Check Engine symbol (gear w/exclamation)??? - United Bimmer Community

**volvodefector79** · 11-07-2007, 04:56 PM

Hello! This is my first posted question... I thank you in advance for your patience. ;-)

I just purchased a '96 328i - love it! But it came without an owner's manual. There are no indicator lights on, but I want to make sure my "Check Engine" light actually works... The only thing is that before starting, when all the lamps come on as a system check, I do NOT see a "Check Engine" light. I DO see an amber-colored gear symbol light with an exclamation point in the center of the gear. Is that the "check engine" light? I just want to be sure. OK - that's question 1.

Here's question 2 (and the reason for question #1). I purchased an OBD-II reader a few days ago and, despite the fact that I do not have any indicator lamps on, it reads a couple of codes: "Fuel trim bank 1" and "Fuel trim bank 2", and it actually indicated that I should have a MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) on... even though NONE of my indicator lamps are staying on after starting her up. The idle is a little rough. It still has adequate power, and cruises smoothly, but the idle in the colder weather is erratic (it was just fine when warmer) - it pitches up and down and initially acceleration is a bit jumpy. I'm thinking that this is the MAF sensor (mass air flow meter). Am I on the right track?

That's the only problem I've got with the car right now. Anybody - any ideas based on your knowledge/experience with the 2.8L I6? Let me know when you can - and thanks!

**xsperf** · 11-07-2007, 05:04 PM

i think the gear w/the ! is the transmission symbol, you have an automatic transmission? and the thing with the rough idle when its cold, is that when there is cold weather or when the car is cold, very rarely my car does that some times, and i know the MAF would throw a check engine light so i figure thats not it, but i notice it only does that when my lights are on, and the heater is on and sometimes the cd-player, so i assume it has something to do with the alternator putting stress on the engine. i then realized that i do not have a BMW battery(some generic kind i dont remember) and i know its much harder to charge a battery when it is cold outside, and i just have a hunch that the battery is the problem, but since it rarely ever does it i dont want to spend 100+ on a new battery if i dont have to, let us know what happens

**volvodefector79** · 11-07-2007, 05:18 PM

Well, if the GEAR symbol with a "!" is for the transmission (yes, I have an automatic transmission) then my check engine light doesn't seem to be working... if there is one. My "check control" light works, which prompts you to read the display on the center console... but I know that's not the same as the "CHECK ENGINE" indicator. It must be burnt out or disconnected... any ideas on a fix for that? Also, the problem does not seem to be voltage related, as the idle is irratic even when lights and stereo (and heat/blower motors) are all off.

**m3flyer** · 11-07-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by volvodefector79

Hello! This is my first posted question... I thank you in advance for your patience. ;-)

I just purchased a '96 328i - love it! But it came without an owner's manual. There are no indicator lights on, but I want to make sure my "Check Engine" light actually works... The only thing is that before starting, when all the lamps come on as a system check, I do NOT see a "Check Engine" light. I DO see an amber-colored gear symbol light with an exclamation point in the center of the gear. Is that the "check engine" light? I just want to be sure. OK - that's question 1.

The light you are describing is the "check engine light" and/or "engine malfunction light" or... the "trans check light" as the guys above have stated... Buy a set of books from your local dealer or get used books from Schiff Automotive Literature on the web to be certain.

Here's question 2 (and the reason for question #1). I purchased an OBD-II reader a few days ago and, despite the fact that I do not have any indicator lamps on, it reads a couple of codes: "Fuel trim bank 1" and "Fuel trim bank 2", and it actually indicated that I should have a MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) on... even though NONE of my indicator lamps are staying on after starting her up. The idle is a little rough. It still has adequate power, and cruises smoothly, but the idle in the colder weather is erratic (it was just fine when warmer) - it pitches up and down and initially acceleration is a bit jumpy. I'm thinking that this is the MAF sensor (mass air flow meter). Am I on the right track?

That is more than one question (for "question #2) dude...

But, the code reader is actually reading codes that are still stored in the ECU (previous faults)...You would have to clear them to get rid of them.

And, the idle problem could be due to a number of things:

1) cold start injector, 2) partially clogged injectors, 3) vacuum leak, 4) idle control valve, 5) bad fuel (if the car sat for awhile before you bought it... It could also be a coil pack or fouled plug... but try the sequence below first.

You should put one bottle of Redline additive **for gas burning motors** (do not utilize the diesel one by mistake) and put at least $15 in Premium fuel on top of it. Run the car until 3/4ths empty and then repeat the process.

If you cannot find the Redline (which would be a shame) then use the $11 bottle of Techron (20 gal. formula) in place of the Redline. If no Techron is available then use Seafoam. Hopefully the Redline is sold where you are. PepBoys has it... and sometimes Autozone does as well.

If the car stills runs rough (or "hunts") after this sequence then you have to explore other possibilities. Try this first as the car will benefit from it anyway.

That's the only problem I've got with the car right now. Anybody - any ideas based on your knowledge/experience with the 2.8L I6? Let me know when you can - and thanks!

Best of luck !!!

**volvodefector79** · 11-07-2007, 05:33 PM

I already cleared the stored codes, and after a couple of driving cycles, I re-tried the scanner (even though the "!" "check engine light" was NOT on) and it gave me the same codes: "fuel trim - bank 1" & "fuel trim - bank 2." It also provided two dealer codes. I'll try the fuel additive/cleaner and premium petrol. Otherwise, if anybody else has ideas to add, feel free. Danke!

**m3flyer** · 11-07-2007, 05:36 PM

...would be the oxygen sensor(s)...

**Dudesky** · 11-07-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by volvodefector79

. . I DO see an amber-colored gear symbol light with an exclamation point in the center of the gear. Is that the "check engine" light?

No, that is the Automatic Transmission warning light. It's telling you there's a malfunction and that your tranny is operating on "limp mode". Unfortunately, there is nothing much you can do about this particular issue but have it looked at and serviced by a BMW authorized service center. Only they can diagnose this problem.

And yes, you should have a "CHECK ENGINE" light, apart from the "CHECK" light that tells you to look at your multifunction display. Considering the fact that you don't see it, and the problems you're having, I would suspect that the bulb was pulled out or burned out by the previous owner to hide the problems during the sale???

**xsperf** · 11-07-2007, 05:58 PM

dudesky, i think his light isnt actually on, it just stays on for a second before he starts the car.. and about the rough idle, yea even if you dont have accessories on it still puts strain on the alternator if the battery is cold(and possible the cells are corroded or whatnot which cause a loss of efficiency)

**Dudesky** · 11-07-2007, 06:04 PM

Oops, my bad . . I read it wrong