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Thread: Engine Light on Dash

  1. #1
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    Question Engine Light on Dash

    Hi,

    I had a fuel pump problem a week ago. had it replaced.
    Had a service done also at same time. Changed fuel and air filters as well as engine oil.

    I drove up to 600 km and then the engine light came on. following day, starting the engine gave a shaky vibration as if the engine not firing properly. Had to shut it down and I think it was gonna shut down anyway.

    There is no diagnostic service in my town. What could be the problem?

    before buying the car, I read that it must never be driven on low fuel. That happened while bringing it into the country. The agent ran out of gas and had to bring fuel to the road side.

    Could this be the cause? I mean, could this be the fuel pump root cause?

    And what could be the issue with the engine light?

    I have not changed plugs yet.
    It's an E46 320i M Sport 6 cylinder engine, 2003.
    I'm considering changing plugs and see if i can drive to the nearest service point about 300km.
    Thanks

  2. #2
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
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    Welcome to the Forum!

    Without knowing what the codes are, it would be like trying to fish without a hook. Being that you live in a remote area, it would be worth buying a scanner. While I don't like pocket scanners, it is better than nothing, however if you have an older laptop with Windows XP Pro, you can download INPA from the internet for Free. Then all you would need is a INPA cable, and they tend to cost the same as a pocket scanner, around 20 bucks.

    P.S. You can also take a look in the Diagnostic Software subforum too: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/f...ostic-Software
    Last edited by dworthy; 12-02-2017 at 08:47 AM.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  3. #3
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    Agreed you need to determine the codes. Guessing will only get extremely expensive.
    Current:

    - 09 335i MSport, FBO.
    - 98 Euro M3, Estoril Blue
    - 04 M3, Carbon Black, 6 Speed Coupe
    - 06 M5, Black on Black, Full Leather.
    - 73 3.0CS, Tagia Green, 5 speed M30b35 converted

    Ex's: 1984 325e, 1988 325IX, 1992 525I, 1995 540i/6, 2002 330i, 2005 330xi, 1992 850i, 2003 330i #1, 2003 330i #2, 2002 330ci, 2004 330ci, 2007 328CI, 2007 335i, 2001 M3, 2006 M5 6 speed

  4. #4
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    Thanks Dworthy.
    I actually ordered a scanner and I am waiting for it perhaps in next two weeks I should receive it.

    I already have VMware ( if thats what you imply) but it sure needs a cable.

    I have another concern though.

    Can i remove the battery without causing other problems?
    I have heard some people saying the battery must never be removed as it could damage the OBC.

    It is still in good condistion (green).

    Just thought weeks of being in park could drain the battery.

    Appreciate your response.

    I just went outside of cellular coverage for some rural work.

    Thanks again

  5. #5
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    Yes, you can remove the battery without damaging anything. The clock will have to be reset and you’ll loose the radio station presets. But nothing else will happen.

  6. #6
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    Thanks a lot for your help.

  7. #7
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    Hi,
    I have received the diagnosis gadgets. Both INPA and PA 1.4.

    I got the following readings after scanning. I have left what's in the shadow memory.

    DME -> 08/B2 - Air mass flow sensor signal, short circuit to negative or open circuit
    E4/B1 - Oxygen sensor controller, bank 2, deviation too great, deviation rich
    E3/B1 - Oxygen sensor controller, bank 1, deviation too great, deviation rich
    F2/B2 - Misfire, cylinder 5, misfiring during warm up, worsening emissions (Misfire CARB_B1)
    1D/A2 - Ignition activation, cylinder 1, spark duration too short.

    I thought I would be able to decode the statements easily. Turns out there is need for experience to now what to check and maybe replace.

    Your help is always appreciated.
    Thanks

  8. #8
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    They are from the PA 1.4 SCANNER

  9. #9
    dworthy's Avatar
    dworthy is offline Wagon meister :) BMW Tech Expert
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    Sorry but I am no a PA Soft guy, but a INPA person.

    So if that is in Shadow memory, that would tell me that is happened once or twice and isn't current.

    However I would use INPA to clear all the modules and take it for a drive. After a drive, check to see if anything came back.
    Darin
    Current:
    16 220i Active Tourer Platinsilver MET (C08)/Dakota Black (PDSW), P7ACA, P7LDA, P7LHA, P9BDA, 6sp Manual - Wife's new toy!
    05 325it Electric Red(438)/Gray(N6TT) ZCW, ZSP 5sp Manual Back set cover, trunk mat, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield, and mud flaps! Mr. Wagon My new Winter car.
    05 M3 Imolarot II(405)/Gray(N5TT) ZCW, ZPP 6sp Manual C.F. Lip, CSL diffuser, SSK, Euro Infra-Rot front windshield and a trunk liner! Mr. Go_Fast Stored for the Winter
    Past:
    95 318is Montreal Blue Met (297)/Beige(K1SN) RIP, killed by an Idiot.
    84 M535i gray market Burgandy Rot Met/Black Leather Lowered by Intrax on bilies, poly everywhere, B&B cat back system, K&N, and a hitch! Da Beast - Still running w/400k+!
    91 316i euro Tizianrot/Gray cloth - E-36 w/M-40 RIP, but great on gas! Best was 38 MPG
    82 528i euro Saphire Blue Met/Blue Leather RIP
    79 525 euro Green/Green RIP
    79 318 Silver/Black - The first one that got it all started
    M-Flight Member

  10. #10
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    OK
    Thanks still

  11. #11
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    I ll try the INPA and see what it "says"

  12. #12
    Join Date
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    Hi ALL
    I finally managed to awaken my car. It starts now.

    The last service left the vacuum line for the fuel pressure regulator compromised. It actually came off and the fuel filter was compromised.

    Once I replaced the filter and reconnected the line, the car kicked!

    It is great to have this team out there offering guidance to colleagues.

    Thank you all!

  13. #13
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    EXOTICS
    Good job finding and fixing the problem.

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