Exhaust gas values warning lamp

cmyX6go · #1 01-21-2009, 09:52 PM

Driving home tonight, a warning lamp comes on. I have no clue what the hell the icon represents. There are no chimes, no warning triangle in the cluster and no messages in the nav screen. I go into idrive, but don't see the icon. All systems normal. I go through each and every one just in case and all is clear. I get home - only a 12 mile trip so I'm hoping I won't explode - and open the owners manual to warning lamps. I don't see it...

So I take a picture to post here.

I come upstairs and go to the online manual to take another look. I do not want to see a

or be embarrassed if it's something simple. As I'm flipping through looking for the correct page number I come across it, totally by accident.

Exhaust gas values warning lamp....Now how difficult would it be to actually show the damn icon under warning lamps section of the manual

...

What does it mean? I will try tightening the gas cap as suggested in the manual tomorrow. It says something about misfiring engine. I thought I noticed excessive exhaust lately but chalked it up to the cold weather. She's been running OK otherwise.

Thoughts?

Thanks guys

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Penguin · #2 01-21-2009, 10:14 PM

I am assuming this is the light that looks like an engine? Are you in Canada?

The only way to know for sure is to have the codes read by an OBD-II code reader. Some auto parts places, such as AutoZone, will read the codes for free.

Otherwise, it needs to go to the dealer for warranty service.

If it is not flashing, you could wait a couple of days to see if it was just a loose fuel cap warning, but if it is flashing, it means there is a misfire and you should get it to the dealer ASAP or the catalytic converter could overheat and be damaged.

Up to you as to whether you think it might have been a loose fuel cap and want to wait to see if it goes away.

I am really surprised that BMW still lumps the loose fuel cap warning in with all the other emissions warnings. Most other makes, such as Ford, have a separate warning light so that a simple loose fuel cap doesn't get confused with more serious warnings.

Meiac09 · #3 01-21-2009, 10:15 PM

sounds like an emissions sensor gone batty. What does the check control in iDrive say, that usually gives some details...

cmyX6go · #4 01-21-2009, 11:08 PM

Penguin - it's not flashing. I'll just pass by the dealer tomorrow and have them take a look. The dealer is pretty close and they'll take care of me without an appointment. I was concerned about driving home with it and whether I could drive it back in tomorrow. Thanks for the info.

btw - I'm in the states - NY/NJ

Meiac - The idrive says not a fookin thing. Shows all systems OK.

Meiac09 · #5 01-21-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

Meiac - The idrive says not a fookin thing. Shows all systems OK.

leave early (if the traffic is really that bad at 4 AM

) and give her a flogging tomorrow morning. knock some sense into'er

Penguin · #6 01-21-2009, 11:29 PM

> btw - I'm in the states - NY/NJ

Odd, according to the manual, the light should say in letters "service Engine Soon" on U.S. models, and only have the symbol in Canadian models.

cmyX6go · #7 01-22-2009, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meiac09

leave early (if the traffic is really that bad at 4 AM

) and give her a flogging tomorrow morning. knock some sense into'er

I WAKE UP the birds, I don't leave with the birds.

It takes me about 20 minutes for my 12 mile commute. *fingers crossed*

Quote:

Originally Posted by Penguin

> btw - I'm in the states - NY/NJ
Odd, according to the manual, the light should say in letters "service Engine Soon" on U.S. models, and only have the symbol in Canadian models.

You got me

The icon in the manual is definitely the one that's lit up.

Stay tuned

cmyX6go · #8 01-23-2009, 10:02 PM

Moisture or water in the gas tank. Problem fixed. SA said I didn't get a message on my idrive screen and it showed all systems normal because it was not a drivability issue. (is that a word).