E36 Check Engine Light did not turn on/off

[BMW2007]

Hi Bro, noticed that my e36 instrument meter did not show the “Check Engine” light turn on and off when the switch is on or after engine is started. I thought the check engine light on the instrument meter supposed to turn “on and off” after the car is switched on or started. I had replaced the bulb at the rear panel but still couldn’t see the check engine light on/off when engine starts. Any idea what should I check for? Thanks

 

[ICEMAN 68]

try pluggin off the battery terminals for a while and then test it once more again ...

 

[BMW2007]

bro iceman13, can u share the logic behind what do u think the battery has related to the engine check light? just want to learn one more thing.. hehe..

 

[ICEMAN 68]

bro iceman13, can u share the logic behind what do u think the battery has related to the engine check light? just want to learn one more thing.. hehe..

it's just a try to reset the ecu ... start of from a simple path first ...and if problem still persist then we need to go to the 2nd step ...

 

[loafer]

I think you need to leave the battery unplugged for a good hour or two for the ECU to reset. Not 100% sure though but that's what I see people say on other forums.

 

[BMW2007]

I think you need to leave the battery unplugged for a good hour or two for the ECU to reset. Not 100% sure though but that's what I see people say on other forums.

only to remove the -ve terminal or both +ve & -ve? thanks

 

[BMW2007]

it's just a try to reset the ecu ... start of from a simple path first ...and if problem still persist then we need to go to the 2nd step ...

bro, left the battery unplugged over 2 hours but still couldn't see the check engine light after reconnect for startup, what the 2nd step is? thx

 

[ICEMAN 68]

dude 2007 ...this car you just recently bought right ?? since you've done the resetting...by the way which check light that's on , the one that's got a gear roundel around it ??

 

[BMW2007]

dude 2007 ...this car you just recently bought right ?? since you've done the resetting...by the way which check light that's on , the one that's got a gear roundel around it ??

yes bro, just bought it recently. the gear roundel light is on and off after started but i couldn't see the check engine light on and off. is it normal?

 

[ICEMAN 68]

yes bro, just bought it recently. the gear roundel light is on and off after started but i couldn't see the check engine light on and off. is it normal?

what ever it is , all the check light when turn on the ignation should ON and once car is started should go OFF ...except for the hand brake light , which upon release it will also turn OFF ...

maybe you could take it to a workshop and plug in the modic too see if there is a fault code appreared which could not be erase by re-setting the ECU which you've already done ...

did you get the black coloured e36 ??

 

[BMW2007]

mine is Ferrari red color.
i did the computer check last weekend, there is one fault code for O2 sensor (bank1, sensor2).

 

[ICEMAN 68]

mine is Ferrari red color.
i did the computer check last weekend, there is one fault code for O2 sensor (bank1, sensor2).

check light don't seems to be at fault i guess and such fault codes would sometimes pop out on the OBC or if's a 318i then it's on modic ...unless there is some thing done towards the odometer box ...perhaps they have tempered the meter for the millage re-setting .." it's just my guess only " and that is where something would had happen towards the meter .... did you try using another odometer box to confirm it ...

you may try it out at your mechanic ...

 

[BMW2007]

bro, i do believe the odometer has been tempered for adjusting the mileage. It is hard to believe to see 95,000 km for 12 years old car. will ask my mechanic see whether they have others odometer to try out the check engine light.. anyway, the OBC is still working, is it safe to drive without the engine check light function on odometer? would the fault code related to check engine be able to show up in the OBC? thx

 

[ICEMAN 68]

bro, i do believe the odometer has been tempered for adjusting the mileage. It is hard to believe to see 95,000 km for 12 years old car. will ask my mechanic see whether they have others odometer to try out the check engine light.. anyway, the OBC is still working, is it safe to drive without the engine check light function on odometer? would the fault code related to check engine be able to show up in the OBC? thx

don't worry much ...should be safe as you've been driving it soo far without any problem ...

any pictures to share

 

[BMW2007]

changed most of the bulbs at the rear panel but problem still same.. here is the picture of Odometer display..
the check engine light still missing.. hopefully the OBC can be used to replace the function of check engine light.

 

[masCh]

1. Bro, you can do the step on pedal 5 times then turn key check, it will check all your lights and your odometer will go from 0 all the way to the other end.. This should tell you if all your lights are working.

2. If meter is tampered I think you can check the actual milage from your car ECU..

3. Actually if you were to buy another meter lets say from the chopshop, it will have its own mileage. The mileage data from the odometer is stored in the odometer itself. So you can change your car to a "lower mileage" car just by changing the odometer to one that has lower reading.

4. I do need an E36 odometer housing. Mine is broken. Dunno if this applies to this thread/

 

[masCh]

This is one of the test..

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/JF-Tech/E30_E36_On_Board_Diagnostics .htm

Wait, let me find the other one.. or I can try it later.

 

[BMW2007]

thanks bro masCh, this is helpful self diagnos info. my car is now at the workshop for servicing & repairing. will do the self test when car is back to home..

btw, where are you located in Kedah?

 

[Devadas]

Hi Bro,
I own e36 318i. Recently i found my oil light appering while driving at low rev. I've checked my engine oil & its at correct level. Why the oil light suddently appearing.

Please help me.