EML light, help...
 

Hi all,

I have a problem on my X5 3.OL I (2001) and my local BMW dealer here in the Caribbean doeans't know what to do...
I have the 3 brake warning lights on (used pads, ABS and the general brake warning light), all yellow (not red) most of the time, and if these lights are on BEFORE starting the engine (means with the key is in position 2 before starting the engine), the EML light come on and the engine starts on the limp mode.
I have to stop the engine, try to start again, until the EML and brake lights (except the used pad light which is still on) go off, so the engine finally starts ok.

The brake pads are new, there is no error code on the OBD, the BMW dealer says that he can't do anything since there is not an error code... On the other hand, they didn't even check the pads and ABS sensors...

So my questions:
- Do the brake warning lights can drive the EML light on and the engine in limp mode?
- Is there a way to check the brake sensors (pads and ABS) myself?

Many thanks in advance for your help as nobody seems to be able to help around here, not even the BMW dealer!!

JLO

Going by my (and others) similar experience recently and if I was a betting man I'd put a $100 on the alternator needs repair or replacement. Mind you it could be sensors.
'Search' is your friend...
Good luck :thumbup:

Found the problem, it was a faulty ABS sensor (front left one), the ABS and global brake lights are now off. However the used brake pads is still on and the EML light stays on (limp mode too) sometimes.
Can someone confirm that this used pad light can drive the EML?
Thanks!
JL

Good to hear you resolved the sensor issue.
Sorry, I can't help u with used brake pad light though. I'm sure someone will chime in and assist.

An update about this problem: As previously said, it was a faulty ABS sensor which activated the brake warning lights. However the EML (SES) light is still on. At that time, the local BMW dealer said that there weren't any error codes...

I went yesterday to another dealer (non BMW), he connected the scanner and found two codes: the one for the faulty ABS sensor (he cleared it) and another for a incorrect supply voltage to the throttle body. This would be this last one which drives the EML light... I'd wish to replace the throttle body however 2 questions make me hesitate:
- The engine is running very well, without any loss in power or any misfire, this is just that the EML light is on all the time.
- When I start the engine, it generally come into limp mode. I have just to stop it, wait for 10 seconds and it starts and runs fine! (EML light still on though).

Does someone has an idea why I need these 10 seconds to clear the limp mode?

Thanks once again,
JL