2002 BMW 325XI check engine light

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

The system runs an operational check
on the indicator and warning lamps
identified with the

l

symbol each time
you switch on the ignition. They each
light up once for different periods of
time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current



l

The battery is no longer being
charged. Indicates a defective
alternator drive belt or a problem with
the alternator's charge circuit. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and
serious engine damage. If the drive belt
is defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure


l

Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine.
Check the engine oil level; top off as
required. If the oil level is correct:
please contact the nearest BMW
center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious
damage from inadequate lubrication.

<
Brake warning lamp
l
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. Before
driving further, be sure to comply with
the instructions on pages 106 and 118
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)/
Flat Tire Monitor
l
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has occurred.
Reduce vehicle speed immediately and
stop the vehicle. Avoid hard brake
applications. As you steer the vehicle,
use caution and avoid overcorrecting.
For additional information: refer to
pages 78 and 80

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Indicator and warning lamps

Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top
off the fluid at the earliest
opportunity. For additional information:
refer to page 114
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

l

If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked at your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 121.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Engine electronics

l


There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected by your
BMW center.
Add coolant
The coolant level is too low. Add
coolant at the earliest opportu-
nity. For additional information: refer to
page 117

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when the turn signals
are on.
Rapid flashing indicates a system
malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 61
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise
control is activated: available for
operation via the multifunction steering
wheel.
For additional information: refer to
page 64
Fog lamps
Lights up whenever you switch
on the fog lamps.
For additional information: refer to
page 83

Blue: for your information

High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: refer to
pages 61, 83

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Fuel gauge Temperature gauge Service Interval DisplayOnce the indicator lamp stays on
continuously, there are still approx.
2 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel
tank.
For information on the fuel tank
capacity, refer to page 143.
Certain operating conditions (such as
those encountered in mountainous
areas) may cause the needle to fluc-
tuate slightly.
Please refuel early, since driving
to the last drop of fuel can result in
damage to the engine and/or catalytic
converter.<
When you switch on the ignition, the
indicator lamp lights up briefly as an
operation check.
BlueThe engine is still cold. Drive at
moderate engine and vehicle speeds.RedWhen you switch on the ignition, the
warning lamp comes on briefly to
confirm that the system is operational.
If the lamp comes on during normal
vehicle operation: the engine has over-
heated. Shut off the engine immediately
and allow it to cool down.
For instructions on checking the
coolant level, refer to page 117.Between the blue and red zonesNormal operating range. The needle
may rise as far as the edge of the red
sector in normal operation.
Remaining distance to serviceThe displays shown in the illustration
appear for a few seconds when the
ignition key is in position 1 or after the
engine is started.
The next service due appears with the
message OIL SERVICE or INSPEC-
TION, together with the distance
remaining in miles (kilometers) before
the next scheduled service. The
computer bases its calculations of the
remaining distance on the preceding
driving style.
A flashing message and a "Ð" in front of
the number mean that the service
interval has already been exceeded by
the distance shown on the display.
Please contact your BMW center for an
appointment.

78n
Tire Pressure Monitor (RDC)
*
The conceptRDC monitors the tire pressures at all
four wheels while the vehicle is moving.
The system provides an alert whenever
the inflation pressure drops significantly
below the specified pressure in one or
more tires.
In order for the system to "learn" the
correct tire inflation pressure, check the
inflation pressure in all tires according
to the inflation pressures table on
page 25 and make corrections as
necessary. Then activate the system.
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will inform you if
the tire pressure is not correct.
To activate the system1 Turn ignition key to position 2 (do not
start the engine)
2 Press the button long enough for the
yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster to light up for a few
seconds
3 After a few minutes driving time, RDC
sets the current inflation pressures in
the tires as the target values to be
monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire
inflation pressure. Otherwise, RDC
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.
In the event of loss in inflation
pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped
significantly over a long period of time
(which is normal for any tire), the yellow
indicator lamp will come on.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated
to the specified pressures as soon as
possible.
If you are prompted to check the
tire pressure shortly after a
correction has been made, this indi-
cates that the corrected values were
not accurate. Please check the inflation
pressure again and make corrections
according to the inflation pressure
table. Then activate the system once
again.<

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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Coolant
Do not add coolant to the cooling
system when the engine is hot. If
you attempt to do so, escaping coolant
can cause burns.
To avoid the possibility of damage later
on, never use anything other than
factory-approved, nitrite and amino-
free extended-duty antifreeze with
corrosion inhibitor. Your BMW center is
familiar with the official specifications.
Antifreeze and anti-corrosion agents
are hazardous to health. You should
always store them in their original
container and in a location which is out
of reach of children.
Extended-duty antifreeze with corro-
sion inhibitor contains the flammable
substance ethylene glycol. For this
reason, do not spill extended-duty anti-
freeze with corrosion inhibitor on hot
engine parts. It could ignite and cause
serious burns.<
Checking coolant levelCorrect coolant level for cold engine
(approx. 68 7 or +20 6):
1. Open the cap for the expansion tank
by turning it slightly counterclock-
wise to allow accumulated pressure
to escape. Then open
2. The coolant level is correct when the
upper end of the red float is at least
even with the upper edge of the filler
neck, but no more than 0.8 in (2 cm)
above it Ð that is, up to the second
mark on the float (refer also to the
schematic diagram next to the filler
neck)
3. If necessary, add coolant. If the
coolant is low, slowly add coolant
until the correct level is reached Ð do
not overfill.
Comply with the applicable envi-
ronmental laws regulating the
disposal of extended-duty antifreeze
with corrosion inhibitor.<

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OBD interface socketThe interface socket for onboard diag-
nostics is located on the left-hand side
of the driver's side, behind a specially
marked cover located beneath the
instrument panel. The cover has the
letters OBD on it.
This interface makes it possible to
access data on emissions-related
components using special equipment.
An illuminated indicator informs
you of the need for service, not
that you need to stop the
vehicle. However, the systems should
be checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
If the indicator blinks or flashes, this
indicates a high level of engine misfire.
Reduce speed and contact the nearest
BMW center immediately. Severe
engine misfiring over even a short
period of time can seriously damage
emission control system components,
especially the catalytic converter.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
If the fuel filler cap is not on tight
enough, the OBD system can
detect leaking vapor and the indicator
will light up. If the fuel filler cap is then
tightened, the indicator will usually go
out after a short period of time.<

Everything from A to Z
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OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
C
California Proposition
65 Warning120
Capacities143
Car care, refer to the "Caring
for your vehicle" manual
Car key28
Car phone94
refer also to the separate
"Owner's Manual"
Car wash systems, refer to
the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Care of upholstery materials,
refer to the "Caring for your
vehicle" manual
Cargo loading99
Cassette operation, refer to
the "Radio Owner's
Manual"
CBC (Cornering Brake
Control)18, 73
CD operation, refer to the
"Radio Owner's Manual"
Cellular phone94
refer also to the separate
"Owner's Manual"94 Center (high-mount) brake
lamp128
Center armrest92
Central locking system28
button32
Changing a wheel/tire129
Check Control68
Checking coolant level117
Checking engine oil
level115
Child-restraint systems52
Clean the headlamps63
Cleaning windshield63
Clock68
refer to the "Radio Owner's
Manual"
Cockpit14
Coin box93
Compartments92
Compression ratio140
Computer69
refer also to the "Onboard
Computer Owner's
Manual"69
Configuring individual
settings via Vehicle and
Key Memory55 Consumption70
display67
Convenience operation via
the door lock
sliding/tilt sunroof31
windows31
Coolant117
add117
capacity143
checking level117
Coolant temperature
gauge67
Cooling system including
heater circuit,
capacity143
Copyright4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC)18, 73
Correct sitting posture41
Cover, sun blinds91
Cruise control64
Cruising range70
Cup holder, refer to
beverage holder93
Curb monitor47
Curb weight142
Current check indicator17
D
Data
dimensions141
engine140
weights142
Daytime driving lamps82
DBC (Dynamic Brake
Control)73, 74
Deep water105
Defrost windows and
remove
condensation87, 89
Defroster, rear
window86, 90
Digital clock68
Dimensions141
Dipstick, engine oil115
Displacement140
Display lighting83
Displays15
Distance warning71
Divided rear-seat
backrest96
Door key28

Everything from A to ZDoor mirror48
Doors
electrical malfunction31
locking and unlocking29
manual operation31
DOT Quality Grades108
Draft-free ventilation87, 90
Drive belt17
defect17
Driving notes105
DSC (Dynamic Stability
Control)73
indicator lamp19
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC)73, 74
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)73
indicator lamp19 E
Electric power windows37
Electrical malfunction
doors31
fuel filler door22
luggage compartment
lid33
sliding/tilt sunroof40 Elements of operation14
Emergency release of
luggage compartment lid
from luggage
compartment's interior35
Energy control66
Engine compartment
essentials113
Engine coolant, refer to
Coolant117
Engine data140
Engine oil
add115
capacity143
consumption115
level19
level, check115
level, indicator lamp17
pressure17
pressure, indicator
lamp17
Engine, starting56
Engine, switching off57
Exterior mirrors48
F
Failure messages68
Filling capacities143
Fittings, tow starting and
towing135
Flat tire132
Flat Tire
Monitor80, 109, 132
warning lamp17
Flat tires107, 129
Fog lamps83
Follow me home lamps82
Front seat adjustment41
Fuel consumption70
display67
Fuel filler door22
electrical malfunction22
manual operation22
Fuel gauge67
Fuel reserve indicator
lamp67
Fuel specifications23
Fuel tank capacity143
Fuel tank gauge67
Fuel-injection system140
Fuses133
G
Gasoline gauge67
Glove compartment92
Grilles88
Gross vehicle weight142 H
Handbrake58
Hands-free system94
Hazard warning triangle22
HDC (Hill Descent
Control)77
Head restraints44
Headlamp flasher61, 83
Headlamp washer
system114
Headlight control82
Headrests44
Heated seats47
Heavy cargo99
Height141
High beams20, 61, 83
bulb replacement125
Hill Descent Control
(HDC)77
Holder for canned
beverages93
Hood112
Horn14