Coolant level / Overheat : Code 20a901 : But temps are fine..

Kuch335 · 04-13-2021, 06:23 PM

I've had an engine overheating light come on a couple times in the last few weeks. 2011 X3 35i, the code is 20a901 which states coolant level. Level is fine and temps are well below 250. Any ideas? Is the coolant reservoir supposed to have a little floating level indicator? My 335i does but nothing in the X3.

Thanks!

n55david · 04-15-2021, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuch335

I've had an engine overheating light come on a couple times in the last few weeks. 2011 X3 35i, the code is 20a901 which states coolant level. Level is fine and temps are well below 250. Any ideas? Is the coolant reservoir supposed to have a little floating level indicator? My 335i does but nothing in the X3.

Thanks!

what coolant temps are you seeing?

Bdavi011 · 04-15-2021, 10:47 AM

Maybe water pump or thermostat are on the way out and the car is warning you that the temperature has increased past a safety point?

Coolant reservoir has a non moving level indicator inside of it. Have to look inside of it and you will see something that shows min/max.

Kuch335 · 04-16-2021, 08:57 PM

The dash temp always stays between 195 and 250, never even reaches 250. Occasionally the radiator fan will run non stop and it will get down to the 195 mark. Drove around quite a bit today and got no codes and no fan running.. gremlins.. Stopped by the Porsche dealer, they had an Audi QS5 for 26k, first I've seen one, pretty nice, tempted, lol.

pungo · 04-16-2021, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuch335

The dash temp always stays between 195 and 250, never even reaches 250. Occasionally the radiator fan will run non stop and it will get down to the 195 mark. Drove around quite a bit today and got no codes and no fan running.. gremlins.. Stopped by the Porsche dealer, they had an Audi QS5 for 26k, first I've seen one, pretty nice, tempted, lol.

The dash gauge is oil temp, not coolant temp

Connect a proper scan tool and check for errors and real coolant temps.
Or use the hidden menu to show coolant temp.

BTW, if coolant temp is well above 230F, stop driving the vehicle and have it diagnosed.

n55david · 04-17-2021, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuch335

The dash temp always stays between 195 and 250, never even reaches 250. Occasionally the radiator fan will run non stop and it will get down to the 195 mark. Drove around quite a bit today and got no codes and no fan running.. gremlins.. Stopped by the Porsche dealer, they had an Audi QS5 for 26k, first I've seen one, pretty nice, tempted, lol.

that's not coolant man. you prolly have a legit issue here. you need to get it checked.

04-13-2021, 06:23 PM	#1
Kuch335 2007 335i E92 44 Rep 624 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 TiAg, 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: OH iTrader: (4)	Coolant level / Overheat : Code 20a901 : But temps are fine.. I've had an engine overheating light come on a couple times in the last few weeks. 2011 X3 35i, the code is 20a901 which states coolant level. Level is fine and temps are well below 250. Any ideas? Is the coolant reservoir supposed to have a little floating level indicator? My 335i does but nothing in the X3. Thanks! __________________ 2007 335i E92 AT - MHD E85 Flash, xHP Stage 3 , MR5 Intake, VRSF DPs, VRSF 7in FMIC, ER CP, Fuel-It Stage 1, RB PCV, UUC Corsa Exhaust, BL R8 Coils, Sachs SRE Coilovers, M3 Control Arms, H&R Sway, BA Diff Lock, MDF Scoops, Tint, CF Hood, Mini Battery :: 2011 X3 xDrive 35i - MHD Stage 1, Alum Charge Pipe
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04-15-2021, 10:47 AM	#3
Bdavi011 Private First Class 54 Rep 119 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 3.5i Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Maybe water pump or thermostat are on the way out and the car is warning you that the temperature has increased past a safety point? Coolant reservoir has a non moving level indicator inside of it. Have to look inside of it and you will see something that shows min/max.
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04-16-2021, 08:57 PM	#4
Kuch335 2007 335i E92 44 Rep 624 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 TiAg, 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: OH iTrader: (4)	The dash temp always stays between 195 and 250, never even reaches 250. Occasionally the radiator fan will run non stop and it will get down to the 195 mark. Drove around quite a bit today and got no codes and no fan running.. gremlins.. Stopped by the Porsche dealer, they had an Audi QS5 for 26k, first I've seen one, pretty nice, tempted, lol. __________________ 2007 335i E92 AT - MHD E85 Flash, xHP Stage 3 , MR5 Intake, VRSF DPs, VRSF 7in FMIC, ER CP, Fuel-It Stage 1, RB PCV, UUC Corsa Exhaust, BL R8 Coils, Sachs SRE Coilovers, M3 Control Arms, H&R Sway, BA Diff Lock, MDF Scoops, Tint, CF Hood, Mini Battery :: 2011 X3 xDrive 35i - MHD Stage 1, Alum Charge Pipe
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