"Service Engine Soon" on. What to do?

[x5pdx]

My SES light came on just b4 warranty expired. I brought it in to do tranny software reprogram and check the light. This was BMWs response on the invoice.

SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ON. SCANNED FOR FAULTS. FOUND GAS CAP FAULT. RAN TEST PLAN AND NO LEAK FOUND. FAULT CLEARED.

So the question is can I figure out what the problem is (in case its the same problem) or do I have to take it into the stealership for diagnosis of SES light? I assume that they would charge me some rediculous .5 hrs of labor just to scan it and tell me why its on.

Thanks in advance.

[ZsX5o3]

most likely means you didn't properly shut the gas cap.. you can take it to autozone and they'll diagnose your SES light for free in the future.

[djbock]

Just go to your local auto parts store and purchase an ODB II scanner. Usually they can be bought for less than the .5 hour charge that the dealer will charge to scan it once. Plus, then you can scan your own codes, clear them, or go into the dealer with the problem code already known.

[JCL]

I don't see the point in having a scanner unless you have the ability to interpret the fault code, and then fix it.

In this case, as the poster above notes, the gas cap was probably loose. If the same fault comes back after your warranty expires, you have a work order reference to a pre-existing condition, so it should be handled by BMW. That assumes that there may be a leak in the evaporative emission control system, as opposed to the gas cap simply being loose.

[x5pdx]

Originally Posted by ZsX5o3

most likely means you didn't properly shut the gas cap.. you can take it to autozone and they'll diagnose your SES light for free in the future.

Thanks. Unfortunately in Oregon, its against the law to fill up our own gas. Not sure why??? Kinda stupid to me. I'll have to check the gas attendants every time.

[ZsX5o3]

I had the light come on for this a day or two after I filled up. I noticed the cap wasn't turned completely to a 90 degree angle. I've also heard that pinching the wire can throw the code. I think if you can't fill up your own tank you will be getting this code a lot, lol.

[sarnomel]

So where can I get this scanner. What does it do exactly. Does it just give you the code and turn of your light? Are there different scanners? I want to get one but if there is a better one that tells you exactly what's wrong I would rather have that one.

[youry]

Just an idea
http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9175-...7933399&sr=8-2

you can delete the codes in a few seconds with almost any obd scaner

[zzzzkev]

Actron scanners can be had at most auto parts stores and the lesser expensive ones ($65-$85) have a book that's included where you can look up the code. Then when you find out what the code means you can hit x5world and find the fix. Or you can buy the really expensive scanners that have the "book" of codes intergrated and tell you what the code means. Still have to hit the boards though (for a DIY). Cheers!

[supersteve]

I had an Actron which I used in comparison to my PEAKE while troubles shooting difficult starting. The PEAKE actually pulled codes the Actron didn't. BMW's software is very proprietary. You can read the basic codes with the Actron; however, if your planning on spending the money. . .spend it only once.

Standard, no conection to this company. Actually I'm a little pissed at PEAKE. My reader is an older version than what's available now and does not read codes after 2003 models (even though I purchased it in 2006). They say it can't be upgraded, even if I send it back. So it doesn't do much for my 2006