Engine light drama

simsima · 05-12-2006, 10:50 PM

This has been going on way too long. My engine light came on a couple of months back. There aren't any noticeable differences in the car other than the light.

The first time, they checked the code and replaced the gas cap. A few days later, the light came back on. My question to this is wouldn't they be able to run the scan after replacing the gas cap the first time to make sure it fixed the problem?

After taking it back the second time they replaced the charcoal filter. A day later the light came back on. The same code was read as the first time.

The third time they ran smoke through the system and couldn't find a leak. Now they want to replace over a dozen diffeent hoses on the car. The parts alone are > $600.

Does this seem completely unreasonable to anyone else? Does anyone have any advice on the matter?

stunned.

p.s. This is a dealership.

E46 - 2000 328i

blkm3 · 05-13-2006, 09:25 AM

I hate the dealerships. I got an engine code as well and a buddy of mine helped me check the code out. I went to the dealer and told them i got so and so code. They ask me for my V.I.N # then pulls up the record on the computer he goes to me well this car hasnt been in for service since 2003 and has only been to the dealer 2 times since new. The dealer has the nerve to tell me since we have no history on the car he will need to start with 3000$ labour and parts then check to see if the problem still there. I looked at the guy and said WTF you think i am some noob that doesnt know what i am talking about . So I asked him for a pen and paper . I wrote down all the work I have done to the car myself and said why dont u start from there. I am sure it will cut back 2800$ for the 3000$ you want to rob from me . Then he said well unfortunatly we are not able to do so we need to be sure that we replace all the parts before doing diagnostic or they will have no guarantee for the work. I said so I put new parts in my car 2 weeks ago and then you wanna change them all just to please yourself. These guy must think all we know how to do is put gas in the car and turn the key and then walk into the dealer with a bag of $$ and give it to them. All I can say it is all jokes.

cisco911 · 05-15-2006, 02:19 PM

Did they tell you what the code is? For them to be replacing the gas cap makes me think that they are getting a code for gross evap leak. Do you put gas with your car running or leave the key on position 2? This will cause the code. Also, if you don't tighten your gas cap properly, there will be a leak and the code will register. However, the dealer will not know this and think something else is wrong. We deal with this alot down at our shop with customers not tightening the gas cap properly resulting in the EML to come on.

aziz · 05-15-2006, 04:43 PM

so they will make u keep changing stuffs? thats bullshit!

M3islove · 05-15-2006, 08:52 PM

http://www.bmpdesign.com/product-exe...earch_model/82

i just bought that code reader cause my service engine soon light came on. i'm figuring it's just O2 sensor or something of that sort, but that should help. if you can do most repairs yourself, that is. should still save some money on diagnostics, though.

djcontra · 05-15-2006, 09:39 PM

I second that, spend the $150 and buy a code reader, it's worth knowing what's really going on...

simsima · 05-15-2006, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cisco911

Did they tell you what the code is? For them to be replacing the gas cap makes me think that they are getting a code for gross evap leak. Do you put gas with your car running or leave the key on position 2? This will cause the code. Also, if you don't tighten your gas cap properly, there will be a leak and the code will register. However, the dealer will not know this and think something else is wrong. We deal with this alot down at our shop with customers not tightening the gas cap properly resulting in the EML to come on.

I can't remember what the code is off hand. The car is always off with the key out when I fill it with gas. The gas cap is as tight as it can get. The other day I did notice some sort of corrosion or something where the cap sits, so I'm thinking that it may not be able to get a good seal. :/

Justin e36 · 05-16-2006, 05:06 PM

yeah, check the gas cap + gasket... also check the oil cap under the hood... even if it's closed, tighten it the other way. Had this happen on the e46... how annoying. The cap was closed, but the writing was upside down.

simsima · 05-16-2006, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin e36

yeah, check the gas cap + gasket... also check the oil cap under the hood... even if it's closed, tighten it the other way. Had this happen on the e46... how annoying. The cap was closed, but the writing was upside down.

Cool. Will do. I just got it back and the dealer has reset it, so it will take a day or so to come back (ffs)

. I may try an after market gas cap too. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm sure Rocco will know of one.

tjohn · 05-23-2006, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simsima

T
After taking it back the second time they replaced the charcoal filter. A day later the light came back on. The same code was read as the first time.

By any chance do you know what the part number is for the charcoal filter? I'm being told that the same thing is responsible for my check engine light, and quoted $600 to repair it.

I'm thinking I'll do it myself.

Thanks.

simsima · 05-26-2006, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjohn

By any chance do you know what the part number is for the charcoal filter? I'm being told that the same thing is responsible for my check engine light, and quoted $600 to repair it.

I'm thinking I'll do it myself.

Thanks.

I'll have to check the exact price, but it definitely was not that much. The part was just over $200, and the labour was around the same.