Check Light Came On Car Doesnt Idle Right

[NESS]

Hey guys Im sure someone has had this happen before but I searched and couldnt find nothing. My check light came on last night (not check engine, thats been on) and my car started idling weird like dropping to low. Its a 95 325is with 120k so whats the problem and is it ok to drive it like this?

[jrhaile]

O2 sensor. Take it to autozone and get a free inspection with their code reader to make sure though. Also I think a bad Idle Control valve might cause this issue too. From what I understand, an ICV will cause werid idle issues but not sure if it'll cause the check engine to come on. My bet is on O2 sensor. SHould run about 100 bucks and takes 5 minutes to change.

[PR325is]

Originally posted by jrhaile@Apr 21 2005, 05:08 AM
O2 sensor. Take it to autozone and get a free inspection with their code reader to make sure though. Also I think a bad Idle Control valve might cause this issue too. From what I understand, an ICV will cause werid idle issues but not sure if it'll cause the check engine to come on. My bet is on O2 sensor. SHould run about 100 bucks and takes 5 minutes to change.

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i was going to ask about the O2 sensor... is that what really makes the car's idling go up and down?? coz i went to a mechanic to fix something else in my car and asked him about this crazy idling... i told him about the O2 sensor needed to be replaced, but he said it's not it... he mentioned something about the car's "idle control module" does he know what he's talking about?? or has anyone ever heard of this??

[NESS]

Yea thanks guys I talked to a mechanic last night and he told me it was probably the O2 sensor but then he started talking about some kind of module like you are PR. Im going to take it up to AutoZone today.

[DesmoBob]

Originally posted by NESS@Apr 20 2005, 10:42 AM
My check light came on last night (not check engine, thats been on)

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not sure which other check light you are talking about.

but the fact that your check engine was already on isn't helping the situation.

since you have obd-i you can read the codes yourself:
http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/ind...?showtopic=632
follow the instructions for motronic 1.3

btw a simple vacuum leak can also produce the same symptoms you described

[jrhaile]

Very true about the vacuum leak, but more often then not this sounds like an O2 Sensor problem. How long have you had your car? How many miles on your car? Ever changed the O2 sensor? Never a bad idea to change it every 30k or so anyways.

Idle Control Module doesn't exist on e36's from my understanding, on e30s and earlier they do. It's now a valve called the Idle Control Valve and it's located under the intake manifold. Hard to miss, it's a T shaped metal device. Might need to clean it.

[NESS]

Ok so I went up to AutoZone for my check engine light and they said they can only do it for 96' above. Why is that, does it have something to do with OBD-II?

Anyway since I cant figure out whats wrong with my check engine light and check light from AutoZone is there any other place that will do it for free or cheap? My Aunt has one of those tools but she lives all the way in Pensacola and I really dont want to drive that far with the car like this.

The only noticeable thing I see is that when I crank the car up the idle drops for just like 2 seconds then goes back up to normal. It rides fine the rest of the time and sometimes the second check light will go off if I ride around for a bit but once I shut it off then turn it back on it will pop back up.

What does the second yellow check light mean anyway? Is it trying to tell you theres something that really needs to be checked on the engine or is it just something minor that went out?

edit. (NVM just saw Desmo's post Ill try that to get the codes)

[Rooz]

yes, obd-II is only for 96 and above

[Burnettm]

I feel you..
http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/index.php...&st=0&p=337578&