The car I am looking at purchasing (01 225qr) had its presale inspection, which was clean except for some overheating. Tarded techs didnt ascertain whether this was a coolant temp or gauge or what malfunction. MY QUESTION IS: since there were no codes stored, and no cels, can I use that to tell whether it is likely a bad coolant sensor rather than an overheating system? I have no access to the car yet, owner doesnt seem the type to be able to do the climate control access to coolant temp. Thanks

 

I would check out what color temp sensor it has. If its black then you need to get the green one. I believe that may do the trick. Only about $20 and 5 minutes of your time.

 

Was planning on trying that after I get it back home, but I guess my main point is whether you can tell if its the sensor vs a real overheating issue by the fact its not thrown any codes?

 

Ask the owner to have a green-top sensor installed.
Then wait to see if that fixes the problem. That's what I would do.

 

Where is that sensor?

 

Nice little write up

 

Nice, Becca. Your awesome.

 

 

although you are awesome, I wish I could play it like that with the sensor, but I cant. Guy is moving abroad tuesday, will have to just bring a sensor and some g12down with me and hope for the best I suppose. waterpump and thermostat have already been replaced, so maybe hope isnt totaly unreasonable [8D].