My BMW Check Engine Light is On: What's Wrong?

BMW check engine light illuminated on dashboard.The domineering power, the envious stares, and the state-of-the-art technology — your BMW is nothing short of exceptional. While there are many benefits of owning a BMW, one of the downsides is finding reliable BMW repair in Plano TX. Fortunately, the experts at EurAuto Shop can help. As European and German auto repair experts, one of the most common FAQs we receive is “Why is my BMW Check Engine Light on?” To help, we’ve outlined some of the top causes of the BMW Check Engine Light. Continue reading to learn more, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at EurAuto Shop in Plano TX for the best BMW service and BMW repair. 

Loose Gas Cap Can Cause BMW the Check Engine Light

One of the most ominous signs in your BMW is when the Check Engine Light comes on. However, your BMW Check Engine Light may be triggered by something as simple as a broken, loose, or damaged gas cap. Here’s why: gas cap issues can cause a reduction in fuel pressure, allowing fuel vapors to escape. This can increase harmful emissions and reduce your fuel economy. 

You Have a Vacuum Leak in Plano TX

The vacuum on your BMW performs several functions. One of those roles is to help reduce emissions by directing fumes as gasoline evaporates through your engine. If you notice your RPMs are high when idling or surging randomly, your vacuum leak could be the culprit. Over time, your vacuum hoses can start to crack, especially when exposed to the extreme heat of Plano TX. This can cause your BMW Check Engine Light to trigger. 

Your Catalytic Converter Has Failed or Is Failing in Plano TX

Your BMW’s catalytic converter is a key component of your exhaust system. This part is responsible for turning dangerous carbon monoxide gas into carbon dioxide. However, if you fail to have proper BMW service and maintenance, it can cause catalytic converter damage, ultimately leading to failure. To prevent this from happening, the experts at EurAuto Shop in Plano TX offer a multi-point inspection and digital vehicle inspections with your service. If we determine your catalytic converter is damaged and you do not get it fixed, it will almost always cause more expensive BMW repair issues.

You Have a Faulty Oxygen Sensor in Plano TX

Your BMW oxygen sensor delivers valuable information about your air-fuel mixture to the ECU. However, over long periods of exposure to hot exhaust gases, your oxygen sensor may need replacement. A faulty oxygen sensor can prompt your BMW’s computer to give too much or too little fuel. Too much fuel can create excessive odor and smoke, while too little can lead to total engine failure and expensive BMW repair. 

Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor in Plano TX

Like your oxygen sensor, the mass air flow sensor measures the amount of air that enters the engine and helps ensure the right mixture. However, when your mass air flow sensor is exposed to particle-rich air or dirty air, it increases the likelihood of failure, which could trigger the BMW Check Engine Light. A bad mass air flow sensor can cause your BMW engine to misfire, which can lead to: 

  • Reduced performance, 
  • Reduced fuel economy, and 
  • More expensive BMW repair issues. 

You Need New Spark Plugs or Spark Plug Wires in Plano TX

The spark plugs on your BMW ignite the air-fuel mixture in your vehicle’s combustion chamber. This powerful explosion causes your pistons to move, which allows your engine to run. Your spark plug wires deliver the essential spark from your ignition coil to your spark plugs. 

If your spark plug wires or spark plugs are faulty, you will experience reduced power or poor performance. In extreme cases, bad spark plugs or spark plug wires can result in problems starting or problems continuing to run. Most importantly, bad spark plugs or spark plug wires can cause more expensive BMW repair issues, such as:

  • Clogged catalytic converter
  • Broken ignition coils
  • Damaged O2 sensors. 

Contact EurAuto Shop for BMW Check Engine Light Repair in Plano TX

In the end, the message is simple. If your Check Engine Light is one, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Instead, it’s imperative to have BMW service to diagnose the actual cause. Fortunately, the team at EurAuto Shop in Plano TX makes BMW Check Engine Light repair easy. Contact EurAuto Shop today for BMW repair and BMW service. 

Call us at 214-552-4194, stop by to see us at 4008 W Plano Pkwy in Plano TX, or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.