New to working on my R56, any one know if the engine coolant temp sensor is the sensor on lower passenger side of radiator or is it the one in the terrible thermostat housing? thanks for any help...

 

Its on the thermostat housing, you should be able to replace it without removing the thermostat housing though, its a bit of a tight fit, but doable. You have to move the wiring harness out of the way, if I remember correctly, which should give you enough room to unclip the plug and remove the green locking clip. The sensor just pops out after the clip is removed, you may or may not lose some coolant when you remove the sensor.

 

cool thanks.....

 

Yes, as R56typeS said, it's on the thermostat. We have a tech article that can help you with its removal if needed. It also has a lot of great tips like using a 90 degree pick to release and disconnect the electrical connectors on it since it's a bit tight to get to it. Be sure to not lose the little green clip. CLICK HERE and then go to Tech Info (tab at top) > R56 Articles > Engine > Coolant Temperature and Oil Pressure Sensor Replacing. Sensor HERE if needed.

 

ok so I replaced my ECT sensor and while I was there I replaced thermostat housing from what I read on a few threads seemed like preventive maintenance, anyone know why the fan is still running all the time and same code is on....PO117?

 

Did you bleed the system properly and clear the code first? Check over all the connections and inspect the wiring to make sure nothing is damaged or corroded. HERE are some more suggestions to check out.

 

Yea I cleared code but same PO 117 code came back and fans stay running, I've tried several different approaches to bleeding, raised the front end of car about 1 foot to ensure the overflow is the highest point, I've tried several times using the bleeder screw, I have heat on high....it blows hot air and doesn't overheat, just sets code 117 and fans constantly run even when car off for anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes....maybe a trip to dealer is in future although I don't want to....

 

Check the connectors and make sure they're in the correct spot and not loose. Check over the wiring as well and make sure nothing is damaged or corroded. Coolant level is good correct? Check out this thread HERE for some good resistance info that you can test out.

 

What year and model R56 is this ?

 

The fan will usually keep running if its not getting a signal from the sensor, I dont remember if its possible to swap plugs from the sensor to the thermostat (the other plug on the bottom of the housing), but as pelicanparts mentioned, double check the plug connections...odd that its still throwing the code. Not what you want to hear, but it is possible to get bad parts that are brand new (I went through 3 thermostats in a rather short amount of time, so yeah), new sensor might be bad.