Is my CEL light working? Am I even looking in the right spot

[etrnlderek]

I went to get my smog test done today. I failed only because my CEL does not work. I was told that my bulb was missing or burnt out so that I would have to get it checked. I was confused because he was looking by the fog light indicator. I looked at the manual and it says its in the middle. Well now I was wondering if turn the key all way before I turn the engine over. Is the check engine light supposed to stay lite until I turn the car over? Or does it only turn on if I am throwing a code for a check engine light?

[Farbin Kaiber]

The one in the middle is the "check" light to tell you to look at the obc, the other area where an array of lights would go is where your MIL is.

[etrnlderek]

The one in the middle is the "check" light to tell you to look at the obc, the other area where an array of lights would go is where your MIL is.

Should the middle "check" light only turn on if there is something wrong?

Does it turn on when I turn the cars power on & when I turn the car over should it turn off unless there is an actual CEL?

Do I need to tell the smog guy that it doesnt turn on unless there is a problem on the obc? Or do I need to replace the bulb?

Sorry this is my first BMW.

[Farbin Kaiber]

The "CHECK" light is to inform you to look at that panel between the sunvisors to see WTF is wrong.
There is also a MIL, and it does need to turn on then off when you power up the ign switch.

[etrnlderek]

The "CHECK" light is to inform you to look at that panel between the sunvisors to see WTF is wrong.
There is also a MIL, and it does need to turn on then off when you power up the ign switch.

What is a MIL and where is it?

I guess I just need to fix the bulb that has to do with emissions check engine codes.

[Farbin Kaiber]

MIL = Malfunction Indicator Lamp

[Farbin Kaiber]

MIL is CEL. You may have more issues than a faulty bulb. I suggest you take the vehicle to a shop who is equiped/trained to repair emmissions related issues as you are trying to find out WHERE your Check Engine Light even resides.

[LovableSheep]

The 318is does not have the full overhead "Check Control" panel, so you will never see that center "CHECK" light go on at all in your car.

[etrnlderek]

MIL is CEL. You may have more issues than a faulty bulb. I suggest you take the vehicle to a shop who is equiped/trained to repair emmissions related issues as you are trying to find out WHERE your Check Engine Light even resides.

Yah I think I will save myself the trouble & just take it in some where. Thanks for your help.

[Farbin Kaiber]

The 318is does not have the full overhead "Check Control" panel, so you will never see that center "CHECK" light go on at all in your car.

Thanks, I totally forgot that small fact.