Code P0597

OldBlue · 12-15-2011, 03:42 PM

Alright, got in the Coop after work today, and the check engine light was on. Stopped at an auto parts store on the way home and had them pull the code. Got the following:

"Thermostat Heater Control Circuit/Open", P0597

Any of you brighter-than-I have a clue as to what that is?

OldBlue · 12-15-2011, 03:47 PM

Looks like the thermostat is going bad? Is that correct?

I'm suprised that there is a sensor that can determine that.

Nathan · 12-15-2011, 03:56 PM

My guess, and yes it is a guess, is that the thermostat is stuck open.

How's the heat? Does it come up normally or take a bit longer for the cabin to warm up?

OldBlue · 12-15-2011, 04:10 PM

Heats up normally. Haven't noticed any problem. Coolant is full, no leaks anywhere. I may borrow my brothers ScanGauge temporarily and check the coolant temp when I'm driving tomorrow. Wondering if the thermostat is actually shot or if there could be a sensor that is malfunctioning. Not that I'd know which one it was......

OldBlue · 12-15-2011, 04:26 PM

Is this what I am looking at having to replace?

Thermostat R55 R56 R57 - Way Motor Works

**agranger** · 12-16-2011, 10:44 AM

On the R53, the thermostat and the thermostat housing (which looks like a much smaller version of what you linked to) are separate components. In the R53, you can replace the thermostat without replacing the housing.

**agranger** · 12-16-2011, 10:47 AM

Hmmm... looks like the R56 is all one piece:

I don't know if they go bad, but there is a temp sensor in that pic... #5

RealOEM.com * BMW R56 Cooper Waterpump - Thermostat

I watched a local club member replace one of these artificial hearts at a DIY day in his R56. It took him an hour or two, but it wasn't that complicated and looked very straight-forward if you are handy with a wrench.

OldBlue · 12-16-2011, 06:31 PM

Yeah, I know myway around a wrench, so doesn't look too bad. Just have to find the time to do it.

I read somewhere that the thermostat is electrically controlled. If that's the case, did we really need an electrically controlled thermostat? After a gazillion years, are the temperature controlled ones suddenly no good?

countryboyshane · 12-29-2011, 08:00 AM

From what I remember the electronically controlled thermostat has two stages of opening. The first is for normal "commute" style driving and it's designed to keep the temps around 220-225 deg. F. When driving under very high load the thermostat will open to the 2nd position that drops the temp further. I can't remember how low though. I think it's around 190-195 deg. F.

I would definitely like a mechanical thermostat but I suspect the electronic version might have something to do with emissions as well.

**agranger** · 12-29-2011, 11:19 AM

Old Blue: Any update?