What to Do if Your BMW Check Engine Light Comes On – No matter the situation, when the check engine light comes on in your BMW, we always suggest stopping by our service center so one of our knowledgeable technicians can properly diagnose and repair your vehicle,
The check engine light only comes on in certain conditions : If the check engine light is coming on intermittently, be sure to notice any changes in the performance of your vehicle when the light is on. If you do notice a difference, try driving your vehicle as little as possible until you can bring it in for service. Most likely something is on the verge of failing and you run this risk of your vehicle not starting again. The check engine light is constantly on : Your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system has determined something is wrong and needs to be fixed. Although your vehicle may seem to be operating fine, it’s best to bring it in for service as soon as possible to prevent additional issues. The check engine light is on and there is a noticeable performance issue : If you are noticing a consistent decrease in performance with the check engine light on, your vehicle may have automatically entered a “limp-mode” to prevent additional damage. In this case, you should come straight to our service center or have the vehicle towed to prevent any damage to the engine. The check engine light is blinking while driving : Not to be confused with the light occasionally flickering in the first situation, if your check engine light is blinking consistently that typically indicates there is a major issue with your vehicle and you should pull over when safe. If you are not close to our service center, we suggest having your vehicle towed here just to be safe.
If you any additional questions regarding check engine lights, please give us a call at (510) 224-4820 to speak with one of our teammates, or simply schedule an appointment with our online form.
View full answer
Contents
Can I drive my BMW with the engine light on?
Reasons Your Vehicle’s Check Engine Light Might Be On – There are a wide variety of reasons as to why your vehicle’s check engine light may have come on. Below are some of the most common causes for your check engine light illuminating:
Loose, Damaged, or Missing Gas Cap. The gas cap prevents fuel evaporations from escaping the fuel tank, It also seals the fuel tank to maintain pressure. The gas cap is one of the first things you should check for if the check engine light comes on. Make sure it is secure. Faulty Head Gasket. The head gaskets are located between the engine block and cylinder heads, If your vehicle has a blown head gasket, there may be an oil or coolant leak or the oil and coolant may be mixing together. Damaged Oxygen Sensor. The oxygen sensor measures the oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust system, If this malfunctions and there is an excess oxygen in the exhaust system then it will lower your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, If not replaced, it could affect your vehicle’s catalytic converter and/or spark plugs, Malfunctioning Spark Plugs. Spark plugs play a critical role in making your vehicle’s engine run. If you are experiencing malfunctioning spark plugs, or spark plug wires, your vehicle will have a noticeably poorer performance and reduced power, or the engine may not be able to start at all. Malfunctioning spark plugs can also lead to other vehicle issues if not replaced when necessary. Transmission Issues. The vehicle’s transmission shifts gears to provide the wheels with the necessary power to move at a given speed. If your vehicle’s transmission is having issues, then you may experience vibrations and/or problems with accelerating. The transmission is a costly repair and needs to be serviced immediately when you suspect problems. This will ensure your safety on the road. Low or Dead Battery. The battery is crucial to starting your vehicle. If it is low or dead, then your vehicle may be slow to start or may not start at all. You can have the battery jumped to start it, but it is prudent to have a dying battery replaced so you aren’t stranded.
What causes BMW check engine light?
BMW Check Engine Light Flashing – Although there are copious capacity causes of an illuminated Check Engine Light, we know from years of providing Check Engine Light Diagnosis Service that there are copious acknowledged causes including something as simple as a loose gas cap.
Distinctive acknowledged reasons for a Check Engine Light are faulty emissions control part, dirty mass airflow sensor, damaged oxygen sensor, faulty head gasket, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, or defective spark plugs to name a few. No matter what is the root cause of the Check Engine Light, we have the BMW Certified Technicians and the certified service protocol to isolate the root problem and repair it as imperative to restore factory specifications.
When this happens, the Check Engine Light turns off, and you can leave the service center knowing that your BMW issue was fixed. Every BMW was designed with a high-technology performance monitoring system with a computer, and a series of sensors positioned strategically throughout the vehicle on its needed systems.
- The sensors are continually detecting conditions while sending data to the electronic control unit.
- If the electronic control unit detects that the data is out of factory specifications, the Check Engine Light illuminates telling you that there is a problem.
- However, that is the limitation of the Check Engine Light – it won’t tell you what absolutely is inaccurate nor what to do about it.
That’s where we come in; Richmond BMW Midlothian provides a Check Engine Light Diagnosis Service that isolates the core problem and gives you a recommendation on what to do next from a Greatly Qualified Service professional.
View full answer
What does service engine light mean on BMW?
Causes of a Service Engine Light Illuminating –
Needs Oil Changes : Your BMW service engine light will come on whenever it is time for your oil change, The purpose is to let you know that the maximum time and miles you can drive with your current oil have come. If you continue to operate without an oil change, you can damage your engine beyond even the best shop’s repair. Oil or Other Fluids are Low : The service engine light also indicates that fluid levels like oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are low. This safety feature acts to prevent damage to your car’s components due to these low levels. Regular Scheduled Maintenance: Your BMW is automatically set to have its scheduled maintenance times programmed into its computer. The service engine soon light indicates it is time for your car’s scheduled checkups.
Having the regular services performed on your BMW is designed to give it longevity and keep its value over time. By skipping any scheduled maintenance, you will eventually cause damage to your car’s engine and other components. A well-built car like a BMW can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with the proper preventive maintenance.
View full answer
What does a solid yellow check engine light mean?
What the check lights are communicating to you. – The onboard diagnostic system communicates with other methods within your vehicle to keep track of what is going on inside your car. When there’s an issue in the electronic control system, it sends a warning indicator light to your dash to let you know something is wrong.
- You will discover if it’s a major or minor issue depending on how the light displays on your dashboard.
- The steady yellow light is telling you to take a look and fix the minor issue as soon as you can, but it’s not usually serious.
- The flashing light means that your vehicle’s engine is misfiring and you should investigate the problem immediately.
You don’t need to pull over right away unless you feel it’s unsafe to drive. But, If you ignore the glowing or flashing light, you could cause damage to your vehicle’s engine. If your engine light turns on, we recommend taking the following steps below.
View full answer
How do you fix a BMW engine light?
How do you reset a BMW service engine light? I took my car to the mechanic yesterday and his new guy did most of the work. He did a great job but forgot to reset my service light. How can I reset the service engine warning on a BMW? Oftentimes, when our car’s service lights stick around it’s due to the mechanic forgetting to reset it.
Turn on the ignition but do not start the car, If your BMW has a START button, press it without pressing the brake pedal. Hold the small odometer button until a service message appears.Press it again until you get a prompt asking for a reset,Press and hold it once more until the message reads Reset Successful, Turn the car off then on again to make sure that it was in fact successful.
Now that your service engine light has been reset, you can drive with more peace of mind that your car is in the best condition. However, you’re may be a different story. You could be drastically overpaying or underinsured, but there’s no indicator light that will let you know this is happening.
Check out the app to find out for sure and save hundreds. The savings keep coming even after Jerry finds you great insurance at the lowest price. Before every policy renewal period, you’ll be presented with new competitive quotes, which means you’ll always have the best coverage at the best price. If you want to switch policies, that’s fine! Jerry can help cancel your old policy.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content. : How do you reset a BMW service engine light?
View full answer
How long can you drive with a BMW check engine light?
How do I shut off the Check Engine light? – Normally, your Check Engine light will shut itself off once the cause for illumination is remedied, but if for whatever reason it won’t shut off once the problem is fixed or you don’t intend to fix the problem immediately, the light can be reset and shut off manually several ways.
Switch the ignition on and off : One way to reset the Check Engine light is to stick your keys into the ignition and turn the engine on and off repeatedly, stopping for a second in each position Use an OBD2 scanner : If you have an OBD2 scanner available, you can shut off the Check Engine light yourself by connecting the scanner to the OBD connector located under your car’s steering model and switching the ignition on—this will establish a connection and give you access to the computer’s stored trouble codes. Decode any problems diagnosed by the scanner and use your owner’s manual to solve them—once they have been addressed, erase the error codes from the scanner and switch off the ignition Disconnect the battery : Remove the negative car battery terminal and drain any electricity in the capacitor by turning on lights or depressing the horn for 25 seconds—after the electricity is disconnected, leave your car for 15 minutes and then reconnect the electricity
If none of these work, you may just have to continue driving with the light on or either fix the issue that is triggering the light.
View full answer
Is it OK to drive car with engine light on?
Here are three steps to help you determine whether it’s safe to continue driving or if you need to stop immediately: –
What else is wrong? – In addition to the check engine light, your dashboard may also indicate low oil pressure or overheating issues. If these lights come on, pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can. Some cars may have a red check engine light to alert you to stop right away, while a yellow light stands for investigation. Take it easy! – If performance problems accompany the check engine light, lower your speed and take it easy on the engine. Avoid speed surges and erratic shifting. If you’re towing a trailer or carrying heavy equipment, try to unload as soon as you can to prevent a potentially costly engine repair. Tighten the cap! – If the light comes on after refueling, check that the gas cap is tight. The sensor is detecting a leak in the evaporative emissions system. It may take several restarts of the engine to reset the light.
The check engine light is tied into your car’s onboard diagnostics system, and it’s designed to light up (usually in yellow) whenever something goes wrong with any of the components and sensors. Problems in the electronic control system are stored in a “trouble code” to identify the source of the issue.
- With the use of a diagnostic computer, your mechanic can pinpoint the problem and take care of any necessary adjustments or repairs.
- Wondering can you drive a car with the engine light on? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about engine repair and to schedule an appointment.
Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area. Judi Harvey Judi Harvey
View full answer
Can I drive my car with check engine light?
What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On – What’s definitely not safe to do is panic when you see your check engine light come on. Remain calm and assess the situation to determine your next step. It’s best to pull over to a safe area to walk through this quick assessment.
Once pulled over, ask yourself these questions to determine if it is safe to drive your car with the check engine light on. Did I recently pump gas? A loose gas cap can trigger your check engine light. Checking to see if your gas cap is tight is an easy troubleshooting step, although the light may not reset immediately.
Did the car jolt or vibrate? This could be caused by your spark plugs going out. If your car is making odd physical movements making it difficult to drive, it’s best to call for a tow truck and schedule an appointment for repair as soon as possible. Did I hear any strange noises as the light came on? This is a sign you should stop driving and have your car looked at by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Use your best judgment on whether to call a tow truck or drive yourself to a nearby repair shop. Is the light flashing? In many vehicles, there are two types of check engine lights—a solid light and a flashing light. A flashing light indicates a more serious problem like an overheating engine or engine misfires, which can cause irreversible damage.
If the check engine light is flashing, you should stop, turn off the car, and call for assistance. Does my check engine light have different color options? Be familiar with your vehicle. Some cars have a yellow check engine light that indicates a non-emergency problem that should be addressed soon and a red check engine light that indicates that you need to pull over immediately.
If the way the car drives didn’t change, the check engine light isn’t flashing, and you don’t notice any unusual sounds or smells, you can continue driving a moderate distance (preferably back home or to your local Virginia Tire & Auto ). (Need to call a tow? Virginia Tire & Auto offers up to $200 in complimentary roadside assistance coverage for 365 days after your most recent service.
Learn more,) Read: Common Car Noises and What They Mean
View full answer
How much does it cost to fix BMW engine light?
The Best in Auto Repair The average cost for a BMW 328i check engine light diagnosis & testing is between $143 and $180. Labor costs are estimated between $143 and $180. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
View full answer
How serious is check engine light?
If the check engine light illuminates, it will either blink or remain constantly illuminated, depending on the problem. A blinking light, or in some cars a red light instead of a yellow or orange light, indicates a problem that needs immediate attention. Either way, you should have the vehicle checked by a mechanic.
View full answer
Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong?
My check engine light comes on but there is nothing wrong with my car. You are running late on a Monday morning, and you crank up your car only to have a “check engine light” dinging in your face. You wonder to yourself if this is something that should be taken to the mechanic right away or can it wait awhile.
- We’ve all been guilty of driving around for days or even weeks with our check engine light on.
- How do we know it is something really important or just something minor like the wiper fluid is low? The check engine light can come on for varies reasons, and it could be a minor or major problem, If it comes on while driving, don’t panic.
Pay attention to how your vehicle is behaving. Use your senses and listen for any unusual sounds, watch for shaking or surging. Do a brake and steering check. If nothing seems to be acting strange, then it is probably safe to drive it until you can get it into a mechanic.
- Sometimes the light may come on after fueling if the gas cap is a little loose.
- Or it could mean your catalytic converter needs to be inspected.
- Either way, it is never a good idea to ignore the problem forever.
- It could lead to a severe problem by making whatever is wrong with your vehicle even worse.
When you have time, take it to your mechanic,, and have the issue checked out. They have the proper tools and state of the art technology to hook the car up and check the codes and diagnose the problem. : My check engine light comes on but there is nothing wrong with my car.
View full answer
Can low oil cause a check engine light to go on?
3. Low oil pressure – Low oil pressure is a common cause of a check engine light turning on, and it can seriously interfere with your car’s performance, Usually, if this is the case, your oil light will also appear. Low oil pressure is often the result of wear and tear in your car’s oil pump, or improper oil change procedures resulting in overfilling or getting air in the pump.
View full answer
Will my engine light come on if I need oil?
1. Your Car Needs an Oil Change 
– 
An illuminated check engine light is the first warning sign that your vehicle needs an oil change, It can activate because the oil is too dirty or when there’s not enough flowing throughout the engine. To determine if this is the cause of an illuminated check engine light, check the condition of the oil using your dipstick. If it’s dark, black in color, or too low, schedule an oil change today.
View full answer
How long can you drive with check engine light on BMW?
How do I shut off the Check Engine light? – Normally, your Check Engine light will shut itself off once the cause for illumination is remedied, but if for whatever reason it won’t shut off once the problem is fixed or you don’t intend to fix the problem immediately, the light can be reset and shut off manually several ways.
Switch the ignition on and off : One way to reset the Check Engine light is to stick your keys into the ignition and turn the engine on and off repeatedly, stopping for a second in each position Use an OBD2 scanner : If you have an OBD2 scanner available, you can shut off the Check Engine light yourself by connecting the scanner to the OBD connector located under your car’s steering model and switching the ignition on—this will establish a connection and give you access to the computer’s stored trouble codes. Decode any problems diagnosed by the scanner and use your owner’s manual to solve them—once they have been addressed, erase the error codes from the scanner and switch off the ignition Disconnect the battery : Remove the negative car battery terminal and drain any electricity in the capacitor by turning on lights or depressing the horn for 25 seconds—after the electricity is disconnected, leave your car for 15 minutes and then reconnect the electricity
If none of these work, you may just have to continue driving with the light on or either fix the issue that is triggering the light.
View full answer
Is it safe to drive when your check engine light is on?
What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On – What’s definitely not safe to do is panic when you see your check engine light come on. Remain calm and assess the situation to determine your next step. It’s best to pull over to a safe area to walk through this quick assessment.
Once pulled over, ask yourself these questions to determine if it is safe to drive your car with the check engine light on. Did I recently pump gas? A loose gas cap can trigger your check engine light. Checking to see if your gas cap is tight is an easy troubleshooting step, although the light may not reset immediately.
Did the car jolt or vibrate? This could be caused by your spark plugs going out. If your car is making odd physical movements making it difficult to drive, it’s best to call for a tow truck and schedule an appointment for repair as soon as possible. Did I hear any strange noises as the light came on? This is a sign you should stop driving and have your car looked at by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Use your best judgment on whether to call a tow truck or drive yourself to a nearby repair shop. Is the light flashing? In many vehicles, there are two types of check engine lights—a solid light and a flashing light. A flashing light indicates a more serious problem like an overheating engine or engine misfires, which can cause irreversible damage.
If the check engine light is flashing, you should stop, turn off the car, and call for assistance. Does my check engine light have different color options? Be familiar with your vehicle. Some cars have a yellow check engine light that indicates a non-emergency problem that should be addressed soon and a red check engine light that indicates that you need to pull over immediately.
- If the way the car drives didn’t change, the check engine light isn’t flashing, and you don’t notice any unusual sounds or smells, you can continue driving a moderate distance (preferably back home or to your local Virginia Tire & Auto ).
- Need to call a tow? Virginia Tire & Auto offers up to $200 in complimentary roadside assistance coverage for 365 days after your most recent service.
Learn more,) Read: Common Car Noises and What They Mean
View full answer
Is it OK to drive car with engine light on?
Here are three steps to help you determine whether it’s safe to continue driving or if you need to stop immediately: –
What else is wrong? – In addition to the check engine light, your dashboard may also indicate low oil pressure or overheating issues. If these lights come on, pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can. Some cars may have a red check engine light to alert you to stop right away, while a yellow light stands for investigation. Take it easy! – If performance problems accompany the check engine light, lower your speed and take it easy on the engine. Avoid speed surges and erratic shifting. If you’re towing a trailer or carrying heavy equipment, try to unload as soon as you can to prevent a potentially costly engine repair. Tighten the cap! – If the light comes on after refueling, check that the gas cap is tight. The sensor is detecting a leak in the evaporative emissions system. It may take several restarts of the engine to reset the light.
The check engine light is tied into your car’s onboard diagnostics system, and it’s designed to light up (usually in yellow) whenever something goes wrong with any of the components and sensors. Problems in the electronic control system are stored in a “trouble code” to identify the source of the issue.
- With the use of a diagnostic computer, your mechanic can pinpoint the problem and take care of any necessary adjustments or repairs.
- Wondering can you drive a car with the engine light on? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about engine repair and to schedule an appointment.
Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area. Judi Harvey Judi Harvey
View full answer
Can I drive my car with the engine warning light on?
Is it safe to drive with the engine management light on? – Generally, unless there are other symptoms that’s something’s wrong, you can continue driving to your destination. You should then get your vehicle looked at by an expert as soon as possible to avoid risking further damage to your car.
Pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. Switch off the engine. Contact us to report your breakdown so one of our patrols can help diagnose and resolve the problem.
We provide 24/7 roadside assistance.
View full answer
