Minor detail stuff I need help on

[Skipjacks]

Two lights under the buttons on my climate control panel on my E36 are burned out. So I have no idea if the defroster is on of if the air recirculator is on. How does that unit come out of the dash so I can take it apart to replace those lights?

Second....I've learned today that if the Check Engine light comes on because the gas cap wasnt' properly sealed the computer has to be reset before the light will go out. 1) is this true? 2) is there a way to reset the system without taking it to BMW? Perhaps just cutting the power from the battery for a few minutes would reset the system and it wouldn't indicate the problem again?

Third....is there any reason why I shouldn't disconnect the Inspection lights? Cause they are really getting on my nerves.

[97alpineM3]

I'm not positive on how to get underneath that panel.. but my first thought would be to remove the shifter leather... or automatic thing... so that you can see down and through to the top of the transmission and look under it that way. You might be able to get to it that way... if not.. have you tried prying it up with a small flat head screw driver? That might work.. but dont damage your stuff by doing it fast...

Yes if your check engine light comes on because you didnt put your gas cap on tight or something of that nature... or if the check engine light is on for any reason.. it will either take a BMW diagnotic took to turn that thing off... (which if you have a good connection with the BMW place... they will most likely turn it off for you free)... or you can buy a reset tool... from peak research.... you can pick on up for right at 140.. it also resets your oil.. and service intervals... and gives you codes.... you can get it at turnermotorsports.com

I would NOT diconnect the battery unless you have the radio code... its a saftey percaution that BMW did for some reason.. you enter it and it lets you use the radio. Just in case someone stole your stock radio.. they wouldnt be able to use it.. cause it needs a code to use it once power is diconnected.

About the inspection lights... I'd leave them.. you can get rid of them with the peake research tool I talked about earlier if you like.... GOOD LUCK