Check Engine light
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Members
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 9
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From: Connecticut
Today after work I went to start my 06 530XiT and I did not hold down the starter button long enough to start the car. So I had to do it a second time to start it and now the check engine light is on. Is there a way to clear the code and see if it returns? Can you disconnect the neg side of the battery to clear it? I just bought this car and Im thinking I should have kept my E46 which was bullet proof. Pleas help................
Senior Members
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,680
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My Ride: E60 530i
LOL. I have an E46 which feels solid and bullet proof. I swear the E46 both M and non-M feel so good. Since I have the M54 engine in my 530 i feel good too but all the interior squeaks and rattles do piss me off. Anyway If you're sure that's why it came on I wouldnt worry about it, it should go off. You can try disconnecting the battery for a bit then reconnecting. If it did go off because of the reason you said then it would probably be more of a proprietary code and not a generic code any scan tool can handle. But if it bother's you, there may be another way if the above doesn't work.
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 52
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From: Staines UK
My Ride: 525i E61 LCI auto, pro media, memory seats , pano roof, power fold mirrors, extended interior light pack, visibility pack, sun protect windows, 172 spiders.
Would step 21 of the hidden menu 'reset' clear the codes as attached? I have the same problem, disconnected the battery for an hour but the engine light is still on!
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,851
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From: Kajaani, Finland
My Ride: Bmw 530d 2004
Members
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Staines UK
My Ride: 525i E61 LCI auto, pro media, memory seats , pano roof, power fold mirrors, extended interior light pack, visibility pack, sun protect windows, 172 spiders.
My engine light came on after disconnecting my battery, the messages in the idrive say:
Engine fault - reduced engine power
Fuel pump fault.
There have been other messages as well, one telling me I need a service but no service is due! The active steering also required resetting after the battery was reconnected.
Engine fault - reduced engine power
Fuel pump fault.
There have been other messages as well, one telling me I need a service but no service is due! The active steering also required resetting after the battery was reconnected.
Contributors
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 874
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From: USA
My Ride: E60
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
My guess a misfire. You'll have to get the code read to find out what actually happened and then cleared with a diagnostic scan tool.
I use the Bavarian Technic scan tool to read and clear codes. It's pretty much paid for itself already in fact I used it a few weeks ago to diagnose a bad coil on cylinder 5 and clear the check engine light.
I use the Bavarian Technic scan tool to read and clear codes. It's pretty much paid for itself already in fact I used it a few weeks ago to diagnose a bad coil on cylinder 5 and clear the check engine light.
Members
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Staines UK
My Ride: 525i E61 LCI auto, pro media, memory seats , pano roof, power fold mirrors, extended interior light pack, visibility pack, sun protect windows, 172 spiders.
My guess a misfire. You'll have to get the code read to find out what actually happened and then cleared with a diagnostic scan tool.
I use the Bavarian Technic scan tool to read and clear codes. It's pretty much paid for itself already in fact I used it a few weeks ago to diagnose a bad coil on cylinder 5 and clear the check engine light.
I use the Bavarian Technic scan tool to read and clear codes. It's pretty much paid for itself already in fact I used it a few weeks ago to diagnose a bad coil on cylinder 5 and clear the check engine light.
Contributors
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 874
Likes: 0
From: USA
My Ride: E60
Model Year: 2006
Engine: N52
http://www.bavariantechnic.com/
I bought the enthusiast kit for $287 a while ago. It allows for 3 VIN's. It's already paid for itself in the few times I used it.
Another option is making your own diagnostic and coding tool like some members have. A little more work and research getting started but a lot more options specifically coding.
I bought the enthusiast kit for $287 a while ago. It allows for 3 VIN's. It's already paid for itself in the few times I used it.
Another option is making your own diagnostic and coding tool like some members have. A little more work and research getting started but a lot more options specifically coding.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 0
From: nyc
My Ride: 2010 M5 alpine white, black full leather, etc.
My engine light came on after disconnecting my battery, the messages in the idrive say:
Engine fault - reduced engine power
Fuel pump fault.
There have been other messages as well, one telling me I need a service but no service is due! The active steering also required resetting after the battery was reconnected.
Engine fault - reduced engine power
Fuel pump fault.
There have been other messages as well, one telling me I need a service but no service is due! The active steering also required resetting after the battery was reconnected.