What does this light mean? Car won't drive when it comes on.

[e30-unit-soldier]

When this light comes on the car struggles to move but ifi turnoff the car and restart its all fine...

D reg 325i auto cab


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[alpina123]

Auto box warning, check the oil

[e30-unit-soldier]

I did check the gearbox oil level on the dip stick and it was ok. I actually thought that was the engine oil stick at first

If the oil level is fine what could it be?

[sadham]

faulty sensor maybe?

[Brianmoooore]

Remove the electrical plug on the side of the gearbox, give it a spray of electrical cleaner, and refit it. If you're lucky, the fault will go away. If not, the chances are the gearbox has had it.
What did the oil on the dipstick smell like, and was it a nice red colour?

[e30-unit-soldier]

Just checked again oil looked black but then realised the actual stick is black
Dabbed it on some tissue and it's a nice clean red colour and smells like oil really...

[30316]

That light according to my handbook is for electronic fuel control system and for warning light for water in fuel in 324td so I guess nothing to do with auto box. The auto box in e30's are pretty basic.

[Brianmoooore]

That light according to my handbook is for electronic fuel control system and for warning light for water in fuel in 324td so I guess nothing to do with auto box. The auto box in e30's are pretty basic.

You need a new handbook! Diseasal water warning light is a fuel pump on the left and a stylised injector beside it.
Light in question is the EH autobox electronics not happy.

[Brianmoooore]

Just checked again oil looked black but then realised the actual stick is black
Dabbed it on some tissue and it's a nice clean red colour and smells like oil really...

Good signs.

[30316]

That light according to my handbook is for electronic fuel control system and for warning light for water in fuel in 324td so I guess nothing to do with auto box. The auto box in e30's are pretty basic.

You need a new handbook! Diseasal water warning light is a fuel pump on the left and a stylised injector beside it.
Light in question is the EH autobox electronics not happy.

Not really. The handbook I have came with the car and I have had the car since new!

[e30-unit-soldier]

I've done some basic searches and this light is definitely for the auto box it has nothing to do with the fuel system (I think)

I'm thinking of unplugging the gearbox ecu and clean up contacts and see how things go... I'll give the gearbox side a go too.

[martauto]

Sounds like it has gone into limp mode, a get you home service to protect the gear box as it thinks something is not right.


Mart.

[Brianmoooore]

Sounds like it has gone into limp mode, a get you home service to protect the gear box as it thinks something is not right.


Mart.

Yes, that's what's happening. It selects and stays in third gear, IIRC.
ECU and plug lives in the dry, gearbox plug lives in road dirt and is subject to constant vibration, so much more likely that there's a problem at the gearbox end.

[e30-unit-soldier]

I'm putting the car on a mates ramp next week to do a full service and brakes. I'll have a play around with the gearbox end at the same time....

[magpie]

smells like oil really...

made me laugh , it's not the oil then .

[e30-unit-soldier]

smells like oil really...

made me laugh , it's not the oil then .

[Sherryrs]

The alternator could be faulty, happened to my e36, and there was no battery light indicating that the alternator was faulty

[e30-unit-soldier]

The alternator could be faulty, happened to my e36, and there was no battery light indicating that the alternator was faulty

Good points had a similar problem with my x5 dodgy alternator made everyone point towards the gearbox...