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Another coolant thread - I need your guidance on 91 ix

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    #1

    Another coolant thread - I need your guidance on 91 ix

    I am over paranoid about taking the next actions and need you guys help.

    I bought a coolant level sensor to install and get rid of that pesky light on the display. I removed the old sensor and inserted the new one, reattached wires and still light on. While the sensor was out I noticed it was low. So I went to BMW and bought some coolant.

    Here is my worry. I just want to top of the coolant to check and see if that fixes the light indicator. But after reading countless threads about do-this or dont-do-that I am paranoid to add the current BMW coolant to the reservoir and mix brands, or mess up the pressure of the system. I have no clue what is already in the system, and I have to believe the pressure would have been messed up once I took out the sensor. That just seems logical.

    Note: the coolant level light has been on the whole time i have owned my car. When it was looked at I had a mech check that issue and he said it was good, levels were fine and probably a faulty sensor.

    Should I open the reservoir and add the BMW coolant?

    Other suggestions to give me more paranoia? I am sure this is a total noob post, and sorry if answered a million times.
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    #2
    There is no harm in mix and matching coolant, although for practical reasons I would not use a fresh jug of genuine BMW coolant to top up or test a system. Since you don't know what's in there and some coolants contain phosphates which are bad for aluminum, top up your system with distilled water and do all the testing and repairs needed and THEN drain it all, including the block, flush if necessary and use your BMW blue with distilled water. That's a 2 year maintenance item.

    As for the coolant level, the after market sensor I bought is not reliable so don't put all your faith in them. It's just a float switch so use a VOM to see if it opens and closes when you move the float.

    I also don't understand your concern about pressure. Just don't open the reservoir lid when the engine is hotmor it could over flow.
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      #3
      Originally posted by jeffnhiscars View Post
      There is no harm in mix and matching coolant, although for practical reasons I would not use a fresh jug of genuine BMW coolant to top up or test a system. Since you don't know what's in there and some coolants contain phosphates which are bad for aluminum, top up your system with distilled water and do all the testing and repairs needed and THEN drain it all, including the block, flush if necessary and use your BMW blue with distilled water. That's a 2 year maintenance item.

      As for the coolant level, the after market sensor I bought is not reliable so don't put all your faith in them. It's just a float switch so use a VOM to see if it opens and closes when you move the float.

      I also don't understand your concern about pressure. Just don't open the reservoir lid when the engine is hotmor it could over flow.

      Cool - This is inline with what I was thinking and reaffirms my biggest concern of mixing products. Thanks for the easy to follow info.
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        #4
        I agree with Jeff. For testing purposes, you can get a gallon of premixed Prestone at WallyWorld if you're concerned about diluting your antifreeze mixture. Only after the leaks are sorted and your level indicator is working correctly would it be time for the coolant flush with that beautiful blue BMW coolant.
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          #5
          sensor

          I have the same car and the same problem with the light on but not always. After trying to clean the sensor I bought a new one but the problem persists but again not always. I know I have the right kind and amount of coolant and no leaks in the system. Temp is always normal. What else goes wrong that be corrected or can the sensor be inacticated or bypassed in some manner?

          Comment

            #6
            Originally posted by JIM1inWisconsin View Post
            I have the same car and the same problem with the light on but not always. After trying to clean the sensor I bought a new one but the problem persists but again not always. I know I have the right kind and amount of coolant and no leaks in the system. Temp is always normal. What else goes wrong that be corrected or can the sensor be inacticated or bypassed in some manner?
            Is your plug making good contact? I know I had to bend one of the prongs so the plug wouldn't rattle off. Haven't had an issue with it since.

            Comment

              #7
              sensor

              Does not plug in very tight. I'll try what you've suggested.

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