EML versus Engine Light?

Smudgemanuk

Smudgemanuk

Zorg Guru (II)
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 1, 2024
Points
104
Location
Bicester, Oxford
Model of Z
2.8l TU pre-facelift z3
I was just wondering….

What is the difference between an engine light (picture of engine) and an EML light?

thanks Chris.
 
I'll give this a nudge since I am interested too.

I just started getting the "EML" & Traction Control lights come on (and entering limp mode). Tends to be when slowed down after a prolonged higher speed cruise
 
EML is associated with engine electronics (ECU etc).
Engine light is usually associated with emissions, ie there is a problem with the engine's efficiency for some reason.
 
Ok good to know.

My EML light came on when my throttle body was stuck closed, hence wondering what the difference is

Thanks
 
Smudgemanuk said:
Ok good to know.

My EML light came on when my throttle body was stuck closed, hence wondering what the difference is

Thanks
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I have no idea which 'modules' trigger which light. Chances are there are a myriad of faults which can trigger either one, depending on the day of the week or what mood the electronics are in.
 
My understanding is EML light is only tested for post July-2003 vehicles? i.e. shouldn't apply to any Z3

MOT inspection manual: cars and passenger vehicles - 8. Nuisance - Guidance - GOV.UK

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@DrWong
Yes your right no zed 3 ( unless really late registered) would fail mot for eml light but you got the date wrong its the 1st line on so basically pretty much all petrol car from 1st july 2003 on ( not 2023 ) and 1st july 2008 for diesel

Stephen
 
Just as a follow up if a zed 3 was presented with Eml light on personally i would still issue an advise on the test for it.
Stephen.
 
Stevo7682 said:
Just as a follow up if a zed 3 was presented with Eml light on personally i would still issue an advise on the test for it.
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Jobsworth! :whistle:;)
 
Stevo7682 said:
Just as a follow up if a zed 3 was presented with Eml light on personally i would still issue an advise on the test for it.
Stephen.
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To be honest, how can you do that if the requirement for pre 1/7/2003 is not to take note of it? Are there any Z3s 'first used' after that date?

I personally HATE advisories on an MOT, as I take them as a failure on my part for not checking carefully enough before presenting. If you put an advisory on an MOT of mine for something that didn't need testing, we would be having words. Long and angry words! ;)
 
You can advise whatever you see fit on a test .
You would be amazed the stuff people try and pull sometimes, your last man standing sometimes.
A couple that spring to mind are
Did an mot on a Vauxhall corsa advisory for a coolant leak.
A few weeks later customer on phone with head gasket failed trying for a freebie
So you end up advisory on anything thats defective to keep yourself right

Also lets customers know of potential future issues.

Stephen.
 
TBH I would NEVER present a car with an engine warning light on anyway. It is stupid and asking for trouble IMO.

Luckily I don't have to deal with the 'great unwashed' on a daily basis, like you do. It's bad enough having to deal with supposed skilled tradespeople!
 
It’s insane that a vehicle could pass an MOT with an active MIL. The MIL serves one purpose: to indicate that the vehicle exceeds emissions standards and needs to be fixed.
That pre 2003 nonsense is a real cop out and makes as much sense as the MOT rules on airbags/airbag lights. Regs written by muppets.
 
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