Intermittent random faults showing up on dash and I drive system. One at a time. Mainly transmission error and lighting system err
Just bought the car tonight on my way home the iDrive system told me that there was a transmission error but did not affect drivability. It comes and goes then stopped for a short time showing any code. Later on the drive probably 30 minutes later the computer then shows lighting system failure. This does affect drivability as I'm no longer able to see whether or not my blinkers are on there is no light behind the gauge cluster and the iDrive system becomes unresponsive. All symptoms and codes are intermittent. Battery was recently replaced at the dealership. I don't know if that's
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Hello. When it comes to power issues while driving, it is typically related to the charging system in some way. A miscommunication with the battery would effect the performance. Before getting too technical, start with the simple stuff. Check the alternator output with a voltmeter, or have it tested at your local automotive store. If both the battery and the alternator are in good working condition, then you can turn your attention to a control module or a programming issue. The warning codes that are being triggered should be read and used to help in the diagnosis. If several different systems are failing, you will likely have a charging system error, or a malfunctioning control module. Further testing is needed.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Flashes and then stays on: If one of your dash warning lights flashes briefly and then stays on, it means there`s a problem with whatever system that light is tied to. For example, your Check Engine Light might flash and then stay lit if there`s a misfire in the engine, or if one of your oxygen sensors has failed.
Here are some uncommon lights and symbols that you might not be familiar with on your BMW: Red Triangle – This indicates that you are past due for a service interval. Yellow EML – This indicates a problem with your engine`s electronics system.
Most likely, flickering dash lights are due to problems with the alternator. In addition to recharging the battery, the alternator is in control of running the electrical components in your vehicle. If the alternator is failing, it may not be able to steadily supply enough current to all the components.
If at any time an indicator light comes across your dashboard in red that means the problem is more severe and you need to have the vehicle checked immediately without delay. If the indicator light comes on in yellow it means caution and that you should have the vehicle checked.
It works in the same way: an amber light warns of a problem with the electrical system, which could include the batteries, motors or wiring, a red light indicates a more serious fault, so the car may shut down or operate with reduced power.
It is alerting you that the engine is running too hot, the coolant level is low or there is a fault with the sensor. A car should be turned off as soon as possible when this light comes on so the cooling system can be inspected in order to avoid any engine damage.
/ˈwɔːrnɪŋ traɪæŋɡl/ (British English) a red triangle that a driver puts on the road next to his or her car as a warning to other drivers when the car has stopped because of a fault, an accident, etc.
That symbol means you have low tire pressure. You should stop the car immediately and check the tire pressures.
Red dashboard lights are serious warning lights. You should stop immediately, or risk damage to the car (or worse, yourself). If you are out driving when you see a red warning light, pull over and deal with the problem. If it requires attention from a professional, don`t drive down the block to get one.
If the battery isn`t working properly, it could cause the dash lights to flicker. It`s best to have your battery tested at your neighborhood Firestone Complete Auto Care, and install a new battery if necessary. Additionally, flickering dash lights can signify that there is something wrong with the alternator.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Your TPMS light (which looks like an exclamation mark over a comb, ringed by parentheses), will light up in yellow if your tires have low pressure. If it appears in red, one or more tires have just deflated rapidly.
The check engine light is usually the most serious and feared warning because of the kind of damage it can signal. This warning often indicates the potential for serious engine damage. When ignored, your vehicle could suffer from a blown head gasket or a seized engine.
Hazard warning lights are generally used in the event of a breakdown. If you feel your car starting to lose power whilst driving, put your hazards on to warn other drivers that you may be about to slow down or stop suddenly.
There are 3 different categories of warning lights; red, amber and green: Red warning lights mean you should stop the car as soon as it`s safe. Yellow warning lights mean that action is required. Green warning lights are for information only.
Flashing emergency vehicle lights are most commonly seen on police cars, ambulances, and fire engines. These vehicles, when they are moving in response to an emergency situation, have to be allowed to move faster than the other automobiles on the road.
You might notice the orange exclamation mark on your dashboard. It`s a common symbol often surrounded by a tire icon. If you see this symbol, pay attention. It`s an alert that one of your tires has dropped below 75% of its recommended pressure. It`s an easy fix: You need to inflate the tire.
With some exceptions, the warning symbol is a required element of safe harbor warning content. The symbol consists of a black exclamation point in a yellow equilateral triangle with a bold, black outline.
A steady glow typically means something less serious but a flashing check engine light indicates that your vehicle`s engine is in serious trouble and service is needed immediately. If your check engine light is flashing in your BMW, we highly recommend not to drive the vehicle and schedule BMW service today.
A triangle frame means the container itself is dangerous. This hazard symbol means explosive. This hazard symbol warns that the container can explode if it is heated or punctured. Did You Know?
If you have a reflective advance-warning triangle, place it on the road far enough from the scene of the collision to give enough warning to approaching traffic. If the collision happens near a bend in the road, make sure you give warning to traffic on both sides of the bend.
Exclamation Mark in a Circle: If this symbol shows red, your brake fluid is low. If the light shows in yellow, your hill assist feature is not working.
If all of your lights have come on then that may be an indicator of some sort of serious malfunction with the vehicle. The fact that it appears to be running fine is a good sign. However, I would refrain from driving it until you can figure out what the issue is.
An early warning sign that your alternator is going bad could be dim, flickering lights. This symptom could show up on any or all of your dashboard lights, reading lights, headlights or other lights. The alternator is supposed to provide the electricity for your car`s lights.
It controls these systems based on the data it gets from the numerous sensors inside your automobile. When a battery drains, it may send lower voltages of power which may or may not hurt your PCM. But it can definitely cause some problems that are related to your PCM due to it not receiving enough voltage.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Intermittent random faults showing up on dash and I drive system. One at a time. Mainly transmission error and lighting system err
ANSWER : Hello. When it comes to power issues while driving, it is typically related to the charging system in some way. A miscommunication with the battery would effect the performance. Before getting too technical, start with the simple stuff. Check the alternator output with a voltmeter, or have it tested at your local automotive store. If both the battery and the alternator are in good working condition, then you can turn your attention to a control module or a programming issue. The warning codes that are being triggered should be read and used to help in the diagnosis. If several different systems are failing, you will likely have a charging system error, or a malfunctioning control module. Further testing is needed.
No dash lights, back right tail light is out, no parking lights. Brake lights work though as does head lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. In many cases, when you have electrical problems like you’re describing, it’s caused by multiple electrical component failure. It’s likely that a few electrical relays are not working; especially if you have systems that utilize the same components (such as your brake light and tail lights). I would recommend having a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete an electrical problems inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is damaged and recommend the right repairs.
check break system and indicators of side brake, doors open,and traction system and full light warning in dash board
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in.
It sounds like you are having a serious electrical malfunction, which is very hard to diagnose without being able to look at the car first hand. The first step to diagnosing your electrical issue would be to scan all the relevant control modules in the vehicle, to see if there are any faults relating to any of these issues. It sounds like somebody at the dealer has been trying to fix this problem, so it may be a more involved one. I have personally seen failed control modules cause things like this, but that is no guarantee that it’s the problem in your case. It would be best to have a qualified independent technician, such as one from YourMechanic, look at your car to diagnose your electrical problem.
signals, daytime running lights are not working, park brake light on dash is on steady and chime is dinging steady 4×4 wont engage
ANSWER : This is likely a brake light switch problem. I would suggest testing the brake light switch which should be located down by the brake pedal. This may also be a computer problem as well as indicated by the other lights on in the dash. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to possibly replace the brake light switch and diagnose with a scanning tool which will download useful data from the truck’s computer indicating what specifically the problem may be.
Battery light coming and and assisted steering fault on dash and abs amber light
ANSWER : Hi there. It sounds like you have a failed alternator. The alternator is used to maintain the battery charge and provide electrical support to the electrical system. Its output can vary depending on the electrical load placed on the system; ac, blower motor, headlights, etc. Have the alternator tested at idle and under load to determine if the voltage/amps are not within specifications; replace as necessary. Also have the battery tested with a digital battery tester that provides current voltage, cold cranking amps, and state of health. Replace the battery if needed. If the battery tests ok, then recharge the battery before starting the car with the new alternator. Not having a fully charged battery can present an undue load on the new alternator’s internal voltage regulator and shorten the life of the new alternator. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several technicians available that can assist you with an electrical problems inspection.
While driving on freeway truck goes into a limp mode, and the check engine light, abs light, parking break light, service brake
ANSWER : It is possible that you could be having an issue with your powertrain control module. This is somewhat of a common problem on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by the dealership to determine if the powertrain control module is functioning properly. If not, a reflash of the powertrain control module may resolve the issue but often times it must be replaced.
Dash lights stay on until the car starts running
ANSWER : Hi! We will be happy to assist you. The hood light not working is likely due due to a bad bulb or a loose wire.
There are a few things I recommend that a technician inspect to find as to why your lights come and go.
Firstly, your oil: it’s likely that your light comes on because the oil is low. There is reservoir which holds the oil under the engine with an oil level sending unit about halfway down the pan. This sensor will let you know if the oil is low, when the oil reaches below the sensor level.
When the vehicle is stopped the oil will settle to the bottom of the reservoir, this is the only way the vehicle gets an accurate reading. When the vehicle is moving oil will splash on the sensor and the sensor will be tricked into thinking the oil level is at acceptable measurements.
Secondly, your battery charge light may be due to one or both of two things: the alternator and the alternator belt. The voltage regulator in your alternator may be going bad and supplying incorrect voltage. If that is the case, a new alternator will be required.
Before condemning the alternator, be sure to check the condition of the belt. The alternator takes rotational movement and produces voltage. The rotation is belt driven. If the belt is cracked or stretched the alternator may not reach a speed fast enough to produce a proper voltage.
The Check Engine Light may also be alternator related. I’d suggest to have your vehicle checked out by a qualified technician who can properly diagnose your warning lights using a scan tool to retrieve the code and determine the necessary actions. A convenient and feasible way to have the vehicle inspected by a technician is through YourMechanic. Good luck!
Abs light, emergency brake light, steering wheel assist light, engine light, EPC light, traction control light
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does utilize a lot of the same sensors for these systems. Are there any other codes that are coming up when this code appears? If so you will want to take these into consideration when processing the repair and making a diagnosis. The module may be bad, and replacing it should fix the problem. The lights should turn off once the main computer recognizes the new module and the sensors sync up. If you believe the sensors need to be cleaned you may do so. Do as minimal as possible to make sure you are not damaging the sensor or disrupting the wiring inside. A bad connection would make the lights stay on. With so many lights that are effected by the module being illuminated, the module is likely bad or does not have a connection. Check the connection first and then resort to replacing the unit. For more help with these electrical tests, contact our service department.
