m3 check engine light going crazy

[StuartJoyce]

Hey guys, I tried to have the dinan software downloaded to my car the other day, and BMW told me my check engine light bulb was out and it threw a fault code, so i got home and turn the keys on so the instrument lights light up and the check engine light was illuminated. I used my fault code reader and it told me i had a check engine bulb failure so I reset it. It was fine. Then i drove the car and the light wasnt coming on after, so i tapped the cluster and the light comes on with all the other lights. airbag, seatbelt and all those. Is the bulb just loose? Loose wire? Any ideas?

[EricP]

If you literally tapped the cluster and 10 other lights came on, there's your culprit right there..

[StuartJoyce]

no when i tap the cluster, all the other lights are already on, its just the check engine light that comes on. but then if its hit again it goes out. This is only while the car is turned on so just the power is on, not the engine.

[EricP]

If the code you pulled is that the check engine light itself is bad, and it flickers when you tap it.. looks like you get to pull the cluster. Shouldn't be too bad. It really does just sound like a loose bulb or wire, should be an easy fix or replacement.

If you can illuminate the light just by tapping the cluster, to me that says there is no wiring problem elsewhere.. but rather something right inside the cluster.

[StuartJoyce]

Thanks for your help. Im just scared to take it out, as i read on Bmw DIY i need to disconnect the battery, but the guy I bought my car from didnt give me the radio code. I called him and he has no idea where it is. Can i give bmw my vin # and registration and can they look it up?

[RedNeckNinja]

Do a search on pressing the M button on your radio to get the serial number or just take a tiny allen wrench and pull it out far enought to read the numbers.