If you have a pre- '96 (OBD1) e36, this trick will work to tell you why your CEL is on. It will even work on e30s:
Turn the ignition on (not the engine, just ignition). The bulb check will come on. Quickly press the gas pedal all the way down and lift all the way up 5 full times. You have to do it quickly.
If you did it right, the CEL will flash once and go out. Then it will begin flashing the fault codes. It will flash in four sequences, representing four numbers. Each sequence will be separated by a short pause of about a second. For example:
Flash (short pause) Flash Flash Flash Flash (short pause) Flash Flash Flash Flash (short pause) Flash Flash Flash Flash (longer pause) indicates a code of 1444. Each number of flashes in each sequences represents the number in the code.
After the long pause at the end of the fourth sequence, it will repeat itself and flash the same code again, unless there is more than one code, in which case it will flash that code in the same pattern. Click here for slightly more detailed instructions and a full list of the fault codes.
Easier than a trip to autozone, and you can find out why your CEL is on in under 5 minutes!
kick Ass
Damn I wish I had known this about a year ago!!
'96 Alaska Blue ti w/ Supersprint cat-back exhaust...Dinan CAI & Chip...Eibach Pro-Kit Springs...Bilstein Sport shocks...BavAuto camber kit...Brembo d/s rotors...UUC Short-shifter...Centerforce Dual Friction clutch...Turner Motorsport 9lb flywheel...18 inch OZ Rims...Indiglo gauges...Schroth Harness...ZKW/ProLumen 6k HID...Predator Chromium Angeleyes
Search is your friend. I know this has been mentioned quite a few times.Originally Posted by nick318ti
good info thanks I'm sure it will come in handy
this information is sent via code from the mini u-boat that motors around in your oil. be sure to thank the captain afterword by sending a signal through a quick gas pedal press.
the wonderful world of ODB1.
--DrDubHold on let me get my laptop and read this on the toilet.
Euro spec doesn't have a CEL?Originally Posted by Daved
Originally Posted by martialartsblac
Nice Bumper.. Chrome housing lights though ? ? ?
E36 NON Vanos and Misc Parts for Sale
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yea ive since fixed one of those , the other just isent working right now not sure why thoOriginally Posted by atlantisvip
Note: when I try to read the codes on my '93, I have to hold the gas to the floor while waiting for the codes. So after you pump the pedal, you have to keep your foot down. That was the only way I could get the codes.
Black Iron Racing Lemons Fleet = 5.3L swapped E36, CBR1000 swapped MR2
I've actually heard that from a few other people. I don't have to do that, myself.Originally Posted by gielamonster
Everyone keep this in mind if it's not working for you.
What does the DME Version mean?
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You really don't have to worry about that if you don't know yours. All the codes are the same no matter what version you have, but certain versions have certain codes. Just look up whatever code you have, and no matter what column you look in, it will be the same fault.
why is this thread stickied? rather then waste forum space on the first page, it should be hot linked in the DIY thread.
I am going to unsticky this thread now.
Hey man, I'm a professional!
I don't know, maybe for the same reason the oil thread is both stickied, and in the thread of faqs.Originally Posted by themadhatter
I thought this was known by most on here. It's old news to me...
Is it possible to retrive your stored faults with a trick like this?
All faults stored in the DME will be revealed. If they haven't been cleared, you'll see them.
Is the air mass volume sensor code the same thing as the MAF sensor?
6" Fabtech lift - 35" MT's - Locked 4.10s
Resurrecting an old thread.
For doing the stomp test, it is IMPERATIVE that you "stomp" as soon as you hit position #2 with the dashboard lights on. I had forgotten how fast you must be....and was getting irritated that I couldn't get my codes to read out.
Remember...as SOON as the dashboard lights LIGHT... stomp-stomp-stomp-stomp-stomp and you will be rewarded with your car winking back at you.
OBD-I cars only.
1995 M3/2/5 : non-lux alpine white III on black
2013 GX460 4x4 : knights pearl on black
1997 Ram 3/4T 12v cummins turbo diesel : titanium silver on gray
I have this thread on my favorites. Ive used it so many times to find out whats wrong.
thanks a lot for your input
good stuff...old, but good
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