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2013 MCS automatic transmission. Coolant leak - yep, it's the thermostat, or possibly the upper hose where it attaches to the thermostat. Parts on order to replace both.
But. My upper coolant hose looks different than in the manual, and in any videos I've seen. Instead of one solid hose from the radiator connecting hose to the thermostat, there's a metal piece with a sensor in it at the elbow. What is this, why is it different, and how is it going to cause me headaches?
The temperature sensor was originally in the thermostat. They had an issue where they would corrode and fail, and there was a recall. The recall fix was to retrofit a temperature sensor in the upper hose.
The revised thermostat you're getting will have a new temperature sensor in it. I believe you will likely need a pigtail wiring adapter to connect to it (there are different versions depending on when your car was manufactured so it can be confusing exactly what to get). The retrofit sensor can be left in place unplugged, or preferably you would replace that hose with the one-piece version because that retrofit sensor has an annoying tendency to leak after a while.
Doing my housing, started tonight. Yes the hoses are different on automatic or manual.
I was going to skip replacing the hose but noticed the temp sensor is probably weeping again so I ordered it from MINI mania. It’ll be nice to eliminate the elbow, might make getting to the oil filter a little easier.
