check engine light and idle problems

[hockeykid25]

does any one know how i can find out why my check engine light is on without going to the dealer.also my 92 325i is having problems at idle. when it is at a low idle when in park or at a stop it will fluctuate and then stall.

[hoolahoops]

I just had the same problem. me dealer said it was a bad crank case ventilation valve and i needed to replace it along with some hoses. cost $580.00

[PrInG]

id clean your ICV first . Its fairly common in our cars.. Is the idle very irratic like almost stauling and then revs really high then almost stauls again ? I'd try that before you go and spend 600 big ones at the dealership.. The ICV is located right under your manifold.. spray some cleaner there and hit it with a q tip and hopefully that will help you out .. as for the CEL try taking it to autozone or something.. I think they have the scanners IDK if they have a connecter to fit anything but OBDII ports but it's worth a shot and free.

[hockeykid25]

thanx for the help but what exactly is the ICV and it does have that problem with the idle but instead of jumping back up most oof the time it stals

[marti5]

The ICV is Idle Control Valve

[BimmerE39]

I had a similar problem with my M52TU, particularly when it was cold outside in the morning. It ended up being my CCV valve and the simple replacement made a huge difference.