Question about instrument panel

[uncfsuno1]

Hi...this one symbol/icon keeps popping up on my instrument panel, and I'm not sure why. The symbol/icon of the car lights up and the symbol/icon of either the tail light or headlight lights up. And it doesn't nessecessarily come on when i start the car. It pops up randomly and goes off randomly too. The functioning of the car seems to be the same except that when the symbols/icons light up and I am using my turn signal, the blinker flashes more rapidly than normal. I'd appreciate if someone could help me out. Thanks

 

[commander_crash]

sounds like one of your turn signals is out - or the computer thinks your turn signal is out. Next time it starts flashing quickly - get out of your car and see if both front and back are working. It's a fairly easy part to replace (the bulb) but a shop should be able to do it for you quick and cheap.

 

[uncfsuno1]

I thought that too...and the turn signal does not work when the icons pop up...but when the icon goes away, the turn signals work fine? Also, if i take it to the dealer and it's a computer problem...how much do you think this will cost?

 

[bmwrocks]

The fast flashing along with the icon indicates a lamp is out, as commander crash has said. If you look closely at the icon it will indicate which corner has the problem. There will be a lamp symbol on one or more corners indicating the position of the fault. It is likely a lamp problem, but could be wiring as well (not as likely).

 

[uncfsuno1]

The thing is...the lamp that lights up changes. Sometimes the left headlight will light up, sometimes it'll be the right rear light. When the icon isn't lit up all lights work fine. That's why i'm confused

 

[xmas63]

The thing is...the lamp that lights up changes. Sometimes the left headlight will light up, sometimes it'll be the right rear light. When the icon isn't lit up all lights work fine. That's why i'm confused

It is strange that two bulbs would begin to fail at the exact same time, but considering that the bulbs are so cheap they're almost free, and considering that you can change both bulbs in less than five minutes, I would try this, before spending real money at a dealer...

 

[///M SPEED]

It is not that strange. On my 2000 328i, I replaced the turn signal and about 2 days later the other one went out. I do know on my car the lamp came on and off for about a week before it went totally out. The bulb contact was kind of melted (not uncommon) and was making intermittent contact before the bulb went out. This is what was causing it to go on and off.….

 

[Dutch]

Funny,

was just talking to a guy that sells fake Xenon bulbs. don´t remember the brand. A japanese Halogen bulb manufacturer. He replaced my city bulbs with a xenon type and this caused the ´headlight´ symbol on the instrument panel to pop up. He knew why, he drives an AC Schnitzer E46 himself, it was because a 1 Watt difference in the bulbs. So if this small difference causes the caution on the panel already, you probably have an electrical leak/ wiring problem.