Check Engine on a pre-87 e30... how??

[Lee Harvey]

You test the components... using diagnostic skills and testing procedures... ;)

[NigelStu]

Newbie reviving an old thread...

I recently picked up an '87 es. Had to do SI battery / random burnt out meter bulb replacement; I noticed there was no input to light the CEL (but my 325is parts car does have one). My search for why turned up this thread.

And after consulting my trusty Mr. Bentley, I see that the non-"i" models indeed have the 'basic' motronic engine system with NO CEL. Strange.

So that brings up the same question as elrich d - how can you tell if an O2 sensor is bad w/o the CEL? same goes for checking other fuel system components?

OR - since it is a 'basic' system, do those components not have an effect on AFR?


One of the main reasons I'm asking is because my car seems to be running on the rich side...


Thank in advance
Ben

[elrich_d]

so what about if oxygen sensors or something else is shot? does the "check" light only flash if the above console has a light on?

[Jean]

my 87is has a CEL.

My 84 has a MIL ;)

[Edev]

my 87is has a CEL.

Pics?

[bimmer_E30]

my 87is has a CEL.

[Jean]

Well the red service light on a 90 I motor is pin 7 grounded to where ever, I use a long wire and go to the strut tower.
Ground for 13 seconds, take it off ground and wait 2 seconds and then ground and another 5 seconds. Boom no more service indicators.

As for the earlier model squarish port... I'll ask my buddy, but I think he said you couldn't do it that way...

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DAMN IM NO HELP!!!

The early SI board procedure is the same. They just won't reset if the board is bad.

and as stated above CHECK light is different from Check Engine light.

[uberCerealkiller]

You have no check engine light, you are speaking of the "Check" light that flashes. Look up at your Check Control in front of your mirror, and press the check button. your Flashing Check light will go away. Its only flashing to let you know that one of your check lights are on in the panel. Just press that little button and it will stop flashing. It will come back on everytime you drive the car until you fix what ever is causing the check control to go off. A taillight being out will trigger this. Low oil, coolant, any of those things.

Just to clarify, there is NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT in ETAs. I have an 87 model, no CEL.

[Invisible Saddle]

Checking up on this. I grounded the two pins to reset the inspection lights. Yet for me the check light continues to flash.

[ikkitousen]

Well the red service light on a 90 I motor is pin 7 grounded to where ever, I use a long wire and go to the strut tower.
Ground for 13 seconds, take it off ground and wait 2 seconds and then ground and another 5 seconds. Boom no more service indicators.

As for the earlier model squarish port... I'll ask my buddy, but I think he said you couldn't do it that way...

--------------------------------------------------------
DAMN IM NO HELP!!!

[Vedubin01]

I think he is talking about the Service bar and how to reset it on a early car.

Whats the 2 jumpers you cross to reset the light

[Kerrath]

Check engine light simply didn't exist in the etas as far as I know. Mine's an 86 and looking in the ETM for it, there's no mention. Best download the ETM for your year and see if it exists, but I'm strongly inclined to agree with what was above posted about 87+ only.

[Monteblanco]

the car doesnt set flash codes, well at least i know my car doesnt its an 86 325E, it says it in alldata

[ethree]

The inspection light thing makes me think you SI board and/or batteries are bad, but I don't think that should do anything to trigger the CEL.

[oldskool3]

it was only avaliable after 87 or 88 I believe