"Service Engine Soon" on. What to do?
 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

I left to Hawaii on 8/6. got back on Monday and filled up my gas yesterday. This morning I noticed the SES light was off. Does the BC automatically turn off the SES if the problem is corrected? Hopefully there was no problem in the first place.

Depends on the specific fault. For a loose gas cap, if you tighten the gas cap it will go off by itself after awhile.

I think my problem is solved. I hope so anyway. thanks.

That may be a new way to reset fault codes. Go to Hawaii for a couple of weeks, that is.

I like that idea. :thumbup:

my X5 has same problem
 

Crap... my SES light just came back on. Can't afford another trip to Hawaii, so I guess I'll figure out a way to get it scanned.

Get the Peake Scan Tool, I love mine.

Sadly it does not look at everything. For instance, it does not diagnoise airbag or suspension problems/codes.

Unless someone knows of a scanner that is able to read everything...which I would love to have.

My indy mechanic charges $35 everytime they connect my x5 to the scanner. Having my own scanner allows me to find out what the problem is before I go to the mechanic. To me, this saves a lot of time as the following is usually the steps for any problems I come across.

1) Setup appointment with INDY mechanic.
2) 3-4 days later take it in and they set it up to their scanner and check the codes. They then advise me which parts I need and how much they can get it for.
3) I come home and compare with morristown BMW depending on how quickly I need the parts, I also checkout ebay for the same parts.
4) Order the parts from morristown or ebay (which means a week shipping time frame)
5) Setup another appointment for fixing my SUV (3-4 days later typically). I try and co-ordinate their appointment on the same day the parts are scheduled to arrive


With my scanner, its simply setup the scanner to my truck, order in the parts. Then setup an apointment for them to fix the parts. However, I also purchased the service manual and intend on starting to install parts on my own, of course with my father watching.

thanks. looks like i'll be looking into a scanner. heck, i can use it on everyone's car i know.

:rofl::bustingup:rofl::bustingup:rofl::bustingup