Where is the coolant temperature sensor located on the BMW N20 engine?
2 Answers
The engine coolant temperature sensor is located on the radiator, positioned below the radiator electric fan. It's situated next to the transmission cooling pipe. Composition of the coolant temperature sensor: The coolant level and temperature sensor consists of a thermostat section and a water level control section. It's paired with a pressure reduction device before the electric valve and a rotary muffler heater for heating purposes. Function of the coolant temperature sensor: The coolant temperature sensor converts coolant temperature into electrical signals. After being input to the ECU, it can: adjust fuel injection quantity (increasing injection during cold conditions); modify ignition timing (advancing timing during cold starts and retarding to prevent knocking at high temperatures); influence idle control valve operation (ECU adjusts idle speed based on coolant temperature signals); and affect EGR valve operation.
I just worked on my BMW N20, and the coolant temperature sensor is located on the coolant pipe at the front of the engine. Upon closer inspection, it's tucked away on a small bracket next to the thermostat, which is a bit tricky to find because it's partially covered by other hoses. The position is crucial as it directly affects the temperature display on the dashboard. If the sensor fails, the dashboard might show a red warning light, signaling potential engine overheating damage. When I was working on it, I found that taking a photo of the engine bay with my phone helped locate the sensor more easily. Remember to let the engine cool for at least half an hour before starting any work to avoid burns. Regularly checking this component can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, as poor temperature control can reduce fuel efficiency, leading to higher fuel costs—definitely not worth it. If you're handy, keeping a spare sensor on hand can save you a trip to the repair shop.
