Engine light on start

[motorwaybmw]

1987 325 Manual Trans.

When starting the car the Check Engine light is blinking but when I step on the brake the light turns off. Is this normal?

Thanks,

[DeathMetal]

yes - this is normal.

The CHECK light does not only mean check "engine". it serves a whole host of functions. What it does on startup is to check the brake lamps. If you have an overhead diagnostics console in your car, you can check this yourself. if not, just take my word for it. When you turn on the car, the ligth comes on and basically waits for you to press the brake pedal. If the brake lamps work, the circuit is complete and the light shuts off. If the lamps are malfunctioning, the CHECk light stays on - along wiht the corresponding light on the overhead console.

[motorwaybmw]

Thanks, that was it.