Don’t Fret Over a BMW Check Engine Light Symbol
Everyone dreads it: that little amber light on your dash that turns on when there is a problem with your car. But it’s not something you have to stress about. You can simply bring your car to Boyd Motor Werks and have it taken care of by our BMW-certified mechanics. We can diagnose all BMW engine warning lights and our repair service will maintain your warranty. We have more than 40 years of experience and BMW/MINI drivers in Portland, OR have been entrusting their vehicles to us for decades.
What Does a BMW Engine Light Mean?
But what does a check engine light mean? When you see your check engine light flash on, it can mean many things. It can be something as innocuous as a loose gas cap or a broken O2 sensor. Or it could be something more serious, like a misfiring cylinder or a compromised catalytic converter. The only way to be certain is to bring it in for a diagnostic. A diagnostic check will pick up the specific error code and tell the mechanic what is causing it. Then, the mechanic can repair the issue so the code is cleared. We offer full BMW diagnostic and repair services, so bring your car into our shop the next time you see a check engine light!
Why Does the Check Engine Light Come On?
There are many reasons why your check engine light may come on. In a BMW, if your check engine light starts to flash, you need to bring it in for diagnostic and repair right away, as this is an indication that there is a major problem that needs immediate attention. You may see the words “check engine” illuminate on your dash, the check engine symbol, or a combination of both. You may also see a red check engine symbol, which also indicates a major issue that needs immediate attention.
What causes these symbols to illuminate? Some of the most common causes of error codes include:
- Transmission issues
- Spark plug failure
- A loose or missing gas cap
- Broken oxygen sensor
- Air metering problems
- Fuel metering problems
- A dying battery
- Vacuum leak
- Faulty MAF sensor
You can take your car to an auto parts shop and they will usually be able to read the error code for you. You can even buy your own error code reader and retrieve the code yourself. However, there are a lot of things that a simple code doesn’t tell you. For instance, a code won’t tell you whether the problem is persistent or just a one-off issue brought on by adverse driving conditions. It also won’t tell you whether other systems have been affected by the problem. You need the assistance of a trained and experienced BMW mechanic to translate the code and inspect your vehicle.
Check Engine Light FAQs
Take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about BMW check engine lights and repairs:
- How much does it cost to get the engine light checked? – For a BMW, you are looking at around $80-$110.
- Will the check engine light turn off by itself? – In most cases, once the issue has been resolved, the light will turn off after 20-40 miles of driving. If it doesn’t, you may have to bring the car back for further inspection or a BMW check engine light reset.
- How long can you drive with a check engine light? – If the light is red or flashing, you need to get it checked out right away. All check engine lights should be addressed as soon as possible since they can mean many things.
Put Your BMW in Expert Hands
When you bring your car to Boyd Motor Werks, you are entrusting it to experienced and certified BMW mechanics, so there’s no need to worry the next time you see your check engine light flash on. Just give us a call and we will take care of it!