There can be several reasons why your BMW’s coolant light is coming on. Before digging into the repair, let’s take a look at what could be causing the warning light to illuminate. One thing is certain: a coolant light being on is a serious warning that needs to be addressed right away. In this article, we will take a look at not only what could be causing your coolant light to come on, but also other symptoms that may show themselves before a warning is given.
Reasons a Coolant Light Triggers
The coolant light in your BMW serves a vital purpose. Before there were coolant light warnings, the car would be severely damaged before the driver could figure out what was going on. Here are a few reasons why your coolant light is on in your BMW.
- Thermostat issues can cause a coolant light to trigger. Although the light in the specific sense is to let you know that your coolant mix is low, having an issue with your thermostat will not allow the coolant a return to the sensor that indicates full coolant levels
- Low fluid, as we just discussed, will cause the light to display. The simple check for this is to have your fluid level checked.
- A bad full sensor is the reason you could have a full reservoir of coolant, but still have a warning light indicated. The problem is, if you suspect it is the sensor but are not sure, do not take a chance on operating your vehicle.
- Water pump and clogged line issues can cause your coolant light to activate as well. Just as we mentioned with the bad thermostat, these issues will cause the same low level of coolant warning.
- Coolant leaks are, of course, another reason your BMW will display the warning light. If you have a leak in your coolant lines, water pump or any seal throughout your system, it will drain your coolant level.
- The wrong types of coolant used within your BMW can cause system and sensor issues. Not all coolants are the same, and the type of coolant used matters. Before filling your coolant reservoir yourself with coolant, make sure that you read the car’s manual prior to purchasing and adding it yourself.
Can I Drive With A Coolant Light On?
If you experience a coolant light displayed on your BMW, the first thing to do is to find a safe place to park your car and call for your car to be serviced. Driving your car in an overheated state for even a few minutes can cause irreparable damage to your engine and transmission.
Best Way To Fix Your BMW’s Coolant Light
To have your BMW fixed for a coolant light indication is to have your car taken to a certified BMW repair shop to have your car checked. Making sure that you use an experienced BMW technician is important due to the engineering differences in European-engineered cars and the expert training BMW technicians have to fix the problem correctly.
For those who have not had an issue with their BMW’s coolant light, now is the time to become proactive in preventative maintenance on your car. BMW has established servicing intervals for your car and its components. When your BMW is regularly serviced, parts such as hoses, sensors, thermostats, and other components of the coolant system are checked for condition. By keeping your car serviced on time and regularly, you can save yourself money and time in expensive repairs and possibly several days to weeks without your car while it is being repaired.
Your BMW Experts
If your coolant light is on in your BMW, bring it to us at Dublin Auto Care. Servicing the Dublin, CA area for years, our ASE-certified automotive repair facility specializes in BMW, MINI, Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Our team of certified expert technicians will troubleshoot any coolant-related issues with your BMW’s coolant light indication and eradicate the problem causing the system trigger. Contact us today to have your BMW repaired or start a service plan that will keep you and your car on the road for many years to come.
