my car was fine when i parked up last night but this morning a warning light has come on. in the hand book it says "engine emissions blah blah blah" and something about the exhaust, yada yada yada....its also making a vibrating sound. my question is is it ok to drive? its a bmw 318 i se
2007-02-19 20:29:08 · 12 answers · asked by ginger 6 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
doug r- WALKING!!!! this is 2007, you know, not 1977!
2007-02-20 20:25:04 · update #1
you`ll be saying i should get the bus next!
2007-02-20 20:25:39 · update #2
wud book in the garage as soon as you can, probably need a service
2007-02-19 20:31:38 · answer #1 · answered by robbo1974 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like it could be an oxygen sensor in the exhaust and/or the catalytic converter has become loose, hence the vibration. If it's just the sensor, it's a routine procedure to replace. However if it's the catalytic converter that perished, well be prepared to fork out big money for a replacement as they are expensive to replace because they're made of precious metals arranged in a "honeycomb" shape that help to turn the exhaust fumes into something more acceptable. Check under the car, near the back underside of the engine. You should find a rectangular "box" linking two pieces of exhaust together. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, grab it and give it a shake. It should move slightly with the rest of the exhaust but if you get a noise like a dry pea in a tin, then its dead and must be replaced asap or you'll fail your MOT. You can still drive it though but be careful. Hope its helpful
2007-02-19 20:49:02 · answer #2 · answered by Andy L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something has come loose around the exhaust. Its probably a lambda probe. This is the sensor that tells the engine if the car is running too lean or too rich. Your car will run fine (albeit a little noisier and probably down on performance).
Get it into a garage and ask them to have a look. A monkey with a 27mm spanner should be able to fix it in a few minutes.
2007-02-19 20:39:29 · answer #3 · answered by wally_zebon 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Can be a number of things, Auto Zone will hook up a engine code reader for free and give you an idea what is wrong. Then you'll have a better idea what to take it in for. The worning light will have put a code in the computer and the obd 2 tester will bring this code up then they match the code to the book and it will give you 2 to 3 things that it may be. It may also help so you don't get ripped off when you take it in to get it fixed. Because you'll know more about what is wrong and you'll be able to tell if the mechanic is honest.
2007-02-19 20:39:09 · answer #4 · answered by skip1960 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The blah, blah and yada yada are rather important. Based on your description however, it sounds like the lamda sensor has gone wrong. You need to get the codes read to be certain, and get it fixed before you screw the Cat.
2007-02-19 21:13:29 · answer #5 · answered by champer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can't give you a specific answer.
Really depends on the exact light has come up. Check your oil levels. I checked my oil this morning and was dangerously low.
The light with a vibrating sound is not good.
Be careful - be safe. Perhaps you have some form of roadside assistance (AA ect) to come out and check the car before you do any further miles.
2007-02-19 20:36:15 · answer #6 · answered by Narky 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You had better drive it to get it cheked out - yada yada blah blah or you will find yourself walking.
2007-02-20 04:10:48 · answer #7 · answered by Doug R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it's emmisions related, then it will be safe to drive. The cars computer will put it into limp mode, your cars gas mileage and performance will be down however the car will protect itself by changing the timing, and air/fuel ratio.I wouldn't advise leaving it in this condition buy short term you will be ok, just spending alot on gas.
2007-02-21 05:11:07 · answer #8 · answered by adaptiveperformance.com 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The third one is for the oil tension which actual solutions your question by using fact it won't be able to pass out till the engine has began and the oil has reached working tension, you would be doubtlessly in deep hardship if i did not pass out !
2016-12-17 14:25:37 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
from your description it sounds like the lambda sensor is having a tantrum because the engine is misfiring suggest you have it checked by someone with the diagnostic tools as the sensor may upset the ecu
2007-02-19 20:44:28 · answer #10 · answered by Mick W 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The general protection fault light. (compares to the Windows 95 blue screen of death)
there are hundreds of things that can light it up.
It could be as simple as the gas cap not tight enough.
It could mean a bad O2 sensor.
It can mean major transmission trouble is imminent.
2007-02-19 20:32:30 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋