Retrieving Codes (Using CHECK ENGINE LIGHT)
NOTE:
All 1989 and later BMW vehicles (until the introduction of OBD-II) are equipped with an on-board self-diagnostic feature. Using CHECK ENGINE light for self-diagnosis is not a substitute for using BMW Service Tester.
- All diagnostic (flash) codes are stored in DME/Motronic control unit memory. Stored diagnostic codes are displayed by turning ignition switch to RUN position and depressing accelerator pedal 5 times to Wide Open Throttle (WOT) within 5 seconds. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS (FLASH CODES) table. If a malfunction is detected on any listed component, diagnostic system turns on CHECK ENGINE light.
- With ignition switch in RUN position and after depressing accelerator pedal 5 times to WOT, CHECK ENGINE light comes on for 5 seconds to indicate self-diagnostic feature is preparing to output diagnostic codes.
- CHECK ENGINE light then turns off for 0.5 second (awaiting synchronization signal), comes on for 2.5 seconds (light check) and again turns off for 2.5 seconds (wait for readout). Last 2.5 second pause tells technician to wait for diagnostic code readout.
- Next CHECK ENGINE light on/off periods represent diagnostic codes stored. CHECK ENGINE light will be on or off for 0.5 second with a 2.5 second pause between each code digit and a 2.5 second pause between each code. See Fig 1 .