Resetting the brake fluid warning light on a BMW depends on the model and year of your vehicle. Below is a general step-by-step guide to resetting the brake fluid light:
Step 1: Ensure Maintenance is Completed
How to reset brake fluid light on BMW: Before resetting the brake fluid light, make sure that the brake fluid has been changed or topped up as needed. If the fluid level is low, check for leaks in the braking system.
Step 2: Turn on the Ignition (Without Starting the Engine)
- Insert the key into the ignition (for push-start models, press the start button without pressing the brake pedal).
- The dashboard lights will come on, but the engine should remain off.
Step 3: Access the Reset Menu
For most BMW models, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the trip reset button (located on the instrument cluster).
- Keep holding until you see a yellow triangle or a service indicator menu appear.
- Use the BC (Board Computer) button on the turn signal stalk or the trip reset button to scroll through the service menu options.
Step 4: Locate the Brake Fluid Reset Option
- Scroll through the options until you find the brake fluid or service reset indicator.
- Once highlighted, press and hold the reset button until a prompt appears asking for confirmation.
- Release the button, then press and hold it again to confirm the reset.
Step 5: Verify the Reset
- The brake fluid warning light should disappear.
- Turn the ignition off, then start the engine to confirm that the reset was successful.
Alternative Method: Using a BMW Diagnostic Tool
If the manual reset doesn’t work, you may need to use a BMW OBD-II diagnostic tool (such as Carly, ISTA, or Foxwell NT510) to reset the brake fluid service light.
- Connect the scanner to the OBD-II port (under the dashboard, near the driver’s side).
- Navigate to the Service Reset section.
- Select Brake Fluid and follow the on-screen instructions to reset the warning light.
Final Check
If the brake fluid light persists after resetting, it may indicate:
- A low brake fluid level (check and refill if necessary).
- A faulty brake fluid sensor requiring replacement.
- An issue with the braking system (such as air in the brake lines or a leak).
If the warning light does not reset or comes back on, consider having the braking system inspected by a professional BMW technician.