Check Engine Light

I wish that there could be in Giant Letters near the top of the forum where it's plain for all to see ,,when asking questions about check engine lights-- have the codes read before posting here (or elsewhere) what thier check engine light is about--- how many different
codes are there for the BMW__a few hundred

Originally Posted by poolman

--- how many different
codes are there for the BMW__a few hundred

Depends on the model.

So, Poolman what do you think can cause my engine light ON?

Duh--YA Got Me

We can probably assume that those that ask either don't have a GOOGLE search box in their browser (or didn't think about it)...nor have they ever typed "BMW OBD II Codes" in an internet search. If they had, I have no doubt they'd see a link to a site that lists ALL of the OBD II codes...and even breaks down some by car mfg. Doing a google search for OBD II codes usually puts the link to that site near the top.

Those same people (some, not all) probably have not taken the time to educate themselves as to what the CEL/SES warning light actually means...nor that OBD II codes are basically "universal" emission system codes that all car MFGs had to comply with (here in the states) starting in 1996...and later in some other countries around the world.

Some forget that just about all the information in the world is right at their fingertips (the internet/the world wide web/etc)...and just default to being spoon fed information from those that the trust here on the forum.

I agree we SHOULD have 'something', as Poolman suggests, to POINT people to who do ask (since they will inevitably ask).

FWIW, for efficiency, I 'had' started, long ago, a cut-and-paste response to the classic "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" question ... but I never formalized the process.

Here is that cut-and-paste response I wrote in post #44 of the bestlinks back in December of last year.

It doesn't matter to me 'what' the cut-and-paste response says, per se; what matters is to make it efficient for us to point users to it (somehow).

Originally Posted by bluebee

CUT-AND-PASTE TEACH-to-FISH RESPONSE (written for this thread) FOR YOUR TYPICAL DTC QUESTION WITH NO DETAIL:

You must have your diagnostic trouble codes read!
It makes no sense to say "My SES/EML/CEL is on or is flashing and my engine is running rough ... what is the problem?".

Before you ask this type of question, you need to do at the very minimum, three things:

• Have your diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) read
• Google for what those DTCs indicate on the BMW E39
• Attempt the solutions found from that googling effort

If, after performing those three tasks, you haven't solved the problem, then feel free to post for additional help.

When you post for additional help, you need to do three things:

• Post the PCodes you found (actual and pending) & the description (nobody memorizes these things)
• Describe what you found in your search (i.e., what other people did when they had the same codes in the same model)
• Tell us what the results of the diagnostics you ran (i.e., what happened when you did what the diagnostic threads told you to do)

Additional advice:
In all USA states other than CA & HI, your local AutoZone auto parts store will read your DTCs for free; otherwise, for $25, you can purchase a DTC scanner to read your own codes.
- Cheapest CAN OBDII scanner on the net that reads DTCs, pending codes, & clears codes

Here is a list of so-called BMW-specific diagnostic trouble codes but beware; BMW P1 DTCs are computer specific!
- All OBDII codes, including BMW-specific P1xxx DTCs specific to the engine computer of each BMW (1)

EDIT: I just added a link to the bestlinks so we can refer people to THIS thread!
- Where to point newbies who ask why their SES/CEL light is on but who don't post codes (1)

For the record, I pointed a newbie with two posts here just now who asked:
- yellow check engine light

Originally Posted by Ultraman 68

How worried shoold i be that my check enginesoon yellow light just came on?

To respond to that specific question above from "Ultraman 68", if the yellow Check Engine Light (CEL) or Service Engine Soon (SES) light is not blinking - then you worry less than if it were blinking.

If it's blinking, that's telling you that an (expensive) emissions component is likely being damaged, even in the short term.

If it's not blinking, then there is probably less chance of short term damage.

What you should 'worry' about if the SES is lit is:
- Something is not working right in your engine
- You are probably getting lower gas mileage and/or drive-ability or performance (which could be a safety factor)
- You can't pass annual inspection in most states

The solution to your problem is the same as described above:
a) Get the codes read
b) Do the requisite research
c) Ask detailed questions only when the research fails

Here is what Saint Q offered the OP in the thread mentioned above (which I post here to leverage his answer to the next person who asks):

Originally Posted by QSilver7

... if you have a warning light come on and you don't really understand what it means...the first place you should go is your owners manual for an explanation.

If you don't have an owners manual...you can download one in PDF format directly to your CPU so that you can have 24/7 access to the information it contains (plus it's much easier to search).

You can also find manuals at the bottom of the left column at www.e38.org/e39 . If your model year is NOT listed...then download the manual that is CLOSEST to your model year...you won't miss a thing.

-

--

There is a good section on the MIL light & OBD codes & drive cycles in this PDF:
- BMW_Engine_Management_Systems_Seimens_MS42.0.pdf

Happened again today:
-> E39 (1997 - 2003) > Check Engine Light

Originally Posted by ill540i

I started my car this morning and had a check engine and it went away as soon as i got out in the street. What could that be?

Here, by the way, is the 'drive cycle' that determines when the lights go on and when they go off. More information is in the reference threads:

poolman- after all that you forgot to tell us what your codes were.

I don't know--gotta get a code reader LOL

Happened again today ...
> E39 (1997 - 2003) > Check engine light after fueling with 93 octane

Originally Posted by alfonso12

Why do you think the check engine light went on after I fueled half a tank with a higher octane (93) at Chevron?

Here, by the way, is some information about the drive cycle:

Happened again today (a couple of thread by the same person):
- > E39 (1997 - 2003) > 02 540 service engine light. I need some help

Originally Posted by Rstyman

Ok so light is on and no sign of anything wrong. Any ideas? Can I reset it myself?

- > E39 (1997 - 2003) > Service engine soon

Originally Posted by Rstyman

So the service engine soon light is on in my 2002 540i. Not running rough nothing out of the ordinary. Can I reset it myself? Any ideas on what it could be?? Help!

Here's more information about the check engine light on our E39s:

To anyone reading this thread to learn more about the check engine light and what it takes to clear it, please see the following references:

- How to identify all BMW computer-specific OBDII DTC diagnostic fault codes (1) & how to better understand the key EPA federal test procedure (FTP) concept of the BMW SES "drive cycle" (1) & how to diagnose a typical BMW E39 engine misfire (1) or a sporadic-temperature-change cold-engine intermittent misfire (1) (2) & what you can expect for E39 smog emissions test results (1) & obtaining the pending or diagnostic trouble code (DTC) using free or freeware scans (1) [except in California or Hawaii (1) (2)] or where to get the cheapest reasonable OBDII scanner in the world (1) (2) or a better overall scanner (1) or the best BMW diagnostic tools (1) (2) (3) & a template of what to tell people from the Republik of Kalifornia who need to do an OBC diagnostic scan (1).

Here's a picture of the (now) $20 scan tool I use to read and clear my codes:

Originally Posted by poolman

how many different codes are there for the BMW__a few hundred

To anyone reading this thread, the codes are NOT universal. They are engine computer specific.

But, a LOT of them overlap.

Here, by way of example, are some of the Pcodes for my particular engine computer:

bluebee_2002_525i_vehicle_codes_spreadsheet.pdf

• "ECU: GS 8.60.4,Engine: M54,Transmission: 5HP19,from 01.09.01 (Sep 1 2001) till 31.08.02 (Aug 31 2002)",,,
  • PCode,BMW,PCODE,
  • P0709,60,Transmission Range Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent,
  • P0715,33,Input/Turbine Speed Sensor 'A' Circuit,
  • P0716,33,Input/Turbine Speed Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance,
  • P0720,32,Output Speed Sensor Circuit,
  • P0721,59,Output Speed Sensor Circuit Range/Performance,
  • P0731,50,Gear 1 Incorrect Ratio,
  • P0732,52,Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio,
  • P0733,53,Gear 3 Incorrect Ratio,
  • P0734,54,Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio,
  • P0735,55,Gear 5 Incorrect Ratio,
  • P0740,4,Torque Converter Clutch Circuit/Open,
  • P0741,48,Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck Off,
  • P0745,1,Pressure Control Solenoid 'A',
  • P0750,16,Shift Solenoid 'A',
  • P0751,16,Shift Solenoid 'A' Performance or Stuck Off,
  • P0752,16,Shift Solenoid 'A' Stuck On,
  • P0753,16,Shift Solenoid 'A' Electrical,
  • P0755,17,Shift Solenoid 'B',
  • P0756,17,Shift Solenoid 'B' Performance or Stuck Off,
  • P0757,17,Shift Solenoid 'B' Stuck On,
  • P0758,17,Shift Solenoid 'B' Electrical,
  • P0760,18,Shift Solenoid 'C',
  • P0761,18,Shift Solenoid 'C' Performance or Stuck Off,
  • P0762,18,Shift Solenoid 'C' Stuck On,
  • P0763,18,Shift Solenoid 'C' Electrical,
  • P0775,2,Pressure Control Solenoid 'B',
  • P0782,57,2-3 Shift,
  • P0783,58,3-4 Shift,
  • P0795,3,Pressure Control Solenoid 'C',
  • P1700,62,Double Error Output Speed and Inpu/Turbine Speed,
  • P1719,144,CAN Version Error,
  • P1720,129,CAN Timeout Control Module,
  • P1731,51,Gear 1 manual Incorrect Ratio,
  • P1747,128,CAN-Bus Monitoring,
  • P1761,19,Shiftlock Solenoid,
  • P1762,19,Shiftlock Solenoid High Input,
  • P1763,19,Shiftlock Solenoid Low Input,
  • P1764,19,Shiftlock Solenoid Open Circuit,
  • P1765,147,CAN Throttle Valve,
  • P1791,81,Internal Transmission Control Module Memory Checksum/EEPROM Error,
  • P1792,82,Internal Transmission Control Module Watchdog Error,
  • P1794,80,Internal Transmission Control Module Memory Checksum Error,
  • P1831,1,Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Circuit High,
  • P1832,2,Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Circuit High,
  • P1833,3,Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Circuit High,
  • P1834,4,Pressure Control Solenoid 'D' Circuit High,
  • P1841,1,Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Circuit Low,
  • P1842,2,Pressure Control Solenoid 'B' Circuit Low,
  • P1843,3,Pressure Control Solenoid 'C' Circuit Low,
  • P1844,4,Pressure Control Solenoid 'D' Circuit Low,
  • P1882,57,2-3 Shift Circuit High,
  • P1883,58,3-4 Shift Circuit High,
  • P1889,96,System Voltage - Electrical,
  • P1892,96,System Voltage Low Input,
  • P1893,83,Supply Voltage Pressure Control Solenoid/Shift Solenoid Circuit High,
  • P1894,83,Supply Voltage Pressure Control Solenoid/Shift Solenoid Circuit Low,
  • P1895,83,Supply Voltage Pressure Control Solenoid/Shift Solenoid No Signal,
• "ECU: MS43,Engine: M54, from 01.09.01 (Sep 1 2001) till 31.08.02 (Aug 31 2002)",,,
  • PCode,BMW,#PCODE,
  • P0011,103,'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1),
  • P0012,105,'A' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1),
  • P0014,104,'B' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1),
  • P0015,106,'B' Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1),
  • P0030,25,HO2S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P0031,25,HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P0032,25,HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P0036,79,HO2S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2),
  • P0037,79,HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 2),
  • P0038,79,HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2),
  • P0050,55,HO2S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P0051,55,HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P0052,55,HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P0056,61,HO2S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 2),
  • P0057,61,HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 2 Sensor 2),
  • P0058,61,HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2),
  • P0101,149,Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance,
  • P0102,8,Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input,
  • P0103,8,Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input,
  • P0107,197,Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit Low Input,
  • P0108,197,Manifold Absolute Pressure/Barometric Pressure Circuit High Input,
  • P0112,14,Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Low,
  • P0113,14,Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit High,
  • P0117,10,Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low,
  • P0118,10,Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High,
  • P0121,118,Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Range/Performance,
  • P0122,112,Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit Low,
  • P0123,112,Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'A' Circuit High,
  • P0125,222,Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Closed Loop Fuel Control,
  • P0128,168,Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature),
  • P0131,150,O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P0132,150,O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P0133,229,O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P0134,150,O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P0135,188,O2 Sensor Heater Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P0137,152,O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2),
  • P0138,152,O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2),
  • P0140,152,O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1 Sensor 2),
  • P0141,190,O2 Sensor Heater Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2),
  • P0151,151,O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P0152,151,O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P0153,230,O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P0154,151,O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P0155,189,O2 Sensor Heater Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P0157,153,O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 2),
  • P0158,153,O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 2),
  • P0160,153,O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 2),
  • P0161,191,O2 Sensor Heater Circuit (Bank 2 Sensor 2),
  • P0171,227,System Too Lean (Bank 1),
  • P0172,227,System Too Rich (Bank 1),
  • P0174,228,System Too Lean (Bank 2),
  • P0175,228,System Too Rich (Bank 2),
  • P0197,122,Engine Oil Temperature Sensor Low,
  • P0198,122,Engine Oil Temperature Sensor High,
  • P0201,6,Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 1,
  • P0202,5,Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 2,
  • P0203,22,Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 3,
  • P0204,24,Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 4,
  • P0205,33,Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 5,
  • P0206,23,Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 6,
  • P0221,119,Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit Range/Performance,
  • P0222,113,Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit Low,
  • P0223,113,Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch 'B' Circuit High,
  • P0261,6,Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low,
  • P0262,6,Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit High,
  • P0264,5,Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Low,
  • P0265,5,Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit High,
  • P0267,22,Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Low,
  • P0268,22,Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit High,
  • P0270,24,Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit Low,
  • P0271,24,Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit High,
  • P0273,33,Cylinder 5 Injector Circuit Low,
  • P0274,33,Cylinder 5 Injector Circuit High,
  • P0276,23,Cylinder 6 Injector Circuit Low,
  • P0277,23,Cylinder 6 Injector Circuit High,
  • P0301,238,Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected,
  • P0302,239,Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected,
  • P0303,240,Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected,
  • P0304,241,Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected,
  • P0305,242,Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected,
  • P0306,243,Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected,
  • P0313,238,Misfire Detected with Low Fuel,
  • P0313,239,Misfire Detected with Low Fuel,
  • P0313,240,Misfire Detected with Low Fuel,
  • P0313,241,Misfire Detected with Low Fuel,
  • P0313,242,Misfire Detected with Low Fuel,
  • P0313,243,Misfire Detected with Low Fuel,
  • P0327,57,Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Low (Bank 1 or Single Sensor),
  • P0332,59,Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low (Bank 2),
  • P0335,83,Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit,
  • P0339,83,Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent,
  • P0340,65,Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor),
  • P0344,65,Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1 or Single Sensor),
  • P0365,18,Camshaft Position Sensor 'B' Circuit (Bank 1),
  • P0369,18,Camshaft Position Sensor 'B' Circuit Intermittent (Bank 1),
  • P0413,62,Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve A Circuit Open,
  • P0414,62,Secondary Air Injection System Switching Valve A Circuit Shorted,
  • P0420,233,Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1),
  • P0430,234,Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2),
  • P0441,250,Evaporative Emission System Incorrect Purge Flow,
  • P0443,68,Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit,
  • P0444,68,Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit Open,
  • P0445,68,Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit Shorted,
  • P0455,143,Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (large leak),
  • P0456,143,Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (very small leak),
  • P0491,245,Secondary Air Injection System Insufficient Flow (Bank 1),
  • P0492,246,Secondary Air Injection System Insufficient Flow (Bank 2),
  • P0500,214,Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A',
  • P0505,204,Idle Air Control System,
  • P0600,217,Serial Communication Link,
  • P0604,100,Internal Control Module Random Access Memory (RAM) Error,
  • P1083,202,Fuel Control Limit Mixture Too Lean (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P1084,202,Fuel Control Limit Mixture Too Rich (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P1085,203,Fuel Control Limit Mixture Too Lean (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P1086,203,Fuel Control Limit Mixture Too Rich (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P1087,229,O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response in Lean Control Range (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P1088,229,O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response in Rich Control Range (Bank 1 Sensor 1),
  • P1089,230,O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response in Lean Control Range (Bank 1 Sensor 2),
  • P1090,235,Pre Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Lean (Bank 1),
  • P1091,236,Pre Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Lean (Bank 2),
  • P1092,235,Pre Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Rich (Bank 1),
  • P1093,236,Pre Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Rich (Bank 2),
  • P1094,230,O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response in Rich Control Range (Bank 2 Sensor 1),
  • P1111,11,Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Radiator Outlet Low Input,
  • P1112,11,Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Radiator Outlet High Input,
  • P1120,114,Pedal Position Sensor Circuit,
  • P1121,117,Pedal Position Sensor 1 Range/Performance Problem,
  • P1122,110,Pedal Position Sensor 1 Low Input,
  • P1123,110,Pedal Position Sensor 1 High Input,
  • P1143,215,O2 Sensor Activity Check Signal Too High (Bank 1 Sensor 2),
  • P1144,215,O2 Sensor Activity Check Signal Too Low (Bank 1 Sensor 2),
  • P1149,216,O2 Sensor Avtivity Check Signal Too High (Bank 2 Sensor 2),
  • P1150,216,O2 Sensor Activity Check Signal Too Low (Bank 2 Sensor 2),
  • P1171,196,Ambient Pressure Sensor Variant Recognition Value in Boot Range Implausible,
  • P1172,196,Ambient Pressure Sensor Variant Recognition Error Value Stored in Boot Range,
  • P1173,196,Ambient Pressure Sensor Variant Recognition Learning Failed,
  • P1222,111,Pedal Position Sensor 2 Low Input,
  • P1223,111,Pedal Position Sensor 2 High Input,
  • P1314,202,Fuel Mixture Deviation Detected with Low Fuel,
  • P1314,203,Fuel Mixture Deviation Detected with Low Fuel,
  • P1314,227,Fuel Mixture Deviation Detected with Low Fuel,
  • P1314,228,Fuel Mixture Deviation Detected with Low Fuel,
  • P1342,238,Misfire During Start Cylinder 1,
  • P1343,238,Misfire Cylinder 1 with Fuel Cut-Off,
  • P1344,239,Misfire During Start Cylinder 2,
  • P1345,239,Misfire Cylinder 2 with Fuel Cut-Off,
  • P1346,240,Misfire During Start Cylinder 3,
  • P1347,240,Misfire Cylinder 3 with Fuel Cut-Off,
  • P1348,241,Misfire During Start Cylinder 4,
  • P1349,241,Misfire Cylinder 4 with Fuel Cut-Off,
  • P1350,242,Misfire during Start Cylinder 5,
  • P1351,242,Misfire Cylinder 5 with Fuel Cut-Off,
  • P1352,243,Misfire during Start Cylinder 6,
  • P1353,243,Misfire Cylinder 6 with Fuel Cut-Off,
  • P1413,35,Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Control Sircuit Signal Low,
  • P1414,35,Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay Control Circuit Signal High,
  • P1445,140,Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage (DM-TL) Pump Control Circuit Signal Low,
  • P1446,140,Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage (DM-TL) Pump Control Circuit Signal High,
  • P1447,142,Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage (DM-TL) Pump Current Too High during Switching Solenoid Test,
  • P1448,142,Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage (DM-TL) Pump Current Too Low,
  • P1449,142,Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage (DM-TL) Pump Current Too High,
  • P1451,126,Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage (DM-TL) Switching Solenoid Control Circuit Signal Low,
  • P1452,126,Diagnostic Module Tank Leakage (DM-TL) Switching Solenoid Control Circuit Signal High,
  • P1500,211,Idle-Speed Control Valve Stuck Open,
  • P1501,211,Idle-Speed Control Valve Stuck Closed,
  • P1502,27,Idle-Speed Control Valve Closing Solenoid Control Circuit Signal High,
  • P1503,27,Idle-Speed Control Valve Closing Solenoid Control Circuit Signal Low,
  • P1504,27,Idle-Speed Control Valve Closing Solenoid Control Open Circuit,
  • P1506,53,Idle-Speed Control Valve Opening Solenoid Control Circuit Signal High,
  • P1507,53,Idle-Speed Control Valve Opening Solenoid Control Circuit Signal Low,
  • P1508,53,Idle-Speed Control Valve Opening Solenoid Control Open Circuit,
  • P1512,124,DISA (Differentiated Intake Manifold) Control Circuit Signal Low,
  • P1513,124,DISA (Differentiated Intake Manifold) Control Circuit Signal High,
  • P1523,21,'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Signal Low (Bank 1) NOTE: See M52 differences!,
    • P1523,21,(M52: 'B' Camshaft Position Actuator Tight or Jammed),
  • P1524,21,'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Signal High (Bank 1),
  • P1525,21,'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Open Circuit (Bank 1),
  • P1529,19,'B' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Signal Low (Bank 1),
  • P1530,19,'B' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Circuit Signal High (Bank 1) NOTE: See S54 differences!,
    • P1530,19, (S54 to 09/00: Throttle Valve Position Control,Control Deviation)
  • P1531,19,'B' Camshaft Position Actuator Control Open Circuit (Bank 1),
  • P1602,48,Control Module Self-Test,Control Module Defective
  • P1602,58,Control Module Self-Test,Control Module Defective
  • P1602,63,Control Module Self-Test,Control Module Defective
  • P1602,66,Control Module Self-Test,Control Module Defective
  • P1602,67,Control Module Self-Test,Control Module Defective
  • P1602,70,Control Module Self-Test,Control Module Defective
  • P1602,71,Control Module Self-Test,Control Module Defective
  • P1602,72,Control Module Self-Test,Control Module Defective
  • P1603,49,Control Module Self-Test,Torque Monitoring
  • P1604,50,Control Module Self-Test,Speed Monitoring
  • P1619,123,Map Cooling Thermostat Control Circuit Signal Low,
  • P1620,123,Map Cooling Thermostat Control Circuit Signal High,
  • P1624,146,Pedal Position Sensor Potentiometer Supply Channel 1 Electrical ,
    • P1624,146,(M52: Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)),
  • P1625,147,Pedal Position Sensor Potentiometer Supply Channel 2 Electrical,
  • P1632,115,Throttle Valve Adaptation Conditions Not Met,
  • P1633,115,Throttle Valve Adaptation Limp-Home Position Unknown,
  • P1634,115,Throttle Valve Adaptation Spring Test Failed,
  • P1635,115,Throttle Valve Adaptation Lower Mechanical Stop not Adapted,
  • P1636,109,Throttle Valve Control Circuit,
  • P1637,162,Throttle Valve Position Control,Control Deviation
  • P1638,160,Throttle Valve Position Control Throttle Stuck Temporarily,
  • P1639,161,Throttle Valve Position Control Throttle Stuck Permanently,
  • P1675,135,Throttle Valve Actuator Start Test Re-Adaptation Required,
  • P1694,136,Throttle Valve Actuator Start Test Spring Test and Limp-Home Position Failed,
  • P2096,225,Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Lean (Bank 1),
  • P2098,226,Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Lean (Bank 2),

Here's a graphic from Saint Q which outlines what each digit indicates, in general:

We referred this new poster to this thread today:

Originally Posted by Hamzy

After car gets warm about 1 minute the #2 cylinder shuts down and 1 and 3 injector post count is high. Help me with solution.

In a single-cylinder misfire thread today, someone asked:

Originally Posted by CoreyCoop

Is it bad to drive if the SES flashes?

And, I gave the simple answer (which is really all I know):

Originally Posted by bluebee

Yes.
A flashing amber SES means expensive things are being ruined.

But, since I've never had a flashing SES, I've never researched it down to the next level of detail. Looking for /flashing SES F3 or /blinking SES F3 in the bestlinks comes up relatively blank, as does the Poolman pointer thread:
- What to tell newbies who ask why their SES/CEL light is on but who don't have DTC scan codes (1)
Which only says this little bit:


Searching E39-only threads with "flashing" in the title, I find only these three:
> E39 (1997 - 2003) > blinking "check engine soon" light
> E39 (1997 - 2003) > Blinking CEL 2002 540i I NEED HELP!!!!!!
> SES Light Blinking at Wide Open Throttle - Car Sputters.

And, running the same E39-only title-only search for "blinking", I find these:
> E39 (1997 - 2003) > check engine flashing.......
> E39 (1997 - 2003) > Flashing check engine light
> E39 (1997 - 2003) > Flashing SES Light - 02 Sensor Heater Circuit/ Cylinder Misfire / Camshaft Actuator
> E39 (1997 - 2003) > Rough Idle + Flashing Yellow SES light
> E39 (1997 - 2003) > Big hesitation and flashing CEL
> E39 (1997 - 2003) > Flashing check engine light????????

Skimming each of those threads, I don't really see any decently detailed explanation of the cause and effects of that flashing light, other than the obvious (catalytic converter damage due to a rich mixture); so, I ask here ...

Q: What should we tell someone who asks the question of "is it bad to drive with a blinking SES"?