Out of Gas-Check Engine Light

[1995318Dave]

On our 1998 318i my wife ran out of gas and haven't been able to clear a "check engine" light. Figured it was related. Tried taking groung off battery which cleared fault but came back. Any ideas?

[witeshark]

Some auto parts stores do free code reading and clearing. The one I go to just lends me the reader.

[1995318Dave]

Worth a try if can't get it to reset. Hoping its a temporay condition due to running out of gas and will reset ok soon. Thanks

[Liquorice]

A check Engine Light won't reset - you have to do it!
Either with a reset tool or a paper clip.
Do a search, I'm sure the paper clip method will be on here somewhere.
sam :-)

[LRod]

Originally Posted by 1995318Dave

On our 1998 318i my wife ran out of gas and haven't been able to clear a "check engine" light. Figured it was related. Tried taking groung off battery which cleared fault but came back. Any ideas?

Yes, the check engine light will have to be reset manually. I don't have much familiarity with your model, but some use the trip button, others use the "paper clip." Just research how to do it and do it yourself. If it comes back on, you know you have a secondary problem. Btw, how did she run out of gas???

[1995318Dave]

Know what you mean about the paperclip method. She hasn't had the car long and thought she'd make the next station, and gauge still showed slightly over the line. She won't make that mistake again (I hope). Thanks. She really likes the car overall, and was really good value as a used car since she piles business miles on.