puzzled by dashboard warning light

i recently bought a '95 BMW 318i. a few days ago, a light went on in my dashboard, which i have been unable to identify. the light is located between the parking brake light (which has the icon of a circle with an exclamation point) and the airbag warning sign at the extreme right side. the icon looks like =[ ]= with three wavy lines on top of the box. i was told that it is a warning light to inform me that these is a problem with the coolant level. i added coolant, but the light still won't go off.

is it serious? what do i need to do to reset/get the light to turn off?

secondly, my "check engine light" goes on and off frequently, especially when i hit low RPMs. but the light goes off by itself when i hit a certain speeds. what does that mean?

thank you for any information you can share with me.

Reply to
stoplite
Loading thread data ...

the float switch in the coolant header tank is faulty...........replace the tank......had same with my Audi.

as for check engine light............could be one of many engine sensors....you may have to get it put on diagnostics.

dj

Reply to
A New Day

Bit drastic - the float is in the cap - so just replace that. But before that try washing the float and making sure it is not stuck at the bottom.

But may flicker if idle is too low.

Has the car been run with low coolant? Could be expensive...

Reply to
R. Mark Clayton

No BMW has a coolant level sensor in the cap.

Umm. Not! Alternator light, oil pressure light? Maybe if the idle drops waaay low. Check Engine light is not dependent on any running condition, it's set when certain parameters are met, or more to the point, not met, by any one of the multitude of sensors, senders and other emissions related components on the vehicle.

Brett Anderson KMS

Reply to
KMS - Brett Anderson

Ummm... Brett - E28 series? E24?

Reply to
admin

No.

-- C.R. Krieger (Not fooled)

Reply to
E28 Guy©

Neither has a coolant level sensor in the cap.

FYI

Brett Anderson KMS

Reply to
KMS - Brett Anderson

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.