When your BMW’s coolant light comes on, it can give you a startle. Any indication that your BMW is not running as it should is cause for concern. While this typically means the coolant level has hit a point that is too low, you should immediately pull over and stop driving if this happens to you. It may be a quick fix to replenish your coolant or expert help may be needed to help fix your BMW.
Troubleshooting When Your BMW’s Coolant Light Comes On
Working on your vehicle when its coolant light comes on is never suggested due to the extreme heat involved and possible damage that needs to be assessed. It’s best to leave this to the professionals. Yet, there are a few things you can immediately do to give your mechanic more information about the issue you are experiencing.
- Pull over and turn off your vehicle. This can prevent further damage in the event an underlying issue could cause a larger, more serious problem. It is also a safety concern if you continue to drive with your low coolant.
- After your engine has cooled down, check your coolant level. Be sure to wait until your vehicle has cooled to avoid potential burn hazards when you remove the radiator cap. Most engines will take at least 30 minutes to cool down. If your level is seriously low, this is likely the cause of your light’s illumination.
Common Causes of Coolant Light Illumination
You may assume your coolant light may have come on because your coolant level is low or insufficient. While this is true for the majority of instances, it isn’t always the case. There are several other reasons this may happen that are unrelated to the amount of coolant in your BMW:
- Overheating from hauling a heavy load
- Damaged radiator fan
- Clogged radiator
- Bad water pump
- Broken serpentine belt
- Clogged catalytic converter
Most of these issues will have to be fixed by a trained mechanic. Very few people know how to safely fix these problems on their own. Topping off your coolant is one thing, but checking out leaks or larger issues is a whole new ballgame for the average BMW owner.
Coolant Light Comes On And Goes Off
If one minute your coolant light is on and the next it is off, this can be indicative of issues outside the cooling system. This can certainly be a confusing occurrence that can be caused by one of the following:
- Your vehicle could be low on antifreeze if it is leaking from another area in the cooling system of your BMW.
- An expansion tank leak could have occurred.
- A failing sensor issue could be the culprit.
- The cooling system may need to be flushed.
If you are uncertain about why your BMW’s coolant light keeps going on and off, it’s a good idea to have it looked at by a professional who has knowledge and experience in this area. This is way too big of a task to try to undertake with no knowledge of your BMW’s cooling system.
The Professionals at Elite BMW & Benz MD’s will Inspect Your BMW
Whether your BMW’s coolant light just came on or it has been an ongoing problem, the professionals at Elite BMW & Benz MD’s can help. Our repair specialists offer 
diagnostic testing, mechanical repairs, and maintenance that are sure to get your BMW back on the road again. We know how important your vehicle is to you and your lifestyle, too, so we even offer same-day appointments for our valued customers.
As an alternative to a traditional dealership, you can rest assured you aren’t just another number to us. We treat all of our clients with respect and honesty, as that’s what we would want from our BMW repair shop. Our customers have invested in an elite type of vehicle in their BMW, so we want to offer matching quality of service, too.
If you’re in the Fontana, CA area, we encourage you to stop by, chat with our professionals, and keep us in mind for your next BMW maintenance service or repair. Keep our number in your phone or give us a call today at (909) 997-1731.