Lost my BMW oil cap, and my ';service engine soon'; light went on. If I replace the cap, will this get fixed?

I drove off without my oil cap on my 2001 BMW 325i (E46). Driving home tonight, my ';Service Engine Soon'; light went off. Is the only thing I need to fix this a new oil cap, or do I have to pay for a service too?Lost my BMW oil cap, and my ';service engine soon'; light went on. If I replace the cap, will this get fixed?
It's not a good idea to drive without your oil cap. Yes, the check engine light probably came on because of the engine being vented to the atmosphere. The emissions systems detects this and assumes there is a breach and alerts the driver.





Stuff a rag in the oil fill before driving further after MAKING SURE you have sufficient oil left in the crank case.





If the light persists have the computer cleared or remove the negative battery terminal for 10 minutes and replace it.Lost my BMW oil cap, and my ';service engine soon'; light went on. If I replace the cap, will this get fixed?
Replacing the gas cap should make the check engine light go out. In general disconnecting the battery will NOT reset Check Engine Light. That's a pre-ODBII (pre 1996) car trick.





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It's not a check engine light. It's the service indicator. It's mileage driven and has nothing to do with the problem. You will either have to take it to a shop with a reset tool or you can ';jump'; a couple pins in the engine bay OBD connector to reset it. Report Abuse

It should take care of the problem. Without the cap oil pressure reading is effected Just like not tightening the gas cap on a car tight enough(Stants recommends at least 3 clicks when re-installing the gas cap. They are the world leader in gas caps, oil caps,radiator caps and thermostats)
Chances are it will. However, before you buy a new oil cap check the oil levels because it is extremely probable that when the oil began to heat up it started coming out through the hole left where the oil cap should go. So, as long as you re-fill your oil NOW and buy a new cap, and before putting it on check your oil level, because you might a about a quart low by the time you hit the AutoZone or the BMW dealer, and re-fill your levels you should be fine.
It sounds like your oil spit out when your cap was off, check how much oil you have, and yes, definatly get a new cap. Dont drive your car until you check your oil level again.
Get a new cap ASAP. You can find them on ebay. Don't drive it unless you have to.





The check engine light will go off after 10 cold starts and the problem is no longer recognized by the DME. The code will still be stored, the light just won't be on.





Autozone might be able to reset the code for you.... they tend to have a hard time with BMW's.
Its all up to you..
Well, I suppose someone will need to reset the service lamp. Installing an oil cap should cure the problem, though it is possible it is coincidence and some other problem exists. I'd bet on the cap. Will throw off fuel trim on your car.
Hope you did not dry up your engine.


First check your oil level.If lower than the maximum,please top up luboil b4 starting the engine.Get a new cap and fix it.


once the pressure is built up the light goes off.


This is for extreme safety the light comes up.


Otherwise some drivers will drive without knowing the cap is lost.


dont repeat this expensive mistake.
Not necessarily, but give it a go. Maybe it will.