Scan tool recommendations

[powerontap]

Well, for the 1st time ever, my service engine soon light (yellow) just came on. (2003 3.0 with 55k) It appeared as soon as I started my car in the morning, after it was outside overnight. It never sleeps outside usually, but I was away for few days in the New Hampshire mountains. The car still runs perfect, so I suspect an emission related code. I do intend to wait a week or so to see if the light sets iteself off after running a few on/off cycles. Have read on other BMW forums that this is a possibility if the detected problem doesn't reoccur.

But if it doesn't go away on it's own, I like to tackle most problems (got a mechanic's degree but never worked in that field afterwards), so now I'm now shopping for a scan and reset tool. The Peake Research R5-FCX-3-16 unit seems like the best choice I've come up with until now. Does anyone on the forum own a diognostic tool? If so, what model and is it performing as advertised?

http://www.peakeresearch.com/fcx3.htm

Any knowledgable input appreciated.

 

[sandere85]

my service engine soon light (yellow) just came on.

http://www.peakeresearch.com/fcx3.htm

what do you mean by this?

service engine soon lights do not sound familiar to me.

 

[powerontap]

my service engine soon light (yellow) just came on.

http://www.peakeresearch.com/fcx3.htm

what do you mean by this?

service engine soon lights do not sound familiar to me.

It's an indicator light in the instrument cluster to warn of a possible engine/electronic malfunction. You can see it as part of the check sequence when you turn your ignition on.

 

[Jembo]

Well, for the 1st time ever, my service engine soon light (yellow) just came on.

Any knowledgable input appreciated.

To clarify, does the the 'Service engine soon' light blink or flash, as this implies a mis-fire & is a real problem. Otherwise could be down to emissions. Is the car used just for small trips or fairly regular long distance adventures?

 

[powerontap]

To clarify, does the the 'Service engine soon' light blink or flash, as this implies a mis-fire & is a real problem. Otherwise could be down to emissions. Is the car used just for small trips or fairly regular long distance adventures?

No, it comes on and stays on as soon as the car starts. The car doesn't show any signs of trouble, that's why I suspect an emission issue. My Z is a toy, used for weekend drives and occasionally showcased in show and shine competitions. It's only been used for leisure drives since new.

 

[ZED_NOT_ZEE]

Service Engine Soon (constant) is emissions related as per the owners manual. (different from a check engine light)

From my experience---it is commonly triggered by a loose gas cap. (take it off and put it back on again). It can also be triggered by bad gasoline, loose engine oil cap (take it off and put it back on again), or the oil dipstick is not fully in the hole. Sometimes it is an o2 sensor or an injector.

Rumour is, if the engine completes around 10 drive cycles without the fault reoccurring it will turn off by itself. I've had it turn off sooner by itself. It can of course be reset with a diagnostic tool too if you want.

If the SES light is blinking or blinking intermittently then the engine is misfiring. (You'd typically feel the car bog/jerk too)... in this case, you'd want to have it looked at sooner. (oil in your spark plugs, bad plug, bad coil, etc.)

FYI - In Car & Driver's long term 2003 Z4 3.0i their SES light came on 3 times from the gas cap not being on securely: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/05q1/2003_bmw_z4_3.0i-long-term_road_test/service_and_performance_page_4

Let us know what the issue turned out to be...

 

[powerontap]

^^^^^^ Thanks, that's good advice. Like you say, I intend to wait a while to see if it goes off by itself. Although for me, 10 drives will take a month or two to accomplish :rofl: Filled up during my return trip and the cap seemed tightened properly. I also believe it is most likely emission related, since it drives fine. Let's hope it was just a false alarm, this baby has had an immaculate reliability history so far...

 

[powerontap]

Nice, after my 10th drive, the ''check engine soon'' light doesn't come on anymore. Guess it was related to some sort of false/temporary emmission code that never came back