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Modern cars like our BMW have special features to help alert owners of signs of faults in the car so they can find an immediate solution. The “Service Engine soon” light is one of these features. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) receives signals from sensors around the car and turns on this light to indicate a fault.
This light only comes on when it is a minor fault or when a scheduled maintenance is due. In his case, you need to find out the problem and fix it immediately before the check engine light (which indicates a severe problem) comes on.
Common Causes of an Illuminated Service Engine Soon Light in a BMW
If your car’s dashboard starts to show the “service engine soon” light, it is possible to get worried. However, you should take a deep breath in as it is only a sign of a minor issue with your car that can be easily fixed. Here are some of the reasons why this light may come on in your car;
Maintenance Required
The most common cause of an illuminated “service engine soon” light in most cars is due to the need for maintenance services. Your car can sense when it is due for servicing and then this light helps to alert you. Failure to deal with this problem could lead to serious car issues as maintenance helps to prevent future car problems.
Maintenance services including oil checks and changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, and many more are important to keep your car’s engine in good shape.
Loose gap caps
If your BMW’s “service engine soon” light comes on the dashboard, then it could be because your engine’s gas cap is not well sealed. The gas caps help to prevent outside air from getting into the engine. However, if it is not properly covered, air enters, disturbing the air-fuel mixture in the engine and also affecting emissions. This fault in the emission control triggers the warning light to come on.
Faulty Sensors
The “service engine soon” light in your car depends on data or instructions that pass from the sensors to the engine control unit. If the sensors identify that there is an issue that can affect the engine in any part of the car, it sends data to the ECU, which then responds to fix the issue or alert the driver.
However, if the sensors are faulty, they could send the wrong information or data to the engine, showing false warning signs, and for this reason, the ECU could respond by turning on the “service engine soon” light.
Low Fluid Levels
Another reason why the “service engine soon” light may come on in your BMW is to warn you of low fluid levels in your car. Optimal fluid levels are highly important to keep your car’s engine running and also in preventing damage. Fluids like brake fluid, transmission, power steering, coolant, and engine oil are very important.
If any of these fluids fall below the optimal level, the engine function could be affected. For example, the coolant helps to keep the engine at optimal temperature, if this fluid level falls below normal, the engine would overheat and then pack up.
The Next Action After an Illuminated Service Engine Soon Light
If you are driving your BMW and the “service engine soon” light comes on, you may be wondering if there is a need to stop driving or how to fix the issue. Here are some tips you should have in mind;
- Safely pull your car over to inspect your car. You can easily correct minor faults like a loose gas cap.
- Check oil fluid levels, inspect for signs of leakage and top up, if necessary.
- Pay attention to other signals in your car. Aside from the light, your car could be signaling other issues.
- Check your maintenance records to see if the issue is due to a lack of maintenance.
- Drive your car down to an auto repair shop close to you.
Expert Auto Repair Services for a BMW in Austin
If your car is showing any signs of a fault in its system, the best thing to do is to let a mechanic handle it. Terry Sayther Automotive is one of the best automobile servicing and repair shops in Texas. We have well-trained workers and the best equipment to help fix your car.
We offer premium maintenance services from fluid checks and changes to air filter replacement for European car owners in and around Buda, Kyle, Lakeway, Tarrytown, and Austin.