Resetting "inspection" code dash indicator

[greybeard]

1987 325i. The "inspection" indicator that counts down from green to yellow and then red is now yellow and red. The garage I took it to for a reset said they didn't have a tool for a car that old, but the guy said I could reset it myself by grounding pin 7. Said to take a wire, stick it in pin 7, then ground it to the chassis. Then start the engine, let it run for about 10 seconds and it will reset.

I'm a little afraid to try it. Will this work??

 

[xLibelle]

yeah, be afraid until you find out exactly what you need to do. you can fry your computer.
its all over the net, pretty sure here even. just do a quick search. (sorry, but i dont want to say and you screw up your car)

 

[poboyis]

dont start the car, just turn the key to the run position and it will reset on its own, use a non-powered test light, it works the best

 

[e30fr3@k]

I heard that you were supposed to short two pins, not just ground one of them. I know the post is in the archives somewhere. When I tried grounding the pins it didn't work, but my nextdoor neighbor has the reset tool that the mechanics use. Just be careful - if you're not sure, it's probably worthwhile to take it elsewhere to find the right equipment for the job. Best of luck.

 

[geneo]

yes if its a 20 pin round turn key on pin 7 and ground with a test lt you might have to disconnect test lt a few times and reconnect it to get it reset