"Service Engine Soon" Indicator

[das boots]

SES indicator shows up the other night on way back from LA to San Diego. No problems on way up. I went through the check off list on the maintenance section. All I saw was when the SES will show during snow. And it was not snowing here.

Would anybody have another check off list I can look for?

I used the Peake tester and I am getting the E 10 & 11 Code (Error). I will try again later.

Caveat:

I have not reset my oil service light for a while. Would this cause the SES?

Thanks.

[Phillips0417]

I have no idea about the Peake codes, never used one personally. Do you have an OBDII interface or generic scanner? These type of codes will help. I'm betting P0171/P0174 but it could be a laundry list of codes. AutoZone or Advance Auto also scan cars for free and they'll give you a report of the codes.

The OSI will not trigger an SES light.

[das boots]

The more I read into the Peake manual, I find the "E" means the car is not responding to the tool. This often happens when the data line (also called "diagnostic bus") inside the car is "hung" or disabled. Occasionally the message "E" followed by a number (most commonly 10 or 11) when an attempt is made to read codes or to reset the MIL light. (Check Engine or Service Engine Soon.)

Whatever that "diagnostic bus" that is hung or disabled means....I have no idea. Does anybody know what is a diagnostic bus that is hung or disabled?

I do get the E10 & E11 error codes. So far, the Peake is a useless piece of paper weight.

I might end up first going to O'Reilly's then to AutoZone.

[fredo]

I got the SES light recently. The mechanic said misfire on cylinders 2 and 7. He cleared the codes and no misfires returned.

[das boots]

Just got back from AutoZone with Codes for my SES. P0070 - Ambient Air Temp Sensor Circuit, P0071 - System Too Lean (Bank 1), P0074 - System Too Lean (Bank 2).

I will open up a new thread in the Mechanical / Troubleshooting Section.

Thanks.

[fredo]

Did you ask Autozone to reset the codes ? Hopefully it was a onetime deal, like my car.

[das boots]

Is there another way to reset codes? Found the tear. Replaced the Upper and Lower Intake Boot. AutoZone and O'Reilly's does not reset codes anymore due to being sued at one time. So they changed their policy.

My Peake Diagnostics will not reset. It gives Error messages when plugged in.

[Phillips0417]

You need an OBDII scanner. A generic scanner will reset it.

[das boots]

I was able to reset the SES (temporarily...for now) with Shane of Eurospot by Miramar Rd. They cleared codes but was able to locate another fault. They said that I need to replace my Ambient Temp. Sensor that is located at the front of the car. They know it's bad when my temp would not move from 122 deg. So even when I replace the sensor, I will still have to do another reset.

Would anybody have the part number for the frontal sensor? Under what category will it be under in RealOEM? Can't seem to locate that sensor.

Thanks.

Never mind. Found it. It was under the Audio, Navigation, Electronic Systems.

Question....Do they go bad often? First time I've heard of Temp Sensors going kaput.

[Phillips0417]

For whatever reason, it's under Audio, Navigation, Electronic Systems. Here (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=EV53-USA-04-2003-E46-BMW-330i&diagId=65_0489).

Also for whatever reason, that part number has been superseded by 65816936953.

Edit: Just saw that you just found it. I've had them read improperly, it's just a resistor.

[das boots]

Already placed an order through GetBMWParts.com for $42. Local dealer was charging me $77. LOL.

I am getting a reading of +122 deg. Hopefully it is only the sensor and not the wiring harness short. I will need raise front end and investigate closer