HOW TO: Reset Service Lights

[cali-ti]

Article originated from, resides on and is provided by www.pelicanparts.com
http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E36-Service_Lamp/E30-Service_Lamp.htm

Article originated from, resides on and is provided by www.unofficialbmw.com
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html

[Panzer_M]

I got a Draper Reset tool while over visiting in essex.

Cost 22 pounds.

[A-T701SM]

After changing the oil for your car, the oil service light stays on (on the red) and it becomes very annoying to you sometimes. It makes me upset just to see it like that, so I wanted to find out how this creature is reset. It turned out that the procedure is very simple and it doesn’t need time, money or even special equipment. Well, only a paperclip ;-). The following article will show you how this thing is done within couple minutes. BTW, I didn’t write this article. I found it here in case you want to read it. Ready? ok here we go . . .

Disclaimer: Use this procedure at your own risk!! I’m not responsible for your mistakes man!

First, pop your hood and find the diagnostic data port. It is located on the right side of the engine bay near the right strut tower.

Unscrew the cap. You will see a big Pac-Man shaped hole and twenty little round holes. What is a Pac-Man? Never mind. We are only concerned with pin 7 and pin 19 (note: the words "pin" and "hole" are used interchangeably in this text). Refer to the picture below to find pins 7 and 19.



What we will be doing in this exercise is connecting pins 7 and 19 with a paperclip for four seconds. This will reset the oil service light. Simple, no? But first, here is the list of pins and what they are supposed to do:



Pin Terminal Description
1 TD TD Signal
2 - Not occupied
3 - Not occupied
4 - Not occupied
5 - Not occupied
6 - Not occupied
7 SI Service Interval Reset
8 - Not occupied
9 - Not occupied
10 - Not occupied
11 - Not occupied
12 61 (D+) Generator Charge Indicator
13 - Not occupied
14 30 Voltage; Hot At All Times
15 RXD Diagnostic Data Link
16 15S Voltage; Ignition Switch in Run
17 - Not occupied
18 PGSP Programming Line
19 31 Ground
20 TXD Diagnostic Data Link

OK, using a paperclip, Bend your paperclip it so it looks like this:





Well it doesn’t have to look exactly like this, but you get the idea. Use pliers if you have to. We want those little loops at the end to maximize the contact with the conductors in the holes of the data port. If you can’t make those little loops at the ends, that’s okay. Just don’t go running around with sharp objects.

OK, now you’re ready to reset the oil service light, so turn the ignition key to position II, but don’t start the car. Get out of the car and go to the data port. Always connect pin 7 first. Once you’ve inserted one end into pin 7, insert the other end into pin 19 and hold it there for 4 seconds. Then remove the paperclip. Check the dash and the oil inspection lights should be reset. The reset occurs upon removal of the clip.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT HOLD IT THERE FOR LONGER THAN 10 SECONDS or you may inadvertently reset your inspection I/II interval.

OK, you’re done. It was pretty easy as I promised! wasn’t it?

[Maverix]

Wow, I like A's guide better! Why spend money on a tool when you can use a paper clip? But I'll wait for someone else to try it before I attempt to mess with the CPU.

[A-T701SM]

Wow, I like A's guide better! Why spend money on a tool when you can use a paper clip? But I'll wait for someone else to try it before I attempt to mess with the CPU.
Hey Mav....I just did this the other day...its as simple as it sounds....the first time I tried it I only held the paper clip in place for about 4 seconds and it didn't work...you have to make contact with #7 and #19 for at least 8-10 secs and it worked. Pretty cool!!!

[Maverix]

I'll try it out next week when I do my oil change. I'll let you know on how it goes. Thanks once again!

[Maverix]

w00t it worked! All the bars are now lit up! Back to normal :cool:

[scoti49]

what models does this cover please .
Im a 2033 E46 waiting for info purchased from UK eBay .

[Maverix]

Only covers e36's.

[scoti49]

Ta

[zzdelta]

Hey all, just a quick tip for this one. For some reason i had no paperclips in the entire house so I used the male-male 1/8" audio cable that everyone seems to have kicking around for their Mp3 player these days. the size of the connectors worked perfectly although it took me 2 tries cuz my port is dirty.

[Silverti]

I didn't have any paper clips either :confused: so i used a wire from my multimeter, plug went straight into pin 7 no probs and earthed the other end on one of the shock mount bolts, worked a treat.

[remerglobal]

Wow. This worked great! Now If I could just remember it for next time!

[John40]

Like "A", I had to hold pin 7 to ground for 8-10 seconds.

[my_wife's_ti]

worked perfectly. thank you very much. more power to the forum:smile::biggrin:

[rich_thor]

hey guys i cant see any pictures so how du find out where these pins are?? as im gonna do a full service on my car soon?

[tehadriaan]

How do I reset the clock icon symbolising the brake fluid/coolant change?

[Wulvndawg]

Are they numbered or do I have to count them from one side to the other...I guess I should have opened the data port and looked first, but thought someone else might have the same question...and the computers a few inches from the car so ooo...yeah theres that.....long walk and all...:biggrin:

[1996 328ti]

Are they numbered or do I have to count them from one side to the other...I guess I should have opened the data port and looked first, but thought someone else might have the same question...and the computers a few inches from the car so ooo...yeah theres that.....long walk and all...:biggrin:Take a look at this page.
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html