2004 BMW X3 , advice on resetting check engine light

[X3 Beginner]

Just looking for some help on resetting my check engine light. I recently had a P0411 code which is for Secondary Air System Incorrect Flow Detected. I bought and replaced the Non Return Valve that allows air into the catalytic converter from the secondary air pump. Any advice on how to reset the OBD2 without a diagnostic tool? I tried unplugging the battery terminals and touching them together but it didn’t do the trick. Perhaps I didn’t leave it long enough?

[White94RX]

You're going to need a diagnostic tool to reset it.

[X3 Beginner]

Any recommendations on one that is fairly functional yet affordable?

[White94RX]

Hopefully someone else will chime in with more advice. I work at a dealer and only have used factory diagnostic equipment. Do yourself a favor and get a BMW specific tool if you plan on doing your own diagnostics and work on the car yourself. ISTA is BMW software. I've heard of Carly app, maybe the Peake tool. Anyone else have input?

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[MauiM3Mania]

Moved to the BMW General Mechanical sub-forum.

[shadowpuck]

I was trying to recall - this might clear on its own if repaired after some drive cycles.

Otherwise - just about any obd2 reader will clear this code but I completely agree a bmw scanner is a good investment if you plan on doing your own work.

The schwaben/foxwell nt510 is a great choice and packs a bunch of features for the price (around $150).
Carly would work too as would many others.

[dworthy]

+1

The Schwaben/Foxwell is a good tool for the price. Just think how much you would have to pay to get the codes scanned from every ECU in the car, and it will have paid for itself.

[MarcoZandrini]

Get the OBDFusion app for your smartphone or tablet. Then head over to E46Fanatics and search for OBDFusion threads in which jfoj has commented. He’s the guru. The app reasmds/clears codes, allows you to read and record various data streams and export data for analysis is Excel.

[shadowpuck]

just to clarify - OBDfusion only clears OBD2 codes; it is not BMW specific - unless they've released a BMW pack or something recently....

[bmwdirtracer]

Yeah, I just looked at the OBD Fusion website, and it seems that on BMW's, it only reads P-codes, which are useless at best.

I'd recommend the Foxwell / Schwaben unit, which converses in both directions with all BMW computers.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...020sch01a~scf/

[MarcoZandrini]

Got it. I’ll make sure the app’s functions match the need.

[shadowpuck]

Got it. I’ll make sure the app’s functions match the need.

i like obdfusion, and its really nice and easy to use especially when troubleshooting lean/rich type stuff as jfoj has documented. i've followed his tutorials before when using the app. and, it would clear a basic OBD2 emissions code in this situation; however, it's just limited in what it can do.....

[bmwdirtracer]

Okay....among knowledgeable friends, I really must apologize. OBD codes and data are not useless at all....the problem lies in the interpretation, especially utilizing generic formats.

If Marco or shadow see "fuel system" codes, or "O2 sensor range" codes, they're not going to run out and buy a fuel pump or O2 sensor.....they're going to do a smoke test. Similarly, with a Secondary air incorrect flow code, they're not going to buy the valve until they've used a good scan tool to activate the SAP, and checked for leaks and good flow.

With the Foxwell, you can activate the pump for testing, with an OBD generic tool, I seriously doubt that's possible.

I just hate seeing these little plugs in the OBD port, and having some owner who read his phone app tell me to replace his MAF, when he's clearly got a torn intake elbow.

This week, I had a Mini owner who came in and INSISTED, vehemently, that we replace his MAF and MAP sensors, and NOT scan his car and diagnose the issue, because his little pocket plug thing had already done that, and he had Googled the codes. He was SO rude in insinuating that I only wanted to steal his money though diagnosis, that I had the foreman order the parts he demanded. I replaced the $600 worth of parts....and while I was at it, I even reconnected his intake elbow to the turbocharger for him.

Now he knows he's a genius, because his car is fixed, and he didn't have to pay $49 for a scan and diagnosis, which would have let me reconnect the hose for free, of course.

[ross1]

I just hate seeing these little plugs in the OBD port, and having some owner who read his phone app tell me to replace his MAF, when he's clearly got a torn intake elbow.

This week, I had a Mini owner who came in and INSISTED, vehemently, that we replace his MAF and MAP sensors, and NOT scan his car and diagnose the issue, because his little pocket plug thing had already done that, and he had Googled the codes. He was SO rude in insinuating that I only wanted to steal his money though diagnosis, that I had the foreman order the parts he demanded. I replaced the $600 worth of parts....and while I was at it, I even reconnected his intake elbow to the turbocharger for him.

Now he knows he's a genius, because his car is fixed, and he didn't have to pay $49 for a scan and diagnosis, which would have let me reconnect the hose for free, of course.

Mini owner. Come on, take the genius' money and run.
I've seen ads for these devices/apps. on TV. Don't let that evil, conniving mechanic steal YOUR money!
I hope you gave him his old parts back.