SES stays on if I turn the key but don't start.

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04-23-2008, 08:22 PM

RahulVyas

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My Ride: 2005 545i sports package. All options. Black on Black.

If I turn the key but not all the way to start. All other indicators turn off but SES (Service Engine Soon) stays on. Showed it to the dealer but he says it's normal. I don't think it should stay on. When I turn further to start the car SES indicator turns off and everything is fine.
Is it normal?. My car is 2005 545i sports package with 25,000 miles on it.
Thanks for your help.

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04-23-2008, 08:26 PM

prock

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Quote:

Originally Posted by RahulVyas' post='566907' date='Apr 24 2008, 12:22 AM

Yes, that's normal.

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04-23-2008, 10:51 PM

Roleez

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My Ride: 2011 E92 335i M-Sport 6MT

Yup ... normal. My former '06 550i and my friend's '04 530i did the same thing where the yellow SES light was fully lit prior to startup. In my '08 M5, there is no "Service Engine Soon" light, but rather a yellow engine icon (similar to that seen in any Honda or Acura) that stays lit then turns off after startup.

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04-24-2008, 02:56 AM

advancedlogic

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My Ride: 04 545i - Titanium Silver/Black, Sport pkg, Comfort Seats w/ Lumbar, Premium Sound, power rear sunshade, Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Steptronic, Park Distance Control, Fold down rear seats w/ski bag, Aux jack, 6-disk changer, puddle lamps... Engine: Custom Remus cat-back exhaust w/chrome square tips, K&N Air Filter, Charcoal Filter Removed, Sprint Booster :-), 50/50 mix of 91+100 Octane, EuroRev ECU Remap (coming soon lol), Dinan High-Flow Throttle Body (coming soon...maybe lol) Interior: Portable Sirius Stilletto 100 w/car kit, Garmin Nuvi 680 mounted below rear-view mirror, LCI-style I-drive knob, Dark Poplar Center Dashboard Trim. Exterior: E60 forum clings, 5% rear tint, ACS roof spoiler (painted black for distinct look against limo tint), ACS trunk spoiler, ACS add-on front spoiler and rear apron (awaiting installation), "18 Black Staggered BeBeS Style OER (emergency replacement for cracked sport 124 rims), black kidney grill, white accessory lighting (including license and trunk lamps), Angel-eye upgrade, AIB xenon-matched fog lamps, AIB V3's on order, red rear reflectors

Many cars will do this as well. It's a 2-fold reason - system check and lamp function verification. Because the engine isn't started, but the ignition circuit is ready, the SES is in check mode. OBD diagnostics are checked when the engine is in this mode. Upon engine start, all systems are checked for errors. If none are found, the lamp is turned off and all systems are go. If a fault is detected, depending on the fault, the SES lamp may be illuminated and the code(s) stored. Freeze-frame data is recorded on SES lamp illumination, so the conditions at the time of failure can be reviewed. During engine run-time, sensors and conditions are continuously checked.

I know it's kinda wordy for the request, but I thought I'd share a little bit of OBD knowledge for those not in the know.