Re: temperature sensors? on radiator (archive)

I did the exact same thing on my 1980 320i. I pulled out the radiator & didn't even realize that I had broken the sensor. I replaced the sensor & it dosen't matter which wire goes. This sensor simply connects the circuit when the temperature reaches a certain level - which in trn activates the electric auxiliary fan mounted on the front of the radiator. Tou can tes to make sure it's working by turnning on the a/c. This always activates the fan (after the engine is warm).

Vern.

I just replaced the water pump in my '79 323 and in the process, of course, had to pull the radiator. Being the hasty person that I am, I forgot to label a couple of the wires going to the ?temperature? sensors on the left side of the radiator. I've heard that the wiring diagrams and such for the euro e21's are hard to get ahold of, but since this discussion group exists I thought someone could tell me what these sensors do and what lead goes where. I have the bottom one wired right, I just don't know which terminal the brown wire goes to on the top sensor.

Please help! Any input is appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Brian

I am not very familiar with 323 but the 320i, has just one temperature sensor located at the bottom left of the radiator. This sensor acts as a switch (short circuit) to ground when the temperature of the coolant gets above a certain threshold. That is all it does. I do not think it should matter which terminal is connected to the brown wire. Usually in the e21 the brown wire designates ground. I stand to be corrected but I do not think it matters. You could always flip flop the connection.......hope this helps

Klaus
81 320i

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