Check engine light.

socal318ti · 02-08-2005, 03:56 AM

Hey everyone. So my car survived all the way to 90K miles with almost no problems. (see replacing diff at 85K) However today on my way home from dinner my check engine light came on. I'm pretty clue less as to what would make it do this. I haven't noticd any problems while driving, but then again I wasn't looking for any. Hopefully the more expierenced members around here can help me out. I hope there is something I can do do, short of taking it to the dealer and saying, fix me!

CirrusSR22 · 02-08-2005, 05:11 AM

Could be hundreds of things. Look around at some of your local parts stores because some of them rent OBD scan tools for FREE. You'll have to leave a deposit though.

You'll get a code that says why the light was triggered. Then hop on the internet and find out what it means, if the unit doesn't display it right there.

I've done this many times with different cars and it's one of the best services out there. Great way to stick it to the man (dealer).

Checker Auto is where I do it. Don't know if they're in SD/CA.

m-technik_ti · 02-08-2005, 08:27 AM

As CirrusSR22 mentioned; it could be many things; however, it most often indicates a fault in one of the emissions related electronic circuits; more common ones being O2 sensor malfunction. I've had mine replaced numerous times over the years.

**1996 328ti** · 02-08-2005, 02:58 PM

And with any luck it is a loose gas cap. Then the light should reset itself in a few days.

socal318ti · 02-08-2005, 03:36 PM

I did just fill up with gas this morning. Humm.

mickd · 02-08-2005, 05:37 PM

socal318ti, I made a copy of the procedure to read the fault codes from the old 318ti mailing list, you can do it without the Peake tool. From what I remember you need the ignition on and put the gas pedal to the floor to actuate the full throttle switch. You need to floor the throttle 3 times in succession, about a second or so in between each full throttle. It may take a few tries, the interval between each full throttle is critical. The check engine lamp will then flash a certain amount of times for the first digit, pause, then start flashing for the second digit of the fault code, and so on. I made a copy of all the fault codes. This does not include the SRS codes, that is a completely separate system. I will try and find a link to the old 318ti mailing list that explains the procedure and fault codes.

m-technik_ti · 02-08-2005, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

And with any luck it is a loose gas cap. Then the light should reset itself in a few days.

hehe, oh ya, i forgot to mention the most obvious/easy to fix cause of all! (Don’t laugh, it happens to the best of us!

)

bimmer95 · 02-08-2005, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickd

I made a copy of the procedure to read the fault codes from the old 318ti mailing list

That only works on OBD-1 BMWs (up to '95) and it's five stomps of the pedal. For OBD-2 BMWs, you can get your codes scanned for free at any AutoZone.

socal318ti · 02-08-2005, 09:23 PM

So I guess it was just some gas cap thing. Because I went out there and took it off and then put it back on; Started it a few hours later and no check engine light. Hopefully thats all it was. Thanks for all the help.

mickd · 02-08-2005, 09:30 PM

Went home at lunch and checked my notes, yeah, the manual code reading only works on OBD1 M42 ti's (1995). You have to press the full throttle switch 5 times, 1 long flash of check engine light, then it will flash for each digit with a pause between digits. Total of 4 digits for the code. If anyone wants the procedure I will post links and some sites that list the codes.

socal318ti · 02-19-2005, 08:34 PM

Sorry to dig this up again. It looks like it was't the gas cap after all. The lights been coming on rather randomly since I first posted this. Its been raining here in San Diego quite a bit so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. It seems to come on randomly and then if I don't drive it for a while, like 12 hours it seems to go away and it won't come back on for another 5 or so days. I'm not noticing any difference in performance, but the light is killing me. Any sugguestions or should I just break down and buy a scanner tool? thanks.

-matt

bimmer95 · 02-19-2005, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socal318ti

Any sugguestions or should I just break down and buy a scanner tool? thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer95

For OBD-2 BMWs, you can get your codes scanned for free at any AutoZone.

^^^

**1996 328ti** · 02-19-2005, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socal318ti

Sorry to dig this up again. It looks like it was't the gas cap after all. The lights been coming on rather randomly since I first posted this. Its been raining here in San Diego quite a bit so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. It seems to come on randomly and then if I don't drive it for a while, like 12 hours it seems to go away and it won't come back on for another 5 or so days. I'm not noticing any difference in performance, but the light is killing me. Any sugguestions or should I just break down and buy a scanner tool? thanks.

-matt

Randomly my guess is a bad 02 sensor but you really need to check the codes to be sure.

windnsea00 · 02-21-2005, 02:52 AM

could be your air flow meter...i know i'm reading an error for that right now...but scanning will only tell the truth

.	Powered by site supporters vBulletin Version 3.8.8 Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. Copyright ©1999 - 2024, 318ti.org © vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2 [page compression: 110.97 k/134.20 k (17.31%)]
318ti.org does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or products discussed.