Hey guys basically I have a newbie question. Every time I start my car there is this marker/gauge that moves up. It sometimes changes position so it doesn't stay in one spot. I have a picture of my gauge cluster and an arrow pointing to it. Does anyone know what it is?

 

Its the engine's temperature gauge.

 

You want to avoid rev-ing the engine into this range. That's why it starts in the 4,000 RPM range when engine is cold and increases as engine warms up. Think of it as the Yellow region or Caution region on other tachs. If you ever happen to exceed the fixed Red line, the engine computer will cut off fuel and it will feel as if you suddenly drove the wheels into a pool of honey.

Also, the Red Service indication between the speedo and tach says your computer thinks there is a service due. You can press the iDrive controller down and select Service to find out what is due. It also shows up briefly during the start sequence.

 

lol cool thank you guys, now i know

 

I wonder why this feature was discontinued in the LCI? My 09/01 doesn't have it, I thought it was broken until I checked the manual. It just doesn't exist in my car, which has a manual transmission so it would be nice.

 

What? Is this a serious reply?

OP - those are your engine temp indicators. It doesn't start in the 4000 RPM range. When its warm you will see it go down to 2-3 ticks.

 

How do you know when your engine is overheating?

 

You get an idiot light on the dash...

 

Yes, I am completely serious. This is exactly what the moving hash markers do on my car, and is intended to be used the way I described. Maybe they changed function/operation in later models. Quote from my Owner's Manual,

"The white-striped advance warning field, arrow 1, changes depending on the engine temperature.
The segments disappear in sequence as the engine warms to its normal operating temperature.
Avoid allowing the engine speed to rise as far as the advance warning field whenever possible.
Engine speeds in the red warning field, arrow 2, must be avoided.
In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the engine."

?

 

Sorry but maybe you should read that again. Or perhaps I need to read yours again?

"Avoid allowing the engine speed to rise as far as the advance warning field whenever possible.
Engine speeds in the red warning field, arrow 2, must be avoided.
In this range, the fuel supply is interrupted to protect the engine."

So basically don't redline your engine or get near the white markers. Only an idiot could jump in his car and do that. And it's pretty hard to do unless you have a manual anyway. I think you're reading outside context.

The question the OP asked was what they were.


OP they are engine operating temperature markers.