EML, Exhaust Emissions Value & DTC Lights all on

M

MD01

Member
 Sandhurst, Berkshire
I got in the car this morning to start a trip to Leicester and all 3 of the above lights were on amber. The car initially wouldn't even turn over when turning the key (did nothing at all) but now its clicking. The car seems to be lacking in battery power however the fact that the exhaust warning light is on is making me think its not just a flat battery. Add in to that the fact that I had the 'bypass mod' done last week and I'm suspecting that's the cause and possibly a failed Lambda sensor? I'm now stuck with no way of actually getting to a garage to get it diagnosed.

Thoughts?
 
Now it wont even register that the car has the key in the ignition and at position 1 or 2. Its showing no warning lights and doing nothing, the window has slightly opened as it does when you open the door but now it wont close, neither will the car look. All this is pointing towards the battery, so should I drop a new one in and test it? What I am unsure of is whether its the charging mechanism that's failed as opposed to the battery itself.
 
How old is the car? My battery failed when the car was around 3-4 years old. It's a common problem... I'd try charging it or replacing it if it won't hold a charge.
 
BMWZ4MC said:
How old is the car? My battery failed when the car was around 3-4 years old. It's a common problem... I'd try charging it or replacing it if it won't hold a charge.
Click to expand...

The car is a 56 plate and still looks to have the original battery in.

I have sorted a new battery which I will fit this afternoon, my indy is also going to take a look at it tomorrow to try work out what caused it to discharge as there were no warning signs, I have been driving it every day for the past week with no indication of a fault. He mentioned something about a common fault with a heater resistor pack but i'll leave him to diagnose that properly tomorrow.
 
Just fitted the new battery and it now starts, however the engine management light and the exhaust emissions value light are both showing whilst the key is in position 1, these clear when the car is started.

I am not sure if there is still a problem with this, or they just need clearing. Either way my indy is taking a look tomorrow to hopefully give it the thumbs up. Fingers crossed :cry:
 
Pretty sure those lights come on to confirm they are working during start up anyway. Sounded very much like a dead battery to me
 
stupot67 said:
Hi,

Thats just a bulb/function test - If they go out once the engines started, all is well :thumbsup:

Stu.
Click to expand...

Super! Thats what I like to hear

NathanZ4C said:
Pretty sure those lights come on to confirm they are working during start up anyway. Sounded very much like a dead battery to me
Click to expand...

Lets hope it was just that . The only thing that makes me think otherwise is that I've had no indication or warning of it dying. The battery warning light never came on and I was driving it all weekend and Monday with no noticeable problems.
 
Hi,
Lets hope it was just that . The only thing that makes me think otherwise is that I've had no indication or warning of it dying. The battery warning light never came on and I was driving it all weekend and Monday with no noticeable problems.
Click to expand...
- It's not unusual for it happen, as long as the voltage from the battery remains above a certain level everything is O.K. As soon as it drops below the ECU will prevent engine starting (Mainly due to the fact that there is insufficient voltage to run DSC/ABS etc). On other cars I've had and BMW bikes, the ABS light will flash indicating that there is Insufficient voltage for it work properly - But it will let it start :| .

Stu.
 
stupot67 said:
Hi,
Lets hope it was just that . The only thing that makes me think otherwise is that I've had no indication or warning of it dying. The battery warning light never came on and I was driving it all weekend and Monday with no noticeable problems.
Click to expand...
- It's not unusual for it happen, as long as the voltage from the battery remains above a certain level everything is O.K. As soon as it drops below the ECU will prevent engine starting (Mainly due to the fact that there is insufficient voltage to run DSC/ABS etc). On other cars I've had and BMW bikes, the ABS light will flash indicating that there is Insufficient voltage for it work properly - But it will let it start :| .

Stu.
Click to expand...

Thanks very much for the explanation. This forum has been a good source of information since I picked up the Zed, hopefully soon I can help others out rather than them me.
 
MD01 said:
...He mentioned something about a common fault with a heater resistor pack...
Click to expand...

This is a common problem with the E46 3 series and IIRC the X3 and X5 models of similar age. It's been discussed here before and I don't think the Z4 has the same heater blower - google "E46" and either "hedgehog" or "final stage resistor".
 
Just picked the car up from my indy. He's had it all day and not found any cause for the sudden death of the battery, just been put down to old age. Thanks for the help again.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom