How to Troubleshoot BMW Check Engine Light on

Troubleshooting a BMW check engine light should be an easy task. All you need to do is let the BMW On-Board Diagnostic system do the work for you. Every time a major problem occurs, the diagnostic system of car will generate a trouble code and the Check engine light will go on. To retrieve these codes, you will need a BMW diagnostic scanner. BMW cars after 1996 will use OBD-II coding. Today I introduce one BMW diagnostic tool-BMW ICOM, I advice you better use BMW ICOM to diagnose newer BMW after 1996, while BMW GT1 and BMW OPS are better used to diagnose older BMW before 1996. Let us read some information about ICOM BMW.

BMW ICOM Instructions

1) Open the BMW driver-side door. Appear into the leg-space beneath the dashboard. There, you will discover 16 pin-receiving Information Link Connector. This DLC outlet is featured in unique areas, depending on the model of BMW that you are working with. Some might readily seen, but other people may perhaps be concealed behind an access panel. Need to you have got difficulty locating your BMW DLC outlet, there is certainly an on the web application that could assist (see Resources).

2) Connect your BMW ICOM to the DLC outlet. For most BMW ICOMs, this is a similar process. A scanner or perhaps a code reader ordinarily includes a diagnostic cable with a 16-prong plug. Connect the cable to the BMW ICOM, and plug the cable in to the DLC outlet. Switch your BMW ICOM on. Then slide your BMW important in to the vehicle ignition. Switch to On. This may activate the BMW electrical array. Based on the BMW ICOM plus the method you are working with, you may also need to have an active engine. If this can be the case, get started the automobile engine at this time.

4) Wait some seconds to a minute. Your BMW ICOM and the vehicle diagnostic process will establish a connection. Some BMW scanners, as soon as an incoming information stream is detected, will automatically retrieve active difficulty codes. In the event you don’t possess a BMW ICOM preprogrammed to do this, seek the advice of your BMW ICOM handbook. Button configurations and common layout differ by brand and type of diagnostic handheld. Your BMW ICOM handbook will detail the exact instructions on the best way to enter a code-retrieving command.

5) Look by the codes on your BMW ICOM display screen. How the codes are displayed also is determined by the BMW diagnostic tools that you are utilizing. OBD-II codes are alphanumeric, along with the very first letter with the trouble code will specify where the problem is positioned. Anti-locking brake codes usually be purely numerical. Many BMW scanners will even differentiate a code’s status. Any code listed as “pending” are infrequent malfunctions; these problems have not activated a single of your BMW’s warning lights.

6) Copy the active difficulty codes onto a separate sheet of paper. In case you are utilizing more than BMW ICOM and troubleshooting more than one diagnostic technique, be certain you categorize this list. Columns are useful methods to netanize trouble codes. This can be also correct for OBD-II diagnostics, which acts as an umbrella for many varieties of codes. For example, P-codes cover the BMW powertrain,though B, C, and U codes cover the physique, chassis and network communications method.

7) Look up every single code pulled from the BMW. BMW ICOM handbooks will consist of coding definitions. OBD-II scanners, for example, present generic coding lists fantastic for all post-1996 vehicles. On the other hand,you will have to go on the net to locate BMW supplemental OBD-II codes. As a general rule, a vehicle’s owner’s manual wonnot include coding definitions for any diagnostic technique. However, difficulty codes can very easily be identified online (see Resources). Listed here are I provide a PDF file which lists coding definitions: http://www.uobd2.net/service/diagnostic-trouble-code-dtc-table-free-download-131.html

8) Copy the suitable definitions to their corresponding difficulty codes. Read by means of all the definitions and make a choice. For those who have the mechanical practical experience, you will be able to try DIY fixes on a number of the issues. However, some diagnostic systems, like ABS brakes, are very complicated and should be deferred to a educated mechanic.

9) Take your code list with you, when you decide to seek advice from a BMW-certified mechanic. This list will save you funds in diagnostic costs.

Video demo on how to set up and use BMW ICOM:

Internal hard disk version bmw icom operation:

Video part one: how to setup BMW Icom software

Video part two: how to install BMW Icom software
http://www.diagkey.com/2014-5-bmw-icom-a2-b-c-diagnostic-programming-tool-with-wifi