How to change the bulb for check engine light

[mtropolis]

Hello all, im new here btw.

I just purchased my first BMW, its a 91-92 318i
Im suspecting that my bulb for the check engine light is blown because, first of all, i cant get it to flash the codes when i turn the key to on without starting it, and rapidly floor the gass pedal five times.

Secondly because when i dissconnect the different plugs and contacts around the engine bay the light still wont flash. Eventhough the engine reacts to it by stalling, running rough etc etc.

So what i was wondering if how mutch hazzle is it to change that bulb? I am a "hobby" mechanic and can do almost all of the repairs myself on the cars. But im not so good at the electrical stuff. Any advice would be apreciated.

Also if anyone knows witch wire it is that powers the check engine light, and where its located, im guessing that would be mutch easier.

thanx...

[Tico 1]

Easiest way to know if your CEL bulb is out is by turning the key to the second position without starting the engine. If your CEL light comes on and then it goes away then your bulb is OK, if there is no light there then your bulb is blown. Taking it out is not that bad, just a couple of screws and carefully manuver it around your steering wheel. Get bulbs before you start, I don't know the part numbers for the bulbs, call the dealer they shoulb be able to give you the part numbers over the phone.

[mtropolis]

thanx.

Any chance some of you guys have a pic of the light for refference? Or what colour it should be?

[Tico 1]

I think the bulb is clear. The cover is what gives you the color. Anyway try this realOEMparts (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AJ93&mospid=47318&prod=19910400&btnr=62_0064&hg=62&fg=05)
If that's not your car, select other car and enter where it asks for serial number the las 7 digits of your VIN number.

[mtropolis]

Found a place that sold the bulbs. And i replaced them. The check engine light doenst light up. all the other ones do light up so im thinking

A: The person who sold me the car clipped the wire so i wouldnt get the check engine light when driving.

B: The import dealer who sold the guy i baught the car from did the same thing as mentioned in A.

So i need to find the wire that is used to light up the check engine light. I also tried a voltmeter to measure the current on the contact for the CEL bulb, there was no reading. Anyone have any tips, or maybe a PDF wiring diagram for the car?

[10kken]

The Bentely manual has all of the wiring connections in it. you'll need to buy the book though - but it's well worth the cost IMO.

[Tico 1]

The wire for the CEL is the grey one on connector A, pin 16.

[mtropolis]

The wire for the CEL is the grey one on connector A, pin 16.


Thanx a millon!

connector A is that the white one? Or the black one that connects into the cluster?

I have a Black (small one) then a blue and a white. Black is lockated directly behind the GAS gauge...

[MADXF]

Where does the CEL wire come from?

I have an australian e36 '94 320 with no wire at all in pin 16 on connector 1 (white), and a non grey one at pin 16 on connector 2 (blue). Just wanting to know where the CEL wire comes from so I can trace it and/or install a new wire.

Cheers.
Paul.

[mirek]

Where does the CEL wire come from?

I have an australian e36 '94 320 with no wire at all in pin 16 on connector 1 (white), and a non grey one at pin 16 on connector 2 (blue). Just wanting to know where the CEL wire comes from so I can trace it and/or install a new wire.

Cheers.
Paul.

i have a 94 320i, CEL doesn't come on ever. my sister has a 93 320i, CEL never comes on. i've even replaced the bulb and it doesn't come on. Hmm.. thought it just wasn't supposed to come on.

[Daved]

You guys with EURO SPECS cars may NOT have a check engine light.

Don't waste your time fixing something that's not broken ;)

Every Euro E36 325 I have seen (including mine) didn't have a CEL, nor O2 sensors nor cats. Euro specs cars are that cool :redspot :alright :buttrock

[MADXF]

Thanks for the quick response. Thats eased my mind a bit.

Now, next question.... can a CEL be wired in? or is there some other way (apart from buying a code reader) to get the flash codes?

[Daved]

Thanks for the quick response. Thats eased my mind a bit.

Now, next question.... can a CEL be wired in? or is there some other way (apart from buying a code reader) to get the flash codes?
Not with an euro specs ECU... Ever wondered why the ECU on the US specs cars were different? ;)

[MADXF]

Cant say I have actually, cause I didnt have a clue. Only just bought the car recently and havent looked into anything at all yet.