service engine soon

[MinneapolisJeff]

So I pull the Z4 out of storage today as the weather has decided to get warm waaaay earlier than I expected. I start the engine up and it idles really hard for about 3-4 minutes. Now the Service Engine Soon light is on. I ran an errand with the car and everything seems to be operating correctly...engine sounds normal at idle, etc. Obviously I need to read the code but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to a possible cause. Dirty MAF sensor? Bad O2 sensor? Can you cycle the engine and clear the code when the issue is fixed. Trying to save myself a dealer appointment first... TIA

[Pheonix]

Most likely misfired

[MinneapolisJeff]

so what's the easiest course of action to reset the code? bite the bullet and just have the stealership do it? at least they'll be able to read it too...

[Retrodog]

Originally Posted by jman1975

so what's the easiest course of action to reset the code? bite the bullet and just have the stealership do it? at least they'll be able to read it too...

Take it to an O'Rileys or Autozone with a reader and let them check it for you. Then get them to reset it if it's something meaningless like a misfire.

[mhughett]

Autozone has a policy of NOT resetting these lights. They will read them only.

[MinneapolisJeff]

Originally Posted by mhughett

Autozone has a policy of NOT resetting these lights. They will read them only.

I had read that somewhere via Google. I guess my only benefit for using AutoZone will be to see exactly what code was thrown. Local dealership's online scheduler has their service department booked until next week. I just want to know the code and if I should park the car if something serious.

[Retrodog]

Originally Posted by mhughett

Autozone has a policy of NOT resetting these lights. They will read them only.

The policy is more of a guideline, and not so much a hard rule. My 96 Dodge Ram had a misfire on cylinders 3 and 6 recorded. The guy at Autozone reset the computer. Same thing with my WRX. Both from not being driven enough.

So it really depends on what the code indicates, and not so much what their "policy" states.

And of course...YMMV.

[MinneapolisJeff]

is there a full list of codes produced by the SES light? wanted to bring with me to AutoZone...

EDIT- nm, found a list here

[Jmanscotch]

Autozone and the like will let you take the code reader out into the parking lot and simply hold your drivers license...then you can reset whatever you dang well please

[Retrodog]

Originally Posted by Jmanscotch

Autozone and the like will let you take the code reader out into the parking lot and simply hold your drivers license...then you can reset whatever you dang well please

Some of them will, some of them won't. As before... YMMV.

Man, I sure hope he doesn't get a P0311. that would be a real show-stopper.

[MinneapolisJeff]

Originally Posted by Pheonix

Most likely misfired

good guess Pheonix, twas indeed a misfire... P0301 (cylinder 1)

AutoZone cleared the code as well, no questions asked

Originally Posted by Retrodog

Some of them will, some of them won't. As before... YMMV.
Man, I sure hope he doesn't get a P0311. that would be a real show-stopper.

agreed Retro, it would mean I stole someone else's ride that had a V12