Check Engine Light or MIL indicator - Diesels

[rb0135]

Hi All,

Calling all facelifted diesel owners. I have a 2005 non-sport facelifted beast.

I notice when I start the car, the Check Engine light (known as MIL in places) never lights on the cluster. I don't have a picture of it, but it looks like an engine symbol.

If I run the cluster test, all indicator symbols light up except this one.

Can someone verify if theirs does light up. The V8 and 3L petrol ones do. When you turn the key, it usually lights for a few seconds and then turns off on those models.

Any input greatly appreciated, especially if yours does light up and you know why mine doesn't (yes, I have heard that the "surface mount led" might be faulty as happens in the V8,3L, but I don't want to pull it apart if they didn't bother connecting it in the diesels.

Thanks,
Rob

[X5Sport]

Mine always came on.  Could just be a lamp/LED failure as suggested.  It should stay on until the engine is running.

It should also come on in the event of an issue with the engine.  With the UK MOT now looking for engine lights, I suspect a few unscrupulous oiks will be finding a way to 'kill' that light!

Richard

[rb0135]

[quote="X5Sport"]
Mine always came on.  Could just be a lamp/LED failure as suggested.  It should stay on until the engine is running.

It should also come on in the event of an issue with the engine.  With the UK MOT now looking for engine lights, I suspect a few unscrupulous oiks will be finding a way to 'kill' that light!

Richard
[/quote]

Thanks Richard, lucky I check the codes weekly if the light is faulty. looks like another little job to do.

Rob

[briankerrys47]

Hi, mine rarely goes off,the handbook says service 'Canadian' models  had it  30 mths two services,all brakes done sensors/bushes  not to worried about it

[rb0135]

[quote="briankerrys47"]
Hi, mine rarely goes off,the handbook says service 'Canadian' models  had it  30 mths two services,all brakes done sensors/bushes  not to worried about it
[/quote]

mmm.. so I wonder in a past life, the light was constantly on and someone decided to "disconnect" it, which I have read a lot of the US guys do..

Thanks

[Bargain Bucket]

Interesting. My MIL does not illuminate at all when I switch on the ignition (but it does illuminate when I run the dash test so I know that the bulb works).

[Horizon]

On my 840 ci the traction control light didn't light up, I took out the two screws in the binnacle upper plastic.
Then with the steering wheel rake control tilted down and fully extended you can remove the binnacle.
It just tilts down and away from the dash, bit of a squeeze!
There is a type of quadlock for the wiring harness. They had removed the bulb. Replaced the bulb.
And the ABS pump replaced to sort the problem too!!!!!!
I had noticed the light wasn't working when I bought it, got a used ABS pump from FAB and a local specialist fitted it.
So after that long winded post, it may be a bulb change

Oops , just been out in mine and noticed that my engine management light doesn't light up either.
So anyone else have this  on theirs too ?

[rb0135]

mmmm.. so it is a mixed bag by the looks of it. Some come on some dont..  :blink:

Thanks for the replies.

Rob

[Horizon]

Sorry for my ignorance, how do I do the dash light test. Is it via the MID , I have an aftermarket headunit, but can plug the MID in the glove box.

[rb0135]

To test, put the ignition in position 1 and holding the right button (the small stalk poking through the cluster plastic) on the cluster until you see Test 1, then let go of the button, press it again and you will see test 2, then press the left button (the odometer reset stalk) on the cluster

[Horizon]

Thanks for the info. I have just taken the binnacle out and I can't see any bulbs in that location . They may be behind the plastic  that covers the PCB, but I tried to release that, but was scared of breaking something.
There is access to some of the dash bulbs though.
I don't want to create another problem trying to rectify. The EM light. If in doubt, leave well alone!!

[rb0135]

Wow, that was quick. As far as I know, they are surface mount LED's not bulbs as such, BUT, I haven't had anyone confirm that either.

I think there are 5 plastic + pieces that you turn to separate, but Im not sure. There are a few tutorials around that go into pulling it apart.