Changing Blue temperature sensor - Series 1

[KevD]

Hi,

Temp readings have been sitting at 70C maximum for a while so I decided to change the two temperature sensors. I know the blue one works the stack temp so should fix the problem, changed the brown one at same time to make sure its complete. The fan has been kicking in while stationary though so think the brown was working ok.

I managed to change the brown one after a bit of head scratching today but is there a special way to fit a spanner to access the blue underneath? Once I get the old sensor out will I drop coolant out on the floor?

If so can I just buy the red OAT 5 coolant from halfords?

After getting it half sorted its become a sunday morning challenge! on plus side I drove the car for first time in a week and even on a short run it feel amazing.

[robin]

Internet folklore tells you not to mix the OAT type coolant with the older type of coolant probably in use on your car.

Some of the coolant manufacturers tell you it's OK to mix it.

For the small amount of coolant that you will lose, you can just top up with water.

I cannot remember removing the blue sensor in situ before, but I'm sure it's possible - once you've disconnected the wire, can you not put a socket over the sensor?

Cheers,
Robin

[Rich H]

Ratchet spanners FTW. It's real PITA without. Socket will go on I think but there is no where to swing it.

Hellfrauds sell 'blue' too BTW, just read the can and look got Methyl Ethylene Glycol (MEG - blue/green) rather than Organic Acid Technology (OAT - red/pink/orange)

[Ferg]

I did this job almost immediately after buying the car last year. I was getting slightly low temp readings like you. I did both sensors in situ just making sure I undid it quickly, put my finger in the hole (ahem) while a glamarous assistant passed me the replacement sensors. Lost very little coolant in the process, so little in fact that I barely had to add anything to the header tank.

[KevD]

The existing coolant is already the red kind ( well orange really) so should be ok just to top up?

Will see if I can get a short ratchet on it, was losing the rag with it yesterday which never helps!

[Rich H]

Yes water is fine as long as your quick