The Top 7 Reasons Your BMW’s Check Engine Light is On
The check engine light is designed to be a way your BMW, or any vehicle, can let you know when something is not right. While it may be something simple, it is always best to give your check engine light the benefit of the double and take it seriously, before the problem escalates into expensive damage.
Here are 7 of the most common reasons your BMW’s check engine light has come on:
1. Oxygen Sensor
This part monitors an engines air to fuel ratio by measuring the amount of free oxygen in the exhaust. There is a ratio of air and gasoline that is perfect for a vehicle, and this part helps monitor that. When this part is broken, you will begin noticing a decrease in gas mileage and it will increase emissions. Not replacing this part can break your catalytic converter, which is a much more expensive repair.
2. Gas Cap
The gas cap on your vehicle can either get lost, be loose, or have a fault that causes it to trigger your check engine light. The reason it does this is because it believes there is a leak in the Evaporative Emissions System. For most of today’s vehicles leaving the gas cap off is really not a huge issue as there is a flapper valve built into the filling system. But, you may still notice a gas smell. This can be a simple fix, do-it-yourself fix.
3. Catalytic Converter
This part works to reduce exhaust gases. It can affect gas mileage, and even exhilaration. Keeping to your BMW’s maintenance schedule should keep this part from failing, but often if parts like the oxygen sensor are broken, this can cause trouble with the catalytic converter.
4. Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor on your vehicle tells your car’s computer to add the right amount of fuel based on the air coming into the engine. This is another part than can affect gas mileage if it is faulty. Replacing the air filter at least once a year is the best way to prevent the airflow sensor from failing.
5. Spark Plugs and Wires
These parts seal the combustion chamber and initiates the combustion to your engine. You might notice if these are failing, as you will feel a jolt in acceleration. These parts have to be replaced occasionally. Again, if you are following your BMW’s recommended schedule you should be fine. If not, you need to replace them quickly to prevent more costly damage. This is also a very simple fix, and many opt to do it themselves in a pinch.
6. Fuel Injector
This part is responsible for getting gas into the engine the correct way. They usually last a fair amount of time, ideally as long as the car does, but they do fail. This is often do to circumstances out of your control, but measures like regularly changing the fuel filter help increase the life of the fuel injector.
7. Head Gasket
Signs of a blown head gasket include engine overheating, coolant mixed with the vehicle’s oil, low coolant levels, and/or sweet smelling white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Yet these are not scientific. Depending on the type of failure and vehicle, the symptoms will appear differently. Before assuming this is the issue, it is best to consult with a mechanic to ensure this is truly the case.
When your BMW’s check engine light comes on, that is a warning sign that there is something wrong. By knowing these most common issues ruling out simpler and less threatening dangers like a faulty gas cap can help speed up your repair process. Just remember, when in doubt, it is best to take it for an expert opinion. Schedule your appointment or give us a call at 972-758-7576 if you have any questions or concerns about your BMW.
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