service resetting tool

[Ted_BNJ]

Hi I am new to this forum.
Can anybody explain how the FT resetting tool, that came with the car when I purchased it, works.
The vehicle is a '87 325i auto.
I have compteted a fluids service, but I still have to cure the break pad indicator fault, is this why the "CHECK" light is flashing?
Ted

[jslot]

Here you go:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ion_Lights

You don't need a special tool you can do it with a piece of wire.

[Grrrmachine]

The CHECK light will flash if any of the red bulbs are lit on the Check Panel above the mirror. The Brake light will glow when you turn the ignition in, and should go off when you press the brake pedal. If it doesn't go off, then either your brake switch isn't seated properly in the pedal mount, or there's an earthing issue in one of the rear clusters.

As for the reset tool, it's just a glorified paperclip. Follow these instructions:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ion_Lights

[jas025]

The thing that kept my brake light on was actually the wrong bulbs in the holders - check the bulbs as well to make sure you have the right wattage.

[Speedtouch]

The reset tool contains an NE555V timer chip in monostable configuration, that is set up to effectively short-circuit the appropriate diagnostic socket pins for a preset time period, of around 15 seconds, IIRC, then display the resetting status using a pair of LEDs.

However, as mentioned, a piece of wire can be used to have the same effect!

[Brianmoooore]

Brake PAD light is nothing to do with the service indicator lights or the 'check' panel.
The pad indicator light will be on if either the pad indicator loop of wire on the front left or rear right brake is either broken or shorted to earth. There is also a common known fault (220 ohm resistor) in the instrument cluster, that is detailed in the wiki (probably) or can be found using the search function and my username.

[Ted_BNJ]

Thank you Gentlemen for the help, I now understand the function of the "CHECK" panel and light, that is okay now.
I cannot reset the service indicator, I tried the FT and a length of wire, I will therefore change the SI batteries.
Thank you again
Ted