Check Engine Light!...1st Time
#21
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Sin City
My Ride: Jet Black '05 545i, Sport/Premium Pkg, Steptronic, Adaptive Xenon, Nav, L7, Blue2th, PDC,
I was forced to replace my thermo because my smog check and registration due date was nearing and the CEL didn't go away. So I replaced thermo, cleared CEL with my code reader and tried to have my smog done. Unbeknownst to me when I cleared the codes it cleared everything from errors to drive cycles. Without the drive cycles my vehicle could not pass smog test. I had to drive and add about 30+ more miles so the computer could establish drive cycles. Went back to complete smog and passed, I could finally register my car.
After some driving your computer determined that the drive cycles on the thermo were all in sync or, operating normally so it turned of the CEL. I had this on/off CEL a few times with my old thermo then finally it just didn't turn off. Hopefully yours stays off.
After some driving your computer determined that the drive cycles on the thermo were all in sync or, operating normally so it turned of the CEL. I had this on/off CEL a few times with my old thermo then finally it just didn't turn off. Hopefully yours stays off.
#22
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 465
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From: East Coast
My Ride: 04' 545, 6 Spd Manual, Blk Lthr, Sport Pkg, Sport Sts, Logic 7, Cold Wthr Pkg, Full L.E.D. Interior, Red Eng. Cvr, Mtech Front Bmpr, M5 Spoiler, Matte Blk Grill, Red Caps, Slttd & Drlld Rotors, 20
Model Year: 2004
I was forced to replace my thermo because my smog check and registration due date was nearing and the CEL didn't go away. So I replaced thermo, cleared CEL with my code reader and tried to have my smog done. Unbeknownst to me when I cleared the codes it cleared everything from errors to drive cycles. Without the drive cycles my vehicle could not pass smog test. I had to drive and add about 30+ more miles so the computer could establish drive cycles. Went back to complete smog and passed, I could finally register my car.
After some driving your computer determined that the drive cycles on the thermo were all in sync or, operating normally so it turned of the CEL. I had this on/off CEL a few times with my old thermo then finally it just didn't turn off. Hopefully yours stays off.
After some driving your computer determined that the drive cycles on the thermo were all in sync or, operating normally so it turned of the CEL. I had this on/off CEL a few times with my old thermo then finally it just didn't turn off. Hopefully yours stays off.
#23
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: East Coast
My Ride: 04' 545, 6 Spd Manual, Blk Lthr, Sport Pkg, Sport Sts, Logic 7, Cold Wthr Pkg, Full L.E.D. Interior, Red Eng. Cvr, Mtech Front Bmpr, M5 Spoiler, Matte Blk Grill, Red Caps, Slttd & Drlld Rotors, 20
Model Year: 2004
CEL is back with the same code, P0128. Ive changed thermo and temo sensor. Could the new thermostat be bad? Does it have anything to do with the cold? I really dont know whats the problem. I have an emissions test before the end of the month. My only option would be to replace the thermostat again. I've only replaced it once for anyone reading this thread and gets confused. Any suggestions?
#24
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: UpState SC
My Ride: 2008 535i LCI with sports/premium package, Sports trans with paddle shifters, CF emblems, JB4 Software, Dinan Exhaust, Navigation, M5Tech body kit, Carbon wrap interrior trim and CIC Controller.
How are you reading the stored code? Sometimes there are more clues in there as to what could be going on. I personally hate throwing parts at something because my luck it doesn't work or it's the last thing that I fixed. After adding up these costs sometimes it's better to have a pro at least look at it.
#25
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Joined: Oct 2011
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From: East Coast
My Ride: 04' 545, 6 Spd Manual, Blk Lthr, Sport Pkg, Sport Sts, Logic 7, Cold Wthr Pkg, Full L.E.D. Interior, Red Eng. Cvr, Mtech Front Bmpr, M5 Spoiler, Matte Blk Grill, Red Caps, Slttd & Drlld Rotors, 20
Model Year: 2004
How are you reading the stored code? Sometimes there are more clues in there as to what could be going on. I personally hate throwing parts at something because my luck it doesn't work or it's the last thing that I fixed. After adding up these costs sometimes it's better to have a pro at least look at it.
#26
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: BMW
Model Year: 2006
I would clear it right before you take the test. From what I've heard (could be wrong) the CEL would pop up if the error is sensed after 20 or so times depending on the fault.
I don't know about the east coast, but here in California it's basically a visual inspection. If they don't see a CEL, that's a check off the list and move on to the next part of the test.
I don't know about the east coast, but here in California it's basically a visual inspection. If they don't see a CEL, that's a check off the list and move on to the next part of the test.
#27
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 948
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From: Sin City
My Ride: Jet Black '05 545i, Sport/Premium Pkg, Steptronic, Adaptive Xenon, Nav, L7, Blue2th, PDC,
Could be a bad connection at the thermostat. Is the replacement thermostat an OEM brand, Wahler? I ask because I ordered my first thermostat off ebay assuming it was OEM and boy was I misled. BIG MISTAKE! and lesson learned (for the most part ebay can be a good place to buy things, you just need to be a little more cautious of what you're purchasing, caveat emptor!). The part from ebay didn't last for six months. When I went to unplug my thermostat the connector INSIDE the thermostat popped right out along with the OEM clip! There was so much corrosion that the leads inside disintegrated. Thank God I still had my old thermostat. I got my refund back less shipping.
That CEL P0128 code turning on and off sounds like a bad connection somewhere, an open and closed circuit repeatedly. It could possibly be a bad thermo again if it's not OEM.
That CEL P0128 code turning on and off sounds like a bad connection somewhere, an open and closed circuit repeatedly. It could possibly be a bad thermo again if it's not OEM.
#28
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
My Ride: 04' 545, 6 Spd Manual, Blk Lthr, Sport Pkg, Sport Sts, Logic 7, Cold Wthr Pkg, Full L.E.D. Interior, Red Eng. Cvr, Mtech Front Bmpr, M5 Spoiler, Matte Blk Grill, Red Caps, Slttd & Drlld Rotors, 20
Model Year: 2004
Could be a bad connection at the thermostat. Is the replacement thermostat an OEM brand, Wahler? I ask because I ordered my first thermostat off ebay assuming it was OEM and boy was I misled. BIG MISTAKE! and lesson learned (for the most part ebay can be a good place to buy things, you just need to be a little more cautious of what you're purchasing, caveat emptor!). The part from ebay didn't last for six months. When I went to unplug my thermostat the connector INSIDE the thermostat popped right out along with the OEM clip! There was so much corrosion that the leads inside disintegrated. Thank God I still had my old thermostat. I got my refund back less shipping.
That CEL P0128 code turning on and off sounds like a bad connection somewhere, an open and closed circuit repeatedly. It could possibly be a bad thermo again if it's not OEM.
That CEL P0128 code turning on and off sounds like a bad connection somewhere, an open and closed circuit repeatedly. It could possibly be a bad thermo again if it's not OEM.
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