BMW 3 Series is a popular luxury car that features advanced technology and safety systems. However, these systems can sometimes trigger warning lights, which can be frustrating for drivers. Fortunately, resetting these warning lights is a simple process that you can perform yourself. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to reset common warning lights on your BMW 3 Series.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Turn on the ignition
Before resetting the warning lights, turn on the ignition without starting the engine. This will power up the onboard diagnostic (OBD) system.
- Locate the OBD port
The OBD port is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Look for a small square-shaped connector with pins inside.
- Connect the OBD scanner
Connect the OBD scanner to the OBD port. If you don’t have an OBD scanner, you can borrow or rent one from an auto parts store or buy one online. Make sure to choose a scanner that is compatible with your BMW 3 Series.
- Read the codes
Once the OBD scanner is connected, it will read the fault codes stored in the system. The scanner will display the code along with a brief description of the problem. Note down the codes as they will be needed later to diagnose the issue.
- Clear the codes
After noting down the codes, use the scanner to clear them. This will reset the warning lights on your BMW 3 Series. It’s important to note that clearing the codes will not fix the underlying problem. You’ll need to diagnose and fix the issue to prevent the warning lights from reappearing.
- Disconnect the OBD scanner
Once you’ve cleared the codes, disconnect the OBD scanner from the OBD port. Turn off the ignition and wait for a few seconds before starting the engine.
Common Warning Lights and their Resetting Procedures:
- Check Engine Light
The check engine light is one of the most common warning lights on BMW 3 Series. It indicates a problem with the engine or emission system. To reset the check engine light, follow the steps mentioned above. However, make sure to diagnose the problem and fix it before clearing the code. Otherwise, the light will reappear.
- Oil Change Light
The oil change light indicates that it’s time to change the engine oil. To reset the light, turn on the ignition without starting the engine. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor three times within five seconds. The light should disappear.
- Brake Light
The brake light indicates a problem with the brake system. To reset the light, follow the steps mentioned above. However, make sure to diagnose the problem and fix it before clearing the code. Otherwise, the light will reappear.
- Tire Pressure Light
The tire pressure light indicates that the tire pressure is low or there’s a problem with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). To reset the light, inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and drive the car at a speed of at least 20 mph for a few minutes. If the light still doesn’t go away, follow the steps mentioned above.
Conclusion:
Resetting warning lights on your BMW 3 Series is a simple process that can save you time and money. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can reset common warning lights in just a few minutes. However, it’s important to remember that resetting the codes will not fix the underlying problem. You need to diagnose and fix the issue to prevent the warning lights from reappearing. If you’re unsure about anything or the warning lights keep reappearing, it’s best to take your car to a professional mechanic for a thorough diagnosis and repair.
