check engine light BMW 760LI SEDAN 2003 Owners Manual

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15
Indicator and warning lamps
Technology that monitors itself
The indicator and warning lamps identified
by the
+ symbol are subjected to an oper-
ation check each time you switch on the
ignition or start the engine. They each light
up once for different periods of time.
When a malfunction occurs in a monitored
system, the corresponding lamp will either
fail to go out when the engine is started, or
it will come on again during normal driving.
For information on how you should respond
when this happens, please refer to the
pages indicated.
Please fasten safety belts
+50
DSC Dynamic Stability
Control
+95
DTC Dynamic Traction Control95
ABS Antilock Braking
System
+96
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
systems/DBC Dynamic Brake
Control
+62/ 192/ 96
Parking brake/Brake hydraulic
systems/DBC Dynamic Brake
Control for Canadian models.
Parking brake
+62,65
Parking brake62,65
Automatic parking brake Ð Auto-
matic Hold
+63,65 Engine
+194
Airbags
+57
Turn signal indicators71
High beams/headlamp
flasher 103
Front fog lamps103
Colors
The indicator and warning lamps can light
up in different colors and combinations.
The following section explains the signifi-
cance of the individual colors as well as
how you should respond when they
appear.
>Red:
Stop the vehicle immediately
or
an important reminder
>Red and yellow:
Continue to drive; drive cautiously
>Yellow:
Have the system inspected at the
earliest opportunity
or
for your information
>Green:
For your information
>Blue:
For your information.

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For your safety
Automatic Hold is automatically deacti-
vated when
>the engine is switched off
>the system detects that the driver's seat
is not occupied while the engine is run-
ning
>the hood is opened while the engine is
running
>the luggage compartment is opened
with the transmission in reverse while
the engine is running, and
>when the parking brake is used to bring
the vehicle to a stop.
The indicator lamp changes from
green to red, and the AUTO P letters in the
Info Display disappear.
Before starting off again, briefly press the
button to disengage the parking brake
manually, refer to page 63, or reactivate
Automatic Hold, refer to page 64.
Before leaving the vehicle with the
engine running, always move the
automatic transmission's selector lever to
position P and ensure that the parking
brake is engaged. The vehicle could start to
roll if you fail to observe these precautions.
Never leave an unattended vehicle with the
engine running, as such a vehicle repre-
sents a potential safety hazard.<
Automatic Hold is automatically
deactivated whenever the system
detects any tendency for the wheels to spin
in response to slippery road surfaces. Note
the status reports in the Check Control.
You can find more detailed information on
Check Control on page 85.<
Malfunctions
If a malfunction occurs, the indicator
lamp lights up yellow in the Info Dis-
play and a status report will appear in the
Check Control. Please note any supple-
mentary information that appears in the
Control Display.
Releasing the parking brake
manually
You can respond to any interruptions in the
supply of electrical power, for instance, if
the battery is discharged or disconnected,
by releasing the parking brake manually.
Before proceeding to release the
parking brake manually, and each
time you park the vehicle without engaging
the parking brake, always ensure that the
automatic transmission's selector lever is
in position P, refer to page 67. Note the
range indicated in the Info Display.
If it is not possible to avoid parking on an
extremely steep slope, use some supple-
mentary means, such as a wheel chock, to
make certain that the vehicle will not roll,
refer to page 198. Otherwise the danger
exists that the vehicle could roll when
parked on a very steep hill.<
Should it also be necessary to release the
automatic transmission's lockout manually,
for instance, if the battery is discharged,
always adhere to the following sequence:
1.If necessary, start by manually releasing
the parking brake
2.Then release the automatic transmis-
sion's lockout manually, refer to
page 70.
Jump-starting and towing, refer to
pages 202 and 203.
What you will need
1Screwdriver handle
2Emergency-release tool
310 mm open-end wrench
You will find the required tools in the
onboard tool kit mounted on the inside of

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Info Display screen contents
The display sequence:
>Fuel gauge, refer to next column
>Range and remaining distance, refer to
next colum and page88.
The display sequence:
>Odometer82 >Energy Control/ Current fuel
consumption88
>Average fuel consumption88
>Average speed88
>Time of arrival88.
Maintain pressure on button 1 to
cancel the display from the computer.
Press the button again to return to the last
display.
It will not be possible to cancel the display
if the fuel level has fallen into the reserve
range or if a Check Control status report is
currently on the screen.
Press the button again to view the last dis-
play.<
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge mode appears automati-
cally once the fuel level falls into the
reserve range. At the same time the words
"Fuel reserve" appear. The tank still con-
tains approx. 2.6 gallons (10 liters) of fuel.
It will not be possible to cancel the
computer display once the fuel level
drops into the reserve range. However, you
can still request a display of the travel
range. Computer, refer to page 86.<
Tank capacity: approx. 23.2 gallons
(88 liters).
If the tilt of the vehicle varies, when you are
driving in mountainous areas, for example,
the indicator may fluctuate slightly.
Refuel well before the tank is empty,
as otherwise engine functions will not
be ensured and damage can occur if you
drive down to the last drop.<
Cruising range
Displays the estimated cruising range
available with the remaining fuel. The
system calculates the cruising range based
on operating conditions and the amount of
fuel remaining in the tank. The basis for the
calculations is the average fuel consump-
tion over the preceding 20 miles (30 km).
Always refuel as soon as possible
once your cruising range falls to
below 30 miles (50 kilometers), as other-

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difficult driving conditions, such as on
snow, etc.
Indicator lamps
The indicator lamp in the Info Dis-
play goes out soon after you start
the engine.
If the indicator lamp flashes:
DSC controls the drive and braking forces.
The indicator lamp stays lit:
DSC has been switched off via the Control
Display.
The indicator lamp and the brake
warning lamp remain on continu-
ously:
DSC, DTC and DBC have been
deactivated or a system malfunc-
tion is present.
When the system is off, the stability main-
tenance functions described above are no
longer available. The vehicle will remain
completely operational, however, without
DSC.
Please respond to any malfunctions by
referring the problem to your BMW center.
Indicator and warning lamps on
Canadian models.
Activating DTC Dynamic Traction
Control
You may find it useful to briefly activate
DTC under the following special circum-
stances: >When rocking the vehicle and starting
off in deep snow or on loose road sur-
faces
>When ascending snow-covered hills,
and when driving in deep or on hard-
packed snow
>When driving with snow chains.
Select "Settings". Select "DTC" and con-
firm your entry. DTC is now activated. The
DTC indicator lamp in the Info Display
lights up.
When DTC is active, DSC provides
only limited system response up to a
speed of approximately 45 mph (70 km/h).
Control intervention to maintain stability is
reduced.<
Deactivating DTC
Select "Settings". Select "DTC" and con-
firm your entry. DTC is now deactivated.
The DTC indicator lamp in the Info Display
goes out.
Deactivating DSC
Select "Settings". Select "DSC" and con-
firm your entry. DSC is deactivated. The
indicator lamp in the Info Display remains
on continuously.
Deactivating DSC automatically deacti-
vates DTC as well. The systems for
enhancing stability and traction are deacti-
vated, and there is no active braking inter-
vention or torque control.
A status report appears in the Check Con-
trol. Please take note of the additional
information in the Control Display.

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Check Control messages, refer to page 85.
Please note the supplementary information
provided in the Control Display.
Indicator and warning lamps on
Canadian models.
Dynamic Drive
The concept
Dynamic Drive minimizes body roll and
optimizes vehicle stability during cornering
and evasive maneuvers.
Active stabilizers at the front and rear axles
form the basis for Dynamic Drive. Suspen-
sion compliance adapts to suit driving con-
ditions, varying from performance-oriented
during cornering to smooth and comfort-
oriented when the vehicle is proceeding in
a straight line.
The system assumes operational status
each time you start the engine.
Driving with Dynamic Drive
During vehicle operation, the system con-
tinuously runs through closed-loop control
cycles lasting only fractions of a second.
In case of malfunction
The symbol will light up, accompa-
nied by a status message in the
Check Control. Please take note of
the additional information in the Control
Display.
You can find more detailed information on
the Check Control starting on page 85.
If the Dynamic Drive system switches
off in response to malfunction, please
remember to adapt your speed accord-
ingly, especially in curves.
The suspension will be noticeably softer
and the vehicle will display a greater ten-dency to tilt during cornering and in cross-
winds.
If a Check Control message stating that
you should stop appears in addition to the
red symbol, stop immediately and switch
off the engine. In this case the oil level in
the reservoir may have dropped below the
minimum, possibly owing to a leak in the
hydraulic system.
Please observe the additional instructions
provided in the Control Display.<
EDC Electronic Damping
Control*
The suspension responds to changes in
factors such as road surface, or operating
conditions such as steering and braking, by
adapting to the new conditions within frac-
tions of a second.
Comfort program
The system automatically assumes opera-
tion in its Comfort mode each time you start
the engine; this mode is suitable for use
throughout the vehicle's entire speed range
and regardless of load.
Sport program
Activate in "Settings" menu with the igni-
tion on.
You should select the Sport program for
consistently performance-oriented
response from shock absorbers and
steering.

Technology for comfort, convenience and safety
98
Flat Tire Monitor*
The concept
The Flat Tire Monitor keeps track of the
inflation pressures in your tires as you
drive. The system provides an alert when-
ever the inflation pressure drops signifi-
cantly below the specified pressure in one
or more tires.
In order for the Flat Tire Monitor to 'learn'
the correct tire inflation pressure, check the
inflation pressure in all tires against the
inflation pressure table on page 185 and
make corrections as necessary. Then pro-
ceed to initialize the system.
This symbol will appear in the
Check Control to inform you that
the inflation pressure of a tire has
fallen significantly. A text message appears
at the same time.
Please take note of the additional informa-
tion in the Control Display.
You can find more information on the
Check Control starting on page 85.
The Flat Tire Monitor cannot indicate
sudden severe tire damage caused
by outside factors and does not detect a
natural, even pressure drop in all four
tires.<
Initializing the system
1.Switch ignition on, do not start the
engine
2.Select "RPA" from the "Settings" menu
and confirm your selection. The initial-
ization menu appears.
"YES"
Select and confirm. The Flat Tire Monitor
starts an automatic 'learning' process as
the car is driven, and memorizes these ref-
erence pressures. This one-off learning
takes at least 10 minutes, after which the
Flat Tire Monitor is able to detect and indi-
cate a flat tire.
Repeat this process after any changes in
tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or
replacement.
"NO"
Select and confirm to return to the "Set-
tings" menu.
Flat tire
The symbol will light up red, accompanied
by a status message in the Check Control.
>Vehicles with standard tires:
If this occurs, reduce vehicle speed
immediately and stop the vehicle. Avoid
hard and sudden steering and braking
maneuvers. Replace the defective tire
>Vehicles with run-flat tires:
If this occurs, carefully but quickly
reduce vehicle speed to below 50 mph
(80 km/h). Avoid hard and sudden
steering and braking maneuvers.
Additional information on run-flat tires
is provided on page 186.
Please take note of the additional informa-
tion in the Control Display.

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undermining your ability to steer and brake
the vehicle.<
Driving through water
Do not drive through water on the
road if it is deeper than 1 ft (30 cm),
and then only at walking speed at the most.
Otherwise, the vehicle's engine, the elec-
trical systems and the transmission may be
damaged.<
Brake system
Braking with ABS
The best way to achieve optimal response
from the ABS is to apply maximum pres-
sure to the brake pedal during emergencyÐ
panic stops. Since the vehicle maintains
steering responsiveness, you can never-
theless avoid possible obstacles with a
minimum of steering effort.
Pulsation at the brake pedal combines with
sounds from the hydraulic circuits to indi-
cate to the driver that ABS is in its active
mode.
Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Even light but con-
sistent pedal pressure can lead to high
temperatures, brake wear and possibly
even brake failure.<
Disc brakes
Driving in wet conditions
While driving in wet conditions and in
heavy rain, it is a good idea to apply light
pressure to the brake pedal every few
miles. Monitor traffic conditions to ensure
that this maneuver does not endanger
other road users. The heat generated in this
process helps dry the pads and rotors to
ensure that full braking efficiency will then
be available when you need it.
Hills
You can retain full and unimpaired braking
efficiency by downshifting to a gear in
which only minimal brake applications are
needed when descending long or steep
downhill stretches.
You can further enhance the engine's bra-
king effect by selecting a lower gear in the
automatic transmission's manual mode,
downshifting as far as first gear on extre-
mely steep stretches, refer to page 68. This
strategy helps you avoid placing excessive
loads on the brake system.
Never allow the vehicle to coast with
the transmission in Neutral Ð or with
the engine switched off Ð there is no engine
braking when the transmission is in Neu-
tral, and no power-assist for brakes and
steering when the engine is not running.
Never allow floor mats, carpets or any other
objects to protrude into the area around the
accelerator and brake pedals and obstruct
their movement.<
Corrosion
When the vehicle is driven only occasio-
nally, during extended periods when the
vehicle is not used at all, and in operating
conditions where brake applications are
less frequent, there is an increased ten-
dency for corrosion to form on rotors, while
contaminants accumulate on the brake
pads. This occurs because the minimal
pressure which must be exerted by the
pads during brake applications to clean the
rotors is not reached.
Should corrosion form on the brake rotors,
the brakes will tend to respond with a pul-
sating effect that even extended applica-
tion will fail to cure.
Brake pads
If the brake pad wear warning lamp
appears in the Check Control,
accompanied by a text: please take
careful note of the additional information in
the Control Display.

Under the hood
192
Checking coolant level
Correct coolant level with the engine cold
Ð approx. +687 (206):
1.Turn the cap of the expansion tank
counterclockwise to allow any accumu-
lated pressure to escape, then continue
turning to open
2.The coolant level is correct when the
coolant extends to between the MIN
and MAX marks on the filler neck, refer
to the diagram adjacent to the filler
neck
3.If the coolant is low, slowly add coolant
up to the specified level Ð do not overfill.
Brake fluid
The symbol lights up and a mes-
sage appears in the Check Control
panel:
The brake fluid in the reservoir has fallen to
below the minimum level.
The brake fluid reservoir is located under
the microfilter housing trim panel on the
driver's side of the vehicle. To have brake
fluid added to the system, or to have the
source of any brake fluid loss traced and
rectified, please contact your BMW center,
which can also supply the factory-
approved Ð DOT 4 Ð brake fluids.
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs
moisture from the atmosphere over
the course of time.
To ensure that the brake system continues
to provide safe and reliable performance,
remember to have the brake fluid changed
every two years at the latest, refer to
page 84 and to the Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models or the
Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for
Canadian models.
Brake fluid is toxic and also damages
vehicle paintwork. Always store these
agents in tightly-closed original containers
kept well away from the reach of children.
Do not spill the fluid and do not refill the
brake fluid reservoir to beyond the MAX
mark. Should it come into contact with hot
engine components, the brake fluid could
ignite and cause personal injury in the form
of burns.<
Always observe all applicable envi-
ronmental rules and regulations when
disposing of used brake fluid.<
Warning lamp for Canadian models.
Brake hydraulic systems
A low brake-fluid level combined with
longer-than-usual pedal travel could be a
sign that one of the brake system's
hydraulic circuits has failed.
Proceed to the nearest BMW center.
Remember that pedal travel may be
increased, and there may also be a sub-
stantial increase in the amount of pedal
pressure required to brake the vehicle.
Please adapt your driving style accor-
dingly.<

Rules and regulations
194
Rules and regulations
California Proposition 65
Warning
California laws require us to state the fol-
lowing warning:
Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects and reproductive harm. In
addition, certain fluids contained in
vehicles and certain products of compo-
nent wear contain or emit chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other reproductive
harm.
Battery posts, terminals and related acces-
sories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
Used engine oil contains chemicals that
have caused cancer in laboratory animals.
Always protect your skin by washing tho-
roughly with soap and water.<
OBD connector
The Onboard Diagnostic Ð OBD Ð interface
socket is located on the left of the driver's
side under the instrument panel and under
a cover.
The cover has the letters OBD on it.
The purpose of the OBD system is to
ensure proper operation of the emission
control system for the vehicle's lifetime.
The system monitors emission-related components and systems for deterioration
and malfunction.
An illuminated lamp informs you of
the need for service, not of the need
to stop the vehicle. However, the
systems should be checked by your BMW
center at the earliest possible opportunity.
Under certain conditions, the indicator will
blink or flash. This indicates a rather severe
level of engine misfire. When this occurs,
you should reduce speed and consult the
nearest BMW center as soon as possible.
Severe engine misfire over only a short
period of time can seriously damage emis-
sions control components, especially the
catalytic converter.
When the fuel filler cap is not properly
tightened, the OBD system can
detect the vapor leak and the indicator will
light up. If the filler cap is subsequently
tightened, the indicator should go out
within a few days.<

Replacing components
200
Run-flat tires*
You will recognize run-flat tires by a cir-
cular symbol containing the letters RSC on
the side of the tire. They consist of self-
contained tires and special rims. The tire
reinforcement ensures that the tire retains
some residual safety in the event of pres-
sure drop and driving remains possible to
a restricted degree. The vehicle is
equipped with a Flat Tire Monitor or TPM
Tire Pressure Monitor which indicates
punctures.
The reinforcement on the flanks of the
tires means that it is usually not pos-
sible to detect an air loss from outside.<
Flat tire
If you have a flat tire, the indicator lamp
symbol in the Check Control will light up in
red, and a message will appear. In addition,
a gong sounds.
Detailed information on the Flat Tire Mon-
itor or TPM Tire Pressure Monitor can be
found on page 98 or 99.
Reduce vehicle speed carefully to under
50 mph (80 km/h), avoiding hard brake
applications and steering maneuvers.
If the defective wheel is not recognizable
as such immediately, check the inflation
pressure in all four tires.
For reasons of safety, do not arrange
for run-flat tires to be repaired. Your
BMW center has the information needed
for working with these tires and is equipped
with the necessary special tools.<
Continuing driving with a damaged
tire
Driving on run-flat tires can continue
depending on the vehicle load and the
severity of the tire damage, at a maximum
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). You can deter-
mine the possible mileage for continued
driving on the basis of the following general
indications:
>Tire inflation pressure 0 psi/kPa:
With empty vehicle approx. 90 miles
(150 km)
With full payload approx. 30 miles
(50 km)
>Tire inflation pressure 7 psi/50 kPa Ð
15 psi/100 kPa:
Approx. 300 miles (500 km)
>Tire inflation pressure greater than
15 psi/100 kPa:
approx. 600 miles (1000 km).
Drive reservedly and do not exceed a
speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). In the
case of air loss, you can expect changes in
vehicle handling such as reduce lane sta-
bility, longer braking distances, and
changes in self-steering properties.<
Battery
Battery care
The battery is 100 % maintenance-free, i.e.,
the electrolyte will last for the life of the bat-
tery when the vehicle is operated in a tem-
perate climate.
For all questions that regard the bat-
tery, please consult your BMW
center. Since the battery is maintenance-
free, the following is for your information
only.<
Charging the battery
Only charge the battery in the vehicle via
the terminals in the engine compartment
with the engine off. Connections, refer to
Jump-starting on page 203.