Check Engine Light

[Aladdin]

My check engine light has triggered and is now on. I am sensing some problems with quick acceleretion (not racing level) from a stopped position. Basically, when I push the accelerator down quickly, it's like the engine wants to choke itself out. I was hoping that the check engine light can tell me something that will help. I've heard of other cars being able to "blink" a code to you so you can tell what the light is sensing. Does anyone know if this is possible on a 1990 535i? And if so, where can I get the list of codes? I love my car ...

[wolfxx]

check air flow master and conector

[jeffreyb4me]

1990's don't have an owner readable code output, you should have it scanned, preferrably with a BMW MoDiC or GT-1. the airflow meter is a possibility but so is an intake air leak and very dirty injectors.....the fault codes will point you in the right direction

[wolfxx]

power off your car puss the cechk control knobs turn key on 2 position and relised knobs on control panel vill see code riding , if injector fault some time dont have eror code registry in computer , bat start with airflow meter , if need adj. used some co2 indicator on mufler .

[jeffreyb4me]

not sure what 'wolfxx' was trying to say but i was wrong! it's been years since i've had to use flash codes so heres the proceedure:........maybe others would like the info to, so i'm going to post it seperately...should be easy to find i hope. Back to your last notes, have your shop fellow test the exhaust readings at the manifolds [there's a tap in each one] with the O2 sensor connected then disconnected [he's familiar with this i'm sure]. from the readings you'll be testing the cat. & the sensor. a bad O2 [shorted to B-] could cause your problem and an aftermarket cat. converter will work just fine but repair the engine problem FIRST.
jeff.........

[wolfxx]

sorry jeff bat if you have time go to link and see what is sure or not
unofficialbmw.com/e36/electronical/e36_reset_service_lights.html

[jeffreyb4me]

i shall, but nothing on the cluster [even an E36] can activate the dme 'self-diagnosis' mode. i'll check the link you suggested wolfxx and if you have time, see my posting on the subject though just to check, i tried it today in a few cars...NOTE this doesn't work after 1995 because of changes in OBD II laws..........best to all...................jeffb.

[wolfxx]

hi jeffi yuo can take obc out wth out anpluget socret and on pin 7 make reset