at the bottom right of the radiator. I don't think that a BMW readout inside the car would be technical, and I'm still thinking that "check coolant sensor" readout is related to the level sensor.

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Disclaimer: These are just my opinions. I do not give advice. You should seek professional advice if you have any concerns or queries.

thanks again chaps yes, I am a complete plum, it does say check coolant level not so sure thus would cause intermittent failure and poor running for a few goes until it fires up and is ok, very very odd. I do like a puzzle

[silverback mike]

Well, coils checked. Plugs changed, back seat lifted, wires to fuel pump checked, still doing it, only when it's warm though. Hmmmmm. bks

[silverback mike]

Thanks jz. It has a brand new crank sensor as that was the initial diagnosis. With regard to the relays, are the important ones under the bonnet or elsewhere? I've also removed the back seat and checked the wiring to the fuel pump etc..
Your help is apreciated

[neil_bolton]

silverback mike said:

Thanks jz. It has a brand new crank sensor as that was the initial diagnosis. With regard to the relays, are the important ones under the bonnet or elsewhere? I've also removed the back seat and checked the wiring to the fuel pump etc..
Your help is apreciated

Mike, it had a new Cam sensor - I didn't do the crank sensor (as my knuckles already hated me)

[silverback mike]

Aha!!! My mistake chum, thought it was the crank sensor you changed which is why I discounted it....so, I've nipped down to the dealer and have in my sticky paw a spanking new one. I've whipped the old one off so Friday afternoon I'll pop it on. The car is currently residing in street rather than bristol so will keep you posted matey

[silverback mike]

Update.....

New crank sensor, all sorted. Easy job to do, mot sorted, just a few bits and bobs needed for that.

[steerfromtherear]

Just to add coolan level warning on the obc is almost always the sensor in the expansion tank, common failure on e36. Doesnt affect running at all.

[///Mike]

steerfromtherear said:

Just to add coolan level warning on the obc is almost always the sensor in the expansion tank, common failure on e36. Doesnt affect running at all.

+1 I had this on a 325i years ago.

[MPETT]

I'm getting the message 'check coolant level'. When I press the check button the message goes away. I then press check again and it says 'check control OK' meaning the issues isn't there. When I shut down it reappears and at start up it appear again. I've got a new senor as I figured it has failed somehow. Is it the sensor that fails or is it the connectors? To remove the sensor do I need to drain the rad?

Cheers,

Martin

p.s. the first time the message came up, I check the levels and the coolant was low. Have topped it up and it appears to be going down very slowly. Hoping its not a head gasket. Am going to get it up on a ramp to try and fain a leaking hose pipe. fingers crossed.