Accepted Answer

This is kind of like a check engine light warning, only a little different. These warnings usually come on when something related to the electronic throttle fails, for even just a mili-second. The engine computer constantly monitors the accelerator pedal and compares this with the throttle position, and if something is out of parameters the engine computer puts the car into engine fail safe, which is good enough to get you to the side of the road. It does not allow the engine to run good enough to just about do anything else. You may have just a glitch, or a serious problem. As long as the problem is not currently present all you have to do is shut off the key and turn the engine back on. If the fail safe comes on again try turning off the key for 10 seconds, then turning on the key (engine not running) for at least thirty seconds, turn off the key for another 30 seconds and then try to start the engine. This relearns the throttle flaps positions to the engine computer. If this procedure fails or your car fails again in a short amount of time, then you have bigger problems and the car should be diagnosed with a computer.

Expert:	Howie
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	2/18/2008

BMW Mechanic

Currently a lead BMW technician. BMW technician since 2001.