Hey all,
I just ran out of gas (long story) but RIGHT before my car started sputtering (about a mile or so before, as I was exiting the freeway), my Check Engine light went on. At first I thought it was something serious because the car felt like it was running on 4 or 5 cylinders (vs. 6) , but as soon as I filled my car up with more gas, everything seems fine.
I even checked for any error codes using an OBD II reader and nothing came up.
Now my question is this:
When the Check Engine light goes on and the problem goes away, does the light automatically disappear or do I have to manually reset it? If so, how do I do that?
Also, COULD it be possible that something major went wrong with running out of gas? I'm sure it's not good but I really wasn't planning on running out of gas.
ANY help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a ton!!! :)
My guess, when you run out of gas you run lean, right?
CEL comes on when an emissions related problem occurs and OBD stores a trouble code (DTC) in ECM I would imagine.
Usually you have to reset DME with the code reader.
With the Peake R5/FCX that I have, you turn on ignition without starting engine and connect reader to diagnostic port.
Reader defaults to Fc and then press 'go' to read codes.
If, as in your case there are none, you will see '-- '.
If your CEL is out, maybe you inadvertently reset.
I'm going to check mine tomorrow, weather permitting, b/c I have had several instances of the CEL due to "Low washer fluid level" which has automatically extinguished itself after a sharp turn is completed.
Will let you know if CEL code is displayed.
Thank you Balthazarr, for your info.
For my code reader, I just turn on engine, then plug in code reader. It said "----", which, I assume, means nothing.
So if the CEL light is on, do I actually have to manually reset it? Or will it go away if the problem is solved? I'm just worried because I'm afraid that there IS a problem and my code reader is not catching it or something.
Anyone?
:(
I've seen it go out by itself, but only rarely. I don't know what this reader is that's giving you "____", but I would check the code with the Peake reader, which btw you do not start the engine to use., just put the key in position II.
Originally posted by XOC
I've seen it go out by itself, but only rarely. I don't know what this reader is that's giving you "____", but I would check the code with the Peake reader, which btw you do not start the engine to use., just put the key in position II.
Okay, so what do you mean by "rarely? Does that mean you normally have to reset it yourself?
According to my Bentley, on the e46 you have to go through 40 "cycles" (complete engine warmup and cooldown) without a fault for the CEL to clear itself. If you have OBDII, go to Autozone and they can read the code and reset it - for free.
Originally posted by havnfun328
According to my Bentley, on the e46 you have to go through 40 "cycles" (complete engine warmup and cooldown) without a fault for the CEL to clear itself. If you have OBDII, go to Autozone and they can read the code and reset it - for free.
Wow, 40 cycles? What do you mean "complete"? Can I just start my car and then stop it? Or just drive around for a while?
Are you sure this will reset the code?
I don't know of any Autozone but I'll check.
Thanks!
Anyone else? :(
"40 "cycles" (complete engine warmup and cooldown)"
Originally posted by havnfun328
According to my Bentley, on the e46 you have to go through 40 "cycles" (complete engine warmup and cooldown) without a fault for the CEL to clear itself. If you have OBDII, go to Autozone and they can read the code and reset it - for free.
Man, I just went to Autozone and they no longer check your "Check Engine" light anymore. :(
Hmm....I guess I can either wait until 40 cycles completes, take the bulb out, or...
Anyone else near me that's got a reset tool? I'm located in zip code 91754.
:(
I just got a 97 540i, and when it is cold, right when it shifts gear, the check engine light comes on, and freaks me out cause i dont know whats going on. it does this about once a week, but goes out the next day when i start it up sometime. Round trip to school is only about .8 miles, i dont think it gets warmed up all the way very often. it runs fine, and goes out on its own, so i dont worry about it too much. i'll worry about it after it stays on for a while.
Originally posted by clumpymold
Okay, so what do you mean by "rarely? Does that mean you normally have to reset it yourself?
Yes. My check engine light goes on routinely because I have some stupid chronic emissions things with the "evap valve". So out of the 10 trillion times my CE light has gone on, I have seen it turn itself off about half a dozen times. I have no idea why it ever would turn itself off, but maybe some codes are self-clearing and some are not. Just a guess tho.
Clump, I'll reset for you, but not this week. OK?
Originally posted by Balthazarr
Clump, I'll reset for you, but not this week. OK?
Hey, thanks a LOT but I actually just found a friend that I'm meething tomorrow anyway who has the reset tool. Unfortunately, however, I found out AS I unplugged the battery and now I have to find the radio code. :(
:laugh Did you get the vinyl case that contains the owner's manual and other information when you bought the car?
Radio code should be in that with radio manual.
I'd ditch the BMW radio anyway. Then code isn't an issue when battery disconnected.
Originally posted by Balthazarr
I'd ditch the BMW radio anyway. Then code isn't an issue when battery disconnected.
What do you mean? The code is not an issue? :dunno
Anyway, I did receive a vinyl case but for some reason, the manual I received was one for a 1999 323i (e46). :dunno
Asked the seller and he told me that's what he got when he got the car as well. Whatever.
Oh, I've got a 1997 BMW M3 so it's totally different.
You don't need a code for an aftermarket radio. I don't and I disconnect the battery all the time.
Oh, well my radio is the stock one. It's asking me for a code now. :(
Then go to dealer and get it.
They will need some info such as the VIN.
Originally posted by Balthazarr
Then go to dealer and get it.
They will need some info such as the VIN.
Oh, I just got it from another VERY helpful member on this board. Talk about fast! I emailed him and within 5 minutes, received the code. These boards are AWESOME!!!
I reset service lights yesterday and checked for codes as I mentioned earlier this week.
All clear, so apparently "Low washer fluid" on OBC doesn't result in stored code which is why CEL went out on mine after straightening car from turn.
Codes must be only emissions related.
