"Service engine soon" light

[sonicbimmer19]

Hey guys,

I bought my car 3 months ago and took my car in for service today morning for oil change at 8:30am

Everything was fine until "service engine soon" light came on around noon.

My first question is what are the chances the service had an impact on the light coming on?
My second question is how serious is the light really? I mean I figure the safer way is to just take the car in for a quick inspection but I'd ask you guys here.

Any input would be appreaciated and would help me. Thanks in advance guys!!

[ulrichd]

Assuming it's not oil change related, have you put gas in the car recently? Make sure your gas cap is tight. Same thing happened to me a few weeks ago. Tightened the gas cap and the next day the light was off.

[HondaGoneRogue]

You could always pull into a auto parts store and have them read the code for you. Then you would have an idea of whats going on. Personally, I would do that before taking it in. It's free, and if it is some major oversight by the dealer I would want to know before taking it back to them and giving them an opportunity to "cover it up". I've seen it happen. Have friends who are techs.

[sonicbimmer19]

And now it's showing the 'State required inspectio' (the icon with the car lifted up) on which isn't due until 3100 miles later!

My gas is 3/4 full and I did check my gas cap and it's closed. I don't know what "tight" means because it only clicks once? or maybe there is more to it?

This is giving me such a headache :/

[Tom K.]

See "Service Requirements" in your manual to learn how to reset the Inspection warning mileage.

Is your car under OEM warranty? CPO? Was the service done by a BMW dealer?

Tom

[Dackelone]

Sonic,

IF you are sure it is just the service lights... you can reset them using my DIY.

DIY resetting service "due" lights…

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=415111

[sonicbimmer19]

Oh, check that, it's actually not "State required inspection" light, it is "Service requirements" light due in 3100 miles.

Basically, after the oil change at 9a, "Service Engine Soon" engine light came on around 1p and now after I turn on my car, it "reminds" me "service requirements" are due in 3100 miles.

My car is still under OEM warrenty and the service was done by a BMW dealer

And thanks for the info Backelone!

[Mad Dragon]

If the car's under warranty, don't reset the service lights yourself. Take it in for the service it needs. If the light is on erroneously, they will correct it.

[Yogijet]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

Assuming it's not oil change related, have you put gas in the car recently? Make sure your gas cap is tight. Same thing happened to me a few weeks ago. Tightened the gas cap and the next day the light was off.

I'll add to this as the attendants at my regular gas station destroyed the lock mechanism on the cap and the service engine soon light came on. Realising there was no longer a click to signify complete close, I bought a new cap and the light came off after a couple starts. So, be vigilant with those attendants and don't let them top-up on a fill-up.