Jump to content
SAU Community

Recommended Posts

thermostat stuck open, faulty gauge or faulty temp sender.

could be any of the above.

gauge can be tested with gauge tester or resistor of known value, sender can be checked with multimeter and compare resistance to specs, thermostat can be removed and visually inspected and also thrown into boiling water with thermometer and check operation is as per specs.

everything can be tested really easy (if you know what your doing) and shouldn't cost much either if you go to a pro to get it looked out. 1/2 hour you could diagnose it for sure.

There's nothing wrong with your gauge, your temp sensor or your thermostat (what the hell were you thinking jamie?)

It in the acceptable range, It wont even move off the stop until you are at close to 60 degrees

It's stable

And the car can obviously drive for 2 hours flawlessly enough that you start looking for problems where they don't exist.

What possible reason can you have for thinking it's broken?

There's nothing wrong with your gauge, your temp sensor or your thermostat (what the hell were you thinking jamie?)

It in the acceptable range, It wont even move off the stop until you are at close to 60 degrees

It's stable

And the car can obviously drive for 2 hours flawlessly enough that you start looking for problems where they don't exist.

What possible reason can you have for thinking it's broken?

Because it use to sit at halfway and not it only just goes past cold only mod are cat back exhaust and pod filter and running 10 psi

mods won't effect it.

If the thermostat was stuck open you'd see the car take longer to heat up but in stop/start driving the temperature would still get up to normal range, then drop back down on freeway driving. There isn't anything wrong with the car in that regard.

Has it just suddenly dropped or has it slowly been creeping down over time? Has the engine bay been steam cleaned or anything recently?

Before doing anything else, pull the connector off the temp sensor in the engine bay (it's the 1 wire sensor on the front of the engine next to where the top radiator hose joints the inlet manifold) and make sure it isn't corroded. clean it up if it is, pull the plug off and on a few times to clean the contact.

If that doesn't fix it, then just keep an eye on the gauge and see if it is dropping slowly. if it is, then it is most like the sensor, but that is pretty unusual.

I still say thermostat....... When its stuck open in all cases ive seen the temp will not get close to halfway where it should and just sits around cold all the time.....I just replaced mine it was doing the same thing. Replace it, will cost you $25 can be found where the bottom radiator hose meets the engine block. Take the 3 bolts out and just wack a new one in. Try that before you start thinking about pulling sensors and what not out. But do check the temp sensor switch for corrosion/loose connection etc as BHDave said.

I still say thermostat....... When its stuck open in all cases ive seen the temp will not get close to halfway where it should and just sits around cold all the time.....I just replaced mine it was doing the same thing. Replace it, will cost you $25 can be found where the bottom radiator hose meets the engine block. Take the 3 bolts out and just wack a new one in. Try that before you start thinking about pulling sensors and what not out. But do check the temp sensor switch for corrosion/loose connection etc as BHDave said.

ok thanks will do it tomorrow

if you know someone with nissan consult, get them to plug it in diagnostic port and check the actual temp. should be around 80deg or so.

you don't want it running cold and causing excessive fuel consumption and engine wear and tear.

laser thermometer on top radiator hose also is not a bad idea if you have one handy.

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • Out here E90s are the cheapest way into a sporty-ish car because everyone knows just how expensive the repairs can get. 8-10k USD for an automatic 335i. 
    • Noted. Have noticed BMW are more 'high maintenance' for sure. They've attracted my attention as I think the used car prices seem reasonable vs other options, and the extra quality overall vs a commodore / camry / corolla or similar of the same vintage is appealing, especially the interior, and they are more on the sporty side whereas the others mentioned can be more cruising or economical A-to-B only.
    • Haha yeah I know, this is SAU after all, why are we talking about BMW's of all things!? I hear you on the 'don't have to worry about it' side of things. Having been fortunate enough to be have been able to buy a brand new motorbike or two...never really enjoyed them as much as I'd have liked as you worry so much about where you park it, will it get scratched, stolen, attempted theft, knocked over, etc...and yes dirty. Older less valuable bikes you can just go where you want and park it wherever and not really worry that much in comparison. And who cares if it gets dirty! Never owned a V8, and have had my eyes on VE / VF commodores for years but with their prices climbing so high, the M3 has come into focus more as prices are much closer than I've ever seen...is it a potential contender now?...of course need to factor in the S65 'maintenance' especially and like you said general M car 'tax'. One can dream anyway. But more on the reality front - did read the whole 330i thread as well and was a great read too, both threads enlightening as I've never even driven one of these cars! I do recall 330i didn't seem to have the same amount of issues for almost the same car (turbos and related differences notwithstanding)...perhaps down to getting it earlier in it's life so looked after better than the 335i? Perhaps so as your 130i has been good and quite similar, so finding a car that's been looked after well is the especially-crucial-BMW-first-step.
    • Nice. Dont worry about the time of not running. My current skyline hasn't run since I bought it. About 8 years ago.
    • It's also worth noting that I am heavily and unconditionally biased. I've had a lot of cars including some GTRs a fair while ago. I love my BMW's now a lot. They make no sense a lot of the time and the guys on here remind me regularly that I could get something else that does what I want better and cheaper. If you're going to take on an older BMW it's definitely a commitment. If you bail on it early you'll lose money and also the ability for it to put a smile on your face. Stick with it and it just gets better.  f**k I should get into advertising.  
×
×
  • Create New...