Check Engine Light ( HELP )

[vincenza]

Can Anyone direct me to a local wrench that will turn off my wife's 1996 328 i check engine light ? ( please not a Dealer $$$$$ ) If a dealer were to turn off the check engine light any ideas on how much it will cost ?
My wrench told me everytime he resets the check engine it goes back on as soon as you restart the car again .
I live in Ventura , Ca .
I do not like to see any lights on and need this off . The car runs fantastic .






Vinnie from Ventura
89 911 Silver Anniversary ( My baby)
96 BMW 328 i ( Her Baby )

[BMR BOY]

Some FLAPS (friendly local auto parts stores) such as Auto Zone (if you have those there) will do a code search and reset the CEL (check engine light) for free. It would be worth your while to just see what code the car is spitting out. Yes, if the problem is say, an O2 sensor, it is only a matter of time before it comes back on (usually 1-2 days), but you may want that code so you can fix it. Fortunately, your car is OBDII, so pretty much any scanner will work. I use an "auto-XRay 5000" which tells me everything from intake temperature to timing advancement every second. So call your FLAPS and see who'll do it for free. Remember to tell them it's OBDII; the weirdo behind the counter may not be sure.
BMR BOY

[Wayne at Pelican Parts]

Right - the light is on for a reason, I would find out what it says. Check out this article for more info:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/Mult-Code_Reading/Mult-Code_Reading.htm

-Wayne

[Metroporter]

I own a '97 328i. I too, have seen the check engine light come on. Everytime it has come on, it has been my gas cap. Check that first for a quick solve.

[Metroporter]

Forgot to mention: if it is the gas cap, be sure to give the car plenty of time to reset itself. I've been told by the dealer that it may take a few starts before the light will turn off...

[blkongry]

That same thing happened to my friend and his Acura TL... the gas cap was adjar and triggering the check engine light.

[Wayne at Pelican Parts]

Funny - gas cap would generate $80 call to BMW dealer!



-Wayne