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View Full Version : Threw Check Engine Light....How to Pull Codes??


Scho
10-23-2002, 04:33 PM
I threw a CEL just now and want to know how to pull the fault codes. Also, could someone tell me what they mean when I get them???? Thanks in advance. I really need help!!:help

Mike
bimmer95
10-23-2002, 04:38 PM
You need to plug in a code scanner tool to read out OBD-2 CEL codes. Auto Zone will read them out for free if there's one in your area :)
Scho
10-23-2002, 04:42 PM
Is my car safe to drive with the cEL on?? I dont want to mess anything up. Auto ZOne is less than a mile from my house.

Also, I thoght there was some key in the ignition trick you could do to pull codes??:dunno
bimmer95
10-23-2002, 04:45 PM
I'm sure you'll be fine. Typically CELs are only complaining about emissions related bits like dead O2 sensors. The ignition/gas pedal trick only works on OBD-1 cars.
SG_M3
10-23-2002, 04:46 PM
Sucks Mike, if its not one thing its anther. You should be alright to drive it, i wouldn't take it far though.
Scho
10-23-2002, 04:47 PM
Originally posted by SG_M3
Sucks Mike, if its not one thing its anther. You should be alright to drive it, i wouldn't take it far though.

Tell me about it. I am seriously considering selling it and getting a Supra!!! I hate my M3! :complain
SG_M3
10-23-2002, 04:57 PM
Originally posted by Scho


Tell me about it. I am seriously considering selling it and getting a Supra!!! I hate my M3! :complain

Thats just crazy, its probably just an 02 sensor or something.

BTW give me a call tonight if we are still on for doing the clutch.
Scho
10-23-2002, 05:12 PM
Yeah I went to Auto Zone, and it said

O2 sensor 1, Bank 1

Now which one is that, so I can order it from BMP and overnight dat bitch!!!! Does bimmerparts have 'em , cuz maybe I can add to the $400 order I placed yesterday for parts.

I should open my own parts store. I would more than likely save money. Now, what is that website.... www.mkiv.com for the new car and www.autotrader.com for this one! I really hate my car!
Scho
10-23-2002, 05:18 PM
How well can I trust the Auto Zone code scanner? It was an O2 sensor. Are all the O2 sensors in our cars the same?? Bimmerparts has them, so I might as well add to yesterday's order. Can someone let me know if the front ones are different from the rear O2 sensors??
bimmer95
10-23-2002, 05:31 PM
Looks like the fronts and rear are all the same up to 4/98. I'm sure bimmerparts.com carries them, but I'm not 100% sure how to tell which one is sensor 1, bank 1. There's no reason to not trust AutoZone's code scanner though.
Scho
10-23-2002, 05:37 PM
Cool! Thanks!! They show 2 different ones on their website. I am calling right now to see. Is $115 a good price?? I thought they were more like $65. Any clue??

Mike
bimmer95
10-23-2002, 05:45 PM
The OBD-1 o2 sensor is $65 from bimmerparts, no clue on the ones for OBD-2.
Scho
10-23-2002, 05:51 PM
Yeah, I just talked to BMP Designs and the OBD2 are $129. The OBD1 ones are cheap. I will order one of those now, I guess.

(Is there a smilie for sick of having problems with my car?)

Thanks for the help, bimmer95 !!!!!!
CABimmer
10-23-2002, 10:45 PM
Good luck on finding out what sensor it is. when I had my last one fail my code reader was much more spacific. Pre-cat 1-3. which was the sensor on the header for the first three pistons. you might look for someone on this list with a Peake code reader. the best money ive spent on a tool. after paying the stealer $200+ to read out my check engine light on my 328 i bought one. for $150
the.marks
01-26-2006, 04:22 PM
Is my car safe to drive with the cEL on?? I dont want to mess anything up. Auto ZOne is less than a mile from my house.

Also, I thoght there was some key in the ignition trick you could do to pull codes??:dunno

Driving your car with your CEL on is fine... it shouldn't hurt the car at all... I know what you're talking about the the ignition trick to pull the codes.

My friend did it once but i don't know it from step by step. What I do know is that he turned the ignition key to the "ON" position. And then I guess before the car stops beeping you pump the gas pedal a couple times but it has to be a certain number of times.

I'll ask him again and I'll most likely do a DIY kinda deal on it... but what I want to know is some engine check codes. Does anyone know anywhere I can find a list of codes?
NC98///M3
01-26-2006, 04:35 PM
Driving your car with your CEL on is fine... it shouldn't hurt the car at all... I know what you're talking about the the ignition trick to pull the codes.

My friend did it once but i don't know it from step by step. What I do know is that he turned the ignition key to the "ON" position. And then I guess before the car stops beeping you pump the gas pedal a couple times but it has to be a certain number of times.

I'll ask him again and I'll most likely do a DIY kinda deal on it... but what I want to know is some engine check codes. Does anyone know anywhere I can find a list of codes?

You do realize this thread is 4 years old?
the.marks
01-26-2006, 04:41 PM
well i was just searching and read that... eghh. whatever...