Engine Problems

[Unregistered]

1992 525i
Hello, I am having dire engine problems, let me tell you how it started.

First the check engine light comes on once and a while.
Now its on all the time.
Idle is inconsitant
Engine is running hot. the temp guage goes from the middle to the red every 5 minutes.
i smell coolant everywhere.
Heater blows cold.
My question is. How do i check the error codes without paying my dealer 60 dollars to plug a computer to it.
I tried stomping the gas 5 times within 5 seconds and it doesnt do anything.
What else can be wrong?

Thanks,
Jonathan

[Tiger]

Pedal Stomp test... check bmwe34.net on how to do it. Your check engine light will blink the code when done right... engine off... ignition on that your dash lights come on... and stomp your gas pedal all the way to floor 5 times within 5 seconds... I am not sure if this is to click on the kickdown switch 5 times or just the full range of gas pedal... it took me a couple of times to get it right.

Sounds like your waterpump is bad and leaking... any leak can be found... you just have to look for it.

[Martin in Bellevue]

Any idea if the water pump has ever been changed? It may be free wheeling.

[Bill R.]

procedure will no longer work and you have to hook it up to a code scan tool... I saw this on a posting by Brett Anderson some time ago..

1992 525i
Hello, I am having dire engine problems, let me tell you how it started.

First the check engine light comes on once and a while.
Now its on all the time.
Idle is inconsitant
Engine is running hot. the temp guage goes from the middle to the red every 5 minutes.
i smell coolant everywhere.
Heater blows cold.
My question is. How do i check the error codes without paying my dealer 60 dollars to plug a computer to it.
I tried stomping the gas 5 times within 5 seconds and it doesnt do anything.
What else can be wrong?

Thanks,
Jonathan

[Warren N.CA]

capacitors in the instrument panel.

1992 525i
Hello, I am having dire engine problems, let me tell you how it started.

First the check engine light comes on once and a while.
Now its on all the time.
Idle is inconsitant
Engine is running hot. the temp guage goes from the middle to the red every 5 minutes.
i smell coolant everywhere.
Heater blows cold.
My question is. How do i check the error codes without paying my dealer 60 dollars to plug a computer to it.
I tried stomping the gas 5 times within 5 seconds and it doesnt do anything.
What else can be wrong?

Thanks,
Jonathan