3 Things You Need To Do When The Check Engine Light Turns On
- bmwnoob
- Jan 16, 2021
- 5 min read
Turn the ignition on. Check Engine light stays on. The car rattles.
This is probably the worst thing that could happen to a first time BMW and M3 owner 10 days after purchasing an 18 year old car. Especially since it happened on New Years Eve where every single repair shop is closed.
This was what happened to me, exactly just like this.
The first thing I did was turn to a friend from Reddit who also just purchased an E46 M3 about the same time. This was the best thing about being part of the BMW community. I'd like to think that because there has been an unreliability streak coming from BMW cars, that the community has tighten its bond with each other and created so many documentation on how to research and repair common issues that come out of a BMW. Especially the beloved E46 M3 generation because of its huge fan base.
Don't panic. That was the first thing he responded to me on Messenger.
I smiled because literally, that's what I was doing. I panicked.
After having a more in depth discussion with him and going through the forums, articles and videos on the Internet. I found a path to a solution that my fix that check engine light.
1. Get an OBD2 Scanner
"You can't check if your leg is broken without an X-ray". This is the metaphor that my Reddit buddy told me when I asked him how can I find out what the check engine light is about. The OBD2 scanner is that X-ray device. You plug it on the OBD port of your car and then it will scan your car for issues. Modern OBD is really helpful as it not only tells you what is the code that represents the issue, but it also tells you what you need to fix it.
Here are few options you have for an OBD2 scanner
What I like about it
It does the job and it's sold at a store nearby. So if your car suddenly gets a misfire (like mine), you can immediately get one and find out what's going on.
It does not require a subscription for you to use it
What I don't like about it
It's not the easiest tool to find out what exactly is happening. The user interface on any of these scanners (even if connected to an app) is not as clear as it can be
It is wired. Meaning you have to connect the cable to the OBD port in your car and then look at the tool while it being connected.
What I like about it
It is dedicated for your BMW and made in Germany.
It's wireless, meaning you just plug your scanner on the car and you can leave it there the whole time if you want. Anytime you want a scan, all you have to do is open the app while the car is on and then click Scan
It can also be used to code your car. Also, I had no idea what this meant in the beginning. But back in the day, if you wanted your car to turn on the lights when you lock it, or open the windows when you press the remote twice, the dealership will have to "code" it for you and that will cost money. With Carly, you you can see a list of code possibilities for your car and it can do it for you. For example, I decided to code the car so it would "beep" when I lock or unlock the car and open all doors when I press the key remote once.
What I don't like about it
It is not sold at stores. At least not in the area I live in. So if it was snowing hard outside and I could not start my car, I had to go online, purchase this and wait almost two weeks for it to arrive. Remember it is shipped from Germany.
It requires a subscription to unlock all of its possibilities. And the subscription is yearly, which is the big bummer. Meaning you pretty much have to pay another $80 just to get the subscription to get updated on all of your BMW issues.
2. Research
Now that you have some insight on what is going on with your car, you can put the code that your scanner returns onto the best mechanic in the information world ... Google. From google you will be able to read posts from other people who have gotten the same code for their car. Trust me, if you have an E46 M3, someone have experienced what you have. Read up and then watch on YouTube what needs to be done to fix it. I suggest you don't only watch one and you don't only watch it once, but watch a few different videos from different people so you get an idea of what they did. Most importantly, make yourself feel comfortable doing it.
3. Get a set of tools
First of all, let me remind you again who I am as a mechanic. I am not a mechanic. Meaning, for the almost 20 years of me owning a car, when my car breaks down, I pick up the phone. So I didn't have a set of tools. Now if you are just like me and you are starting with an E46 or an E46 M3 like me, I can give you a shortcut.
TOOLSET 1: Basic ratcheting tools (you will need these for everything that you do)
Ratchet
Extensions
Torque wrench (needed when you need to fasten something up to certain torque)
TOOLSET 2: From the ratcheting tools, you would need a set of sockets that can be used to unscrew (and screw back) bolts. The ratchet connects to an extension then connects to a socket.
Torx T30 - to remove the cabin air filter
13mm socket - to remove the strut bar
10mm socket - to remove the engine cover
ACCESSORIES: These are not super important but just like any accessory, it can be really useful.
Flashlight - The keychain flashlight I have in my picture is weak (because it's small and can't be attached or stand anywhere) but it works. However, I would suggest getting something that you know can help you see the parts in the dark.
Pliers - to remove some of those difficult to remove items. I used mine to remove the plastic cover that protects the left front of the engine cover
Screwdriver - mostly I used this to pry open some parts that are difficult to take off (like the engine cover in my case)
Now from here, you can get a socket set just to make sure that you have everything that you need for any future repair work, or you can just get the three I mentioned above to remove the engine cover. Anything that has anything to do with the engine would need a specific socket size that you can purchase separately or as a set, but TOOLSET 1 and TOOLSET 2 would be the first thing you need to get started.
For me, opening the engine cover on my own was a very revealing effort. I never used a ratchet before nor have I used an extension to a socket. But act of opening the engine cover one by one was an empowering act. It made me realize that I was capable to work on my own car.
Good luck. I hope that you are able to find out what caused your "Check Engine" light to turn on. And whatever you decide to do, even if it's to just bring it to a local shop or dealership, you are entitled to your own decision, regardless of what the Internet says. You care about your car and it does not make you less of human being if you would rather not work on it yourself. Just enjoy it because you deserve it.
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