resetting inspection bars - United Bimmer Community

**jybute** · 10-12-2005, 10:13 AM

Does anyone know how to reset the inspection bars that light up on the dash at start up?
Not too technical please. I asked one guy and I just came out of the coma last week.

**Torque** · 10-12-2005, 10:23 AM

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.htm

edit: you do not need to make the fancy looking tool. i reset mine with just a piece of wire.

**jybute** · 10-12-2005, 11:22 AM

How?

nick_318is · 10-12-2005, 04:31 PM

I would think basically take the wire and stick it in the right terminal and then ground it for the proper ammount of time.

**Torque** · 10-12-2005, 10:07 PM

Not trying to be rude or anything, but did you read that page ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by the page

Reset Instructions:

(For cars with the 15 pin diagnostic connector)

With the ignition switch at (position two) and the engine not running, grounding pin seven (7) of the diagnostic connector for approximately three (3) seconds will reset the oil service lights. Grounding pin seven (7) for approximately twelve (12) seconds will do an inspection service reset.

Connect the clip end of the jumper tool to a good ground in the area of the diagnostic connector. Connect the pin end of the jumper tool to pin seven (7) of the diagnostic connector. Enter the car and turn the ignition switch to position two (2). This way you can watch the lights reset.

Turn off the ignition switch when you see the lights reset after the appropriate time. This time as mentioned above depends on whether you are doing an oil or inspection service reset.

Remove the jumper and replace the diagnostic connector cap.

(For cars with the 20 pin data link connector)

On the newer cars you also have to place the ignition switch in position two. You provide a short and then remove it after a specified time. The reset occurs on removal. On the older cars the reset occurred after the specified time. That's the difference between the older diagnostic connector and the newer data link connector. I purchased a Peake reset tool to find out what these times were. They say to provide the short for 7 flashes for an oil service reset and 23 flashes for an inspection reset. The 7 flashes for the oil service reset equates to ~ 3.25 seconds. The 23 flashes for the inspection reset equates to ~ 11 seconds.

Turn the ignition switch to position two (2). Connect the clip end of the jumper tool to a good ground in the area of the data link connector. Connect the pin end of the jumper tool to pin seven (7) of the data link connector and remove it after the appropriate time, depending on which reset you are doing. Replace the data link connector cap and turn off the ignition switch. Check to see if the reset worked by starting the car and seeing if the lights go out. If they do, good job!

**jybute** · 10-13-2005, 07:26 AM

ohh shit, sorry bro im not paying close enough attention.

**jybute** · 10-15-2005, 07:43 AM

So all you have to do is ground the right pin for the right amount of time? Is there any risk of damage. WIll it fuck anything up if I do it wrong?

**c1apton** · 10-15-2005, 09:37 AM

I know it's super tempting to save a few bucks using jumper wire instead of reset tool, and alot of people get by with it... BUT... here are some instances you might consider:

Using the jumper wire method sends a "surge" through the system for an extended period of time (secs). Too long and you reset Inspection intervals. Either way you are playing "Russian Roulette" with a ton of electronics, maybe not initially but in time the system doesn't react "friendly" to electro-shock therapy - things like odometer/speedo drop outs, OBC "freak outs" and ECM problems down the road. Sometimes a surge can even force sensors into "thinking" that there is premature failures and start reacting to them. Put it to you this way is it worth chancing saving $30 (tool) vs BOOKOO $$$ in ECM, Chips, sensors? I know, I witnessed many of these at the 5 BMW dealers I serviced.

Your options: Bite the bullet and by the tool from Peake Research, Bav auto or someone reputable OR many BMW dealers will reset the lights for you if you bring in a receipt showing you had oil changed or receipt for oil & filter (if you DIY) I said MOST - not all, some are just plain pricks about it, so it pays to have a good rapport w/dealer.