Many things can cause an BMW check engine light. We’ll help you identify the cause and streamline the diagnostic process to get it fixed as quickly as possible.
What does the check engine light mean?
It’s easy to want to look under the hood or in other areas that may not be visible from inside your vehicle, but remember that you need to wait for the engine to cool down before opening it. There are many types of BMW indicators, including sensors for when something is malfunctioning. Resist the temptation to mess with any of the warning lights–wait for your car’s engine to cool and engage the hazard lights. You may have a problem that will require a roadside assistance call if left unattended.
A car’s engine is arguably the most important part of the car. Often, if there are problems with it, you’ll eventually not have enough power to move forward. As time goes on and you don’t take care of the issue, the damages will just get worse and worse.
Getting your BMW serviced doesn’t have to be stressful. Simply have our qualified technicians inspect your car for any issues that need to be repaired and they’ll take care of them.
See also: BMW dashboard warning lights
Common Causes For BMW Check Engine Light
One of the most common reasons for your BMW check engine light to come on is with a loose gas cap. Other causes can be more serious, like an issue with the engine itself. Some of the most common causes are:
- A loose or missing gas cap: If you don’t have a gas cap, it can cause your check engine light to come on. This is because the gas cap is what keeps the fuel system pressurized. Low pressure will trigger the light and cause it to come on.
- The oxygen sensor monitors the air/fuel mixture in your engine. If it breaks, it can cause the mixture to be off and trigger the check engine light.
- A faulty ignition coil: This can be the cause of a check engine light coming on since it prevents proper ignition from happening.
If your BMW check engine light comes on, don’t panic! There are many potential causes, and many of them are easy and quick to fix. But if you’re not sure what’s causing the issue, take it to a qualified mechanic who can accurately diagnose and fix it for you.
Recent Activities Resulting in a BMW Check Engine Light Illumination
When the check engine light comes on, you might wonder why. Sometimes the issue is an emergency and sometimes it’s not. Knowing what they mean will help you stay calm and know when you need to get a mechanic involved.
- Did your check engine light just come on after you filled up at the pump? It could be as simple as a loose gas cap. Stop the car and try tightening it up to see if it helps.
- Did you hear any funny clicks or clangs before the light came back on? If so, that could be due to more serious mechanical issues. You should call a mechanic right away to get the car checked out.
- Before you make the call, find a safe place to stop for a few minutes. Often the technician can walk you through a set of troubleshooting procedures and let you know when it’s time for an inspection.
- If your vehicle hops or jolts when it moves, then one of the sensors in the spark plug is probably broken. If that’s not what you’re dealing with, there could be something much more serious going on. Don’t go any further if this is what you’re dealing with: shut off your engine and call a tow truck right away.
See also: BMW Tire Pressure Warning Light
Why Should You Take Your Car to be Fixed
A car’s engine is one of the most essential parts, if not the most important. Though a check engine light rarely causes issues, it will still come on for many other reasons. It can turn on when your gas pump has shorted out or when your oil has turned slightly black from being used so much. Driving with a check engine light on still poses dangers to your car even if you don’t notice any negative symptoms yet.
When your check engine light turns on, it signals that there’s an issue with your vehicle. It’s been around since 1996 and, more often than not, the light is accurate!
Ignoring your check engine light is not the answer. Depending on the situation, it may be harmless and something you can fix now without any effects on your vehicle’s performance later but there is always a chance that doing nothing will lead to something much worse.
What to Do if Your BMW Check Engine Light Comes On
Your check engine light could mean something serious, or it could just be due to a minor issue. This guide will show you what to look for so you can easily get back on the road and avoid an expensive trip to the garage.
If you notice your check engine light flashing on and off, be sure to take note of any changes in your car’s performance. If you’re noticing a difference, try driving as little as possible until you can bring it in for service. Your vehicle could be about to break down and then you risk not being able to start your car again.
You shouldn’t hesitate to fix your car’s engine light warning: your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system is letting you know that something isn’t right and that it needs attention. Although your car may not seem damaged, there’s a good reason the warning light is on so proceed to an auto mechanic before it worsens and leads to other problems.
The check engine light is on and your performance is decreasing. Come to us, or have your car towed immediately so that we can put it in “limp-mode”. This will prevent any additional damage and give the engine a chance to rest while they investigate the problem.
The check engine light is blinking, what do I do? If the engine light is blinking consistently, your car may have a major issue that’s difficult or impossible to diagnose without proper equipment. We advise having the car towed to us for diagnosis if you’re not close at hand.
Know Your BMW Check Engine Light
In general, the color of the check engine light may indicate the severity of the issue. For example, a yellow light is less serious than a red one. If you’re not sure what this means, call your BMW repair shop and they will tell you.
If your car light is flashing, you need to stop as soon as possible in order to avoid further damage to the car. If your light isn’t flashing, the problem might not be so severe and you may be able to safely get it home before having to go into for repairs.
Whatever type of vehicle you’re driving, make sure you look up your owner’s manual. If there are no specifications in the manual, you should call a professional before continuing to drive.
FAQs About BMW Check Engine Light
Is it OK to drive BMW with check engine light on?
If a BMW driver notices that the check engine light is flashing, it should be considered an emergency situation. This indicates that there is a serious problem with the vehicle’s engine and immediate service is needed. Driving under these conditions can cause further damage to the car, so it is best to have it serviced as soon as possible. We are experienced in providing quality BMW service and are available for scheduling today.
What is the most common reason for check engine light?
The emissions/exhaust system is often the source of check engine lights being illuminated. Potential issues may be caused by an exhaust leak or a malfunctioning catalytic converter. Additionally, the mass airflow sensor (MAF) can easily trip and fail, leading to further issues with the vehicle’s performance. It is important for drivers to take their car in for maintenance as soon as possible when they observe a check engine light on their dash board in order to ensure that small problems don’t become large ones.
Can I drive my BMW with yellow engine light on?
Drivers should take heed of the warning signs when it comes to vehicle maintenance. If a yellow light appears indicating that something is not working correctly, extra care should be taken and the issue should be checked out as soon as possible. However, if a red light illuminates, this indicates there is a serious problem which may be potentially dangerous; in these circumstances drivers are advised to stop driving immediately once it is safe to do so.