Why Is My BMW Check Engine Light On? 5 Common Reasons Explained From Experts in Austin

BMW is one of the most popular luxury cars in the world due to its powerful performance and advanced features Moreover, the BMW also comes equipped with many advanced features that play a stellar role in the smooth running of the car by keeping an eye on the functioning of the various parts of your car.

One such critical system is the check engine light on the dashboard of your car which is the most important warning light in your high-end vehicle. There are numerous parts that are connected to the engine of your car and help in its functioning.

Now, whenever any of these parts malfunction, it leads to the illumination of the check engine light. The warning light also comes on when there is a problem with the engine. Here in this article, we will discuss the 5 common reasons behind the illumination of the warning light compiled by expert mechanics of Austin, TX

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

There are various sensors used in your car that monitor the functioning of the vital parts of your luxury car and the oxygen sensor is one of these parts that is part of the emission control system of the vehicle. The oxygen sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen present in the exhaust gases.

The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust pipe just before the catalytic converter and the data collected by the sensor is used to adjust the flow of fuel into the engine for the efficient combustion process. However, when the oxygen sensor of your car malfunctions, it leads to the illumination of the check engine light.

Moreover, failure of the oxygen sensor in your luxury vehicle also leads to several other issues like decreased gas mileage, increase in emissions and engine misfiring

Engine Misfiring

The engine is the most important part of your car due to which it runs smoothly. Now, issues with the functioning of the engine are one of the major reasons behind the illumination of the warning light on the dashboard. Now, there are various factors that can create problems in the functioning of the engine.

However, among all these issues, faulty spark plugs are perhaps the leading reason behind the misfiring engine. The spark plugs provide the engine with the required spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture which helps in starting the vehicle.

However, due to its nature of functioning the spark plugs become clogged with residues of fuel and dirt which hamper their functioning and ultimately lead to a misfiring engine & illumination of the check engine light.

Bad EGR Valve

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve is a crucial part of your high-end vehicle that is responsible for recirculating the portion of exhaust gases that is not burnt properly back into the combustion chamber. This helps your car in maintaining a satisfying fuel mileage and also improves the performance of the vehicle.

Nevertheless, the EGR valve also encounters problems with its functioning like other mechanical parts of your car and remains stuck open or closed. This is when you will get to see the illumination of the check engine light.

Diagnosing the problems with the EGR valve is a difficult task & you must take your luxury car to a BMW specialist who will be able to determine the issue with the help of advanced scan tools

Battery Issues

Often issues with the functioning of the battery are going to turn on the warning light on the dashboard. The battery is responsible for providing the charge to the electrical components in your car for their functioning. Now, with years of usage, the battery tends to lose its power and may not be able to keep up with the demands.

Often it is seen that corrosion on the battery terminals also plays spoilsport in its functioning. This often leads to the illumination of the warning light.

Leak in the Intake Air System

The intake air system in your high-end vehicle gets affected due to a damaged intake manifold gasket. The intake manifold gasket may develop a leak and this can adversely affect the performance & fuel efficiency of your vehicle. This is when the warning light starts to blink in your car.

At times, the intake manifold gasket might develop cracks due to wear and tear and need to be replaced with a new one.

Finally

The above-discussed factors are some of the leading causes behind the illumination of the check engine light in your BMW. Now, most of these issues can be avoided in the first place if you are proactive in maintaining your BMW as per the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule of your high-end car.