Peer Review Please

JimD · 04-24-2015, 03:13 PM

My "Service Engine Soon" light has come on twice now for me. I tried resetting the service intervals (thanks to the excellent sticky) but that did not fix it. So I fired up Torque and looked for codes. I got the evaporative system code - the tighten your gas cap code. But the gas cap is tight and the gasket is clean - filler neck is clean too.

I used to hear a periodic noise from the car when it was parked in the garage and turned off. Every few minutes there was a brief noise. I figured it was the vacumn pump for the evaporative control system. Now I don't hear the noise.

So now I think maybe that pump went out. It's about $100 - a little more from BMW and closer to $70 from Rock Auto. It's on the charcoal canister. Anybody know where that is.

Does this sound like a good guess as to the problem? A smoke test would be more conclusive but I don't have a smoke pen. Maybe I should have that done first.

Thoughts?

Southjersey128 · 04-24-2015, 06:15 PM

A reputable shop will be able to test the system, and smoke it if necessary. You'll have to pay of course for diagnosis, but it beats putting in a $100 part, having it not fix it, and then have to pay for diagnosis anyway. Unless your a betting man, then roll the dice!!

EMWOLB · 04-25-2015, 12:32 PM

Probably a good guess. My car makes exactly the same noise when it is shut off.

I suspect you'll have to pull up some carpeting and find it somewhere behind the back seats.

inline sex · 04-25-2015, 02:18 PM

You can command a self test on the evap system with the proper diagnostic tools.
Btw the SES light typically comes on when a emissions related fault is detected; nothing to do with maintenance intervals.

My advice is to take it to a shop to have the problem diagnosed.

04-24-2015, 03:13 PM	#1
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	Peer Review Please My "Service Engine Soon" light has come on twice now for me. I tried resetting the service intervals (thanks to the excellent sticky) but that did not fix it. So I fired up Torque and looked for codes. I got the evaporative system code - the tighten your gas cap code. But the gas cap is tight and the gasket is clean - filler neck is clean too. I used to hear a periodic noise from the car when it was parked in the garage and turned off. Every few minutes there was a brief noise. I figured it was the vacumn pump for the evaporative control system. Now I don't hear the noise. So now I think maybe that pump went out. It's about $100 - a little more from BMW and closer to $70 from Rock Auto. It's on the charcoal canister. Anybody know where that is. Does this sound like a good guess as to the problem? A smoke test would be more conclusive but I don't have a smoke pen. Maybe I should have that done first. Thoughts? __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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04-24-2015, 06:15 PM	#2
Southjersey128 Second Lieutenant 43 Rep 272 Posts Drives: 2008 128i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 128i [10.00]	A reputable shop will be able to test the system, and smoke it if necessary. You'll have to pay of course for diagnosis, but it beats putting in a $100 part, having it not fix it, and then have to pay for diagnosis anyway. Unless your a betting man, then roll the dice!! __________________ Afe Scoops and CAI, PBX, BMS Paddleshift upgrade, 261M's Powder Coated Gunmetal, 225/255 Michelin PSS, (BMW Performance: BBK, Illuminated Door Sills, Shifter Knob and Boot, E-Brake Handle, Steering Wheel, Front Strut Bar), E93 FSB, E92 RSB, M3 Rear Subframe Bushings, M3 Front Control Arms, HPA coilover kit (Koni Adjustables and Swift Springs), Steel Brake Hoses, Black Kidneys, Smoked LED side markers, Blacklines, Msport lip spoiler...
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04-25-2015, 12:32 PM	#3
EMWOLB Bon Vivant 2 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 2015 M235i Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Cleveland, Ohio iTrader: (0)	Probably a good guess. My car makes exactly the same noise when it is shut off. I suspect you'll have to pull up some carpeting and find it somewhere behind the back seats.
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04-25-2015, 02:18 PM	#4
inline sex Private First Class 9 Rep 150 Posts Drives: SGM 135I 6MT Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: WA iTrader: (0)	You can command a self test on the evap system with the proper diagnostic tools. Btw the SES light typically comes on when a emissions related fault is detected; nothing to do with maintenance intervals. My advice is to take it to a shop to have the problem diagnosed.
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