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Engine Controls - Tests W/codes: Diagnosis BMW 5 series E34

Testing & Diagnostics 2 illustrations ~711 words

SELF-DIAGNOSTICS FEATURE

DME/Motronic control unit has a self-diagnostic feature with internal memory. Self-diagnostic feature detects malfunctions in control unit or emission-related components and stores fault codes.

DME/Motronic control unit provides a substitute value if a failure occurs in engine (coolant) temperature sensor, intake air temperature sensor, airflow meter or exhaust gas oxygen sensor. These substitute values are canceled when normal engine operation is resumed. To aid in trouble shooting, stored fault codes and sensor values can be monitored via control unit when components are actuated.

In addition to control of relevant systems, DME/Motronic control unit can supply or receive data for diagnostic procedures. Data can be read out or entered with BMW MoDIC (hand-held scan tester) or BMW Service Tester (Sun 2013 Engine Analyzer) and applicable BMW diagnostic software.

Data exchange between control unit and BMW diagnostic software occurs via Diagnostic Initiation Line (RxD) and Diagnostic Data Line (TxD) in engine diagnostic (connector) socket. (Scheme 6)

After installing diagnostic software in BMW Service Tester, general overview of DME/Motronic control unit appears on display screen. Self-diagnostic procedure is initiated by selecting relevant control unit; corresponding diagnostic program functions are automatically assigned from diagnostic software.

Note. To avoid faults during vehicle operation, RxD line is connected to battery voltage and TxD line to ground when diagnostic (connector) socket cover is closed.

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: SELF-DIAGNOSTICS FEATURE

READ STATUS Diagnostic Function

This function permits technician to read statuses and current input/output values being received/sent out by DME/Motronic control unit. This display must be compared with actual status of vehicle. If a signal is found to be defective or if status detected by control unit deviates from actual status of vehicle, trouble shooting must be carried out at associated input or output (voltage, resistance, etc.).

DRIVE COMPONENTS Diagnostic Function

This function allows technician to drive (actuate) component without DME/Motronic control unit switch-on condition being set. Actual statuses of inputs at control unit are ignored. With this function, proper operation of components can be checked with components installed.

READ DEFECT CODE MEMORY Diagnostic Function

Contents of DME/Motronic control unit defect code memory and operating conditions under which defect occurred can be accessed via this function. More extensive trouble shooting is then carried out in accordance with instructions provided in diagnostic program or diagnostic procedure.

Note. On 325i, 325is, and 525i (DME 3.1), fault codes (except Codes 26 and 200) are stored after engine has started. If several codes have been stored, they appear in chronological order.

QUICK TEST Function

QUICK TEST permits checking of defect codes on all control units with a self-diagnostic feature. Ignition switch must be turned to ON position before QUICK TEST is started. QUICK TEST is started from general overview of DME/Motronic control unit screen and is indicated by "QUICK TEST ACTIVE" in last (screen) line.

Control units are read out in same sequence as control unit overview. Progression of QUICK TEST is indicated to technician by flashing relevant line of control unit overview. Continuation to second page of control unit overview takes place automatically.

When BMW diagnostic software finds a control unit, corresponding line of DME/Motronic control unit overview is marked by an asterisk (*). If a defect code is stored in control unit, line is highlighted. QUICK TEST can be canceled at any time by pressing any key on BMW Service Tester. Completion of QUICK TEST is indicated by "QUICK TEST COMPLETED" in last (screen) line.

Reading Diagnostic (Flash) Codes

  1. With ignition switch in RUN position and after depressing accelerator pedal 5 times to WOT, CHECK ENGINE light comes on for 5 seconds to indicate self-diagnostic feature is preparing to output diagnostic codes. (Scheme 7)
  2. CHECK ENGINE light then turns off for 0.5 second (awaiting synchronization signal), comes on for 2.5 seconds (light check) and again turns off for 2.5 seconds (wait for readout). Last 2.5 second pause tells technician to wait for diagnostic code readout.
  3. Next CHECK ENGINE light on/off periods represent diagnostic codes stored. CHECK ENGINE light will be on or off for 0.5 second with a 2.5 second pause between each code digit and a 2.5 second pause between each code. (Scheme 7)

Scheme 7

Scheme 7

DIAGNOSTIC FLASH CODES-TO-MALFUNCTION MENU

CodeComponent MalfunctionDiagnosis
1211Digital Motor Electronics (DME) Control UnitCode indicates failure of DME. Erase stored codes. Start and run vehicle for 30 seconds. Turn ignition off for 30 seconds. If code reoccurs, replace DME.
1212Oxygen Sensor No. 2Code indicates oxygen sensor signal is out of range or not present at an engine temperature of 158°F (70°C) or more. Check wiring and sensor. Sensor voltage should be 0.02-0.85 volt.
1213Oxygen Sensor Control No. 2Code indicates DME has detected excessive variation in air-fuel (rich/lean) mixture for greater than 10 seconds. Possible causes include no fuel, inadequate fuel pressure, injector defective, temperature sensor defective, secondary air leak, EVAP system defective, airflow meter defective or engine mechanical problem.
1215Mass Airflow SensorCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground at mass airflow sensor or wiring. Check airflow sensor wiring and connections.
1216Throttle Position SensorCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground at throttle position sensor or wiring. Check throttle position sensor wiring and connections.
1218Output Stage (Bank 1)Code indicates an open or short to voltage at output amplifier stage (bank 1). Code may be caused by idle speed actuator, EVAP, control valve, CHECK ENGINE light, injectors, ignition coil(s), oxygen sensor heater relay, or EKP relay. Delete code after checking for other faults. Erase code. If code reoccurs, erase code again and reset DME by disconnecting its connector for at least 5 minutes. If code reoccurs and no other problems are present, replace DME.
1219Output Stage (Bank 2)Code indicates an open or short to voltage at output amplifier stage (bank 2). Code may be caused by idle speed actuator, EVAP, control valve, CHECK ENGINE light, injectors, ignition coil(s), oxygen sensor heater relay, or EKP relay. Delete code after checking for other faults. Erase code. If code reoccurs, erase code again and reset DME by disconnecting its connector for at least 5 minutes. If code reoccurs and no other problems are present, replace DME.
1221Oxygen Sensor 1Code indicates oxygen sensor signal is out of range or not present at an engine temperature of 158°F (70°C) or more. Check wiring and sensor. Sensor voltage should be 0.02-0.85 volt.
1222Lambda Control 1Code indicates DME has detected excessive variation in air-fuel (rich/lean) mixture for greater than 10 seconds. Possible causes include no fuel, inadequate fuel pressure, injector defective, temperature sensor defective, secondary air leak, EVAP system defective, airflow meter defective or engine mechanical problem.
1223Coolant Temperature SensorCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground at coolant temperature sensor or wiring. Check sensor wiring and connections. Sensor value should be 8.3-10.6 k/Ohms at 14°F (-10°C), 2.2-2.7 k/Ohms at 68°F (20°C), and 2.9-3.6 k/Ohms at 140°F (60°C).
1224Intake Air Temperature SensorCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground at intake air temperature sensor or wiring. Check sensor wiring and connections. Sensor value should be 2.2-2.7 k/Ohms at 68°F (20°C), and 7.6-9.0 k/Ohms at 122°F (50°C).
1225Knock Sensor No. 1Code indicates an open or short to voltage or ground at knock sensor No. 1 or its wiring. Check sensor, sensor wiring and connections. Check fuel octane and possible carbon in cylinders.
1226Knock Sensor No. 2Code indicates an open or short to voltage or ground at knock sensor No. 2 or its wiring. Check sensor, sensor wiring and connections. Check fuel octane and possible carbon in cylinders.
1227Knock Sensor No. 3Code indicates an open or short to voltage or ground at knock sensor No. 3 or its wiring. Check sensor, sensor wiring and connections. Check fuel octane and possible carbon in cylinders.
1228Knock Sensor No. 4Code indicates an open or short to voltage or ground at knock sensor No. 3 or its wiring. Check sensor, sensor wiring and connections. Check fuel octane and possible carbon in cylinders.
1231Battery Voltage Or DME Main RelayCheck charging system and/or battery.
1232Idle Throttle Valve SwitchCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground at idle throttle valve switch or wiring. Check idle throttle valve switch wiring and connections.
1233Full Load Throttle Valve SwitchCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground at full load throttle valve switch or wiring. Check throttle position sensor wiring and connections.
1234Vehicle Speed SensorCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in speed sensor wiring to DME, or speedometer malfunction.
1237A/C Compressor Cut-OffCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in A/C cut-out relay wiring or defective relay.
1241Air Mass Sensor (HFM)Observe load signal with scan tool. The nominal value is 1.8-2.2 ms when the battery is charged, air conditioning switched off and gear selector lever in position P or N. If the nominal value is not achieved, check voltage supply of air mass sensor, wires and connector. If voltage supply, wires and connector are okay, check air mass sensor.
1242A/C CompressorCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in A/C compressor signal wire to DME. Check A/C belt and refrigerant charge.
1243Crankshaft Position SensorCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in crankshaft position sensor wiring, or defective sensor.
1244Camshaft Position SensorCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in camshaft position sensor wiring, or defective sensor or coil(s).
1245EGSCode indicates a short to ground in wiring between EGS and DME.
1247Ignition Secondary MonitorDiagnosis is not available.
1251Injector No. 1 (Group 1)Check injector wiring. Check injector for proper operation and spray.
1252Injector No. 2 (Group 2)Check injector wiring. Check injector for proper operation and spray.
1253Injector No. 3Check injector wiring. Check injector for proper operation and spray.
1254Injector No. 4Check injector wiring. Check injector for proper operation and spray.
1255Injector No. 5Check injector wiring. Check injector for proper operation and spray.
1256Injector No. 6Check injector wiring. Check injector for proper operation and spray.
1257Injector No. 7Check injector wiring. Check injector for proper operation and spray.
1258Injector No. 8Check injector wiring. Check injector for proper operation and spray.
1261Fuel Pump RelayCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in fuel pump relay pin No. 3
1262Idle Speed ActuatorCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in wiring to idle actuator from DME, or output stage of DME is defective.
1263Purge ValveCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in wiring to EVAP control valve, or output stage of DME is defective.
1264Lambda HeaterCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in wiring to DME, lambda sensor heater, heater relay or air pump relay.
1265CHECK ENGINE LightCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in CHECK ENGINE light wiring, or bulb is defective.
1266VANOSCode indicates an open or short to voltage or ground in wiring to VANOS relay or defective relay.
1267Air Pump RelayCode indicates an open or short to voltage in wiring between DME and air pump relay, or defective air pump relay.
1271Ignition Coil No. 1Code indicates an open or short to voltage in ignition final stage wiring.
1272Ignition Coil No. 2Code indicates an open or short to voltage in ignition final stage wiring.
1273Ignition Coil No. 3Code indicates an open or short to voltage in ignition final stage wiring.
1274Ignition Coil No. 4Code indicates an open or short to voltage in ignition final stage wiring.
1275Ignition Coil No. 5Code indicates an open or short to voltage in ignition final stage wiring.
1276Ignition Coil No. 6Code indicates an open or short to voltage in ignition final stage wiring.
1277Ignition Coil No. 7Code indicates an open or short to voltage in ignition final stage wiring.
1278Ignition Coil No. 8Code indicates an open or short to voltage in ignition final stage wiring.
1281DME MemoryCode indicates a problem in DME memory. Check for a low battery voltage problem and repair as necessary. Erase code and reconnect DME. If code reoccurs, replace DME.
1282Code MemoryCode indicates an incorrect code has been set in memory. Erase code and disconnect a monitored component. If code reoccurs, replace DME.
1283Injector Output StageCode indicates an intermittent open or short circuit to voltage at an injector, injector wiring or defective DME injector stage.
1286Knock Sensor Test PulseCode indicates an internal pulse was not detected in DME. Check knock sensor wiring and knock sensors.
1444No Fault

DIAGNOSTIC (FLASH) CODES

TROUBLE CODE DEFINITION

Fault CodesAffected CircuitProbable Cause
0Undefined Defect(1) Undefined Defect Code Has Been Stored In Defect Code Memory
1Fuel Pump RelayShorted/Open Relay Or Circuit To DME Control Unit Pin No. 1
2Idle Speed Actuator (Close)(2) Shorted/Open Actuator Or Circuit To DME Control Unit Pin No. 2
3Fuel Injector (No. 1)(3) (4) Shorted/Open Injector Or Circuit To DME Control Unit Pin No. 3
4Fuel Injector (No. 3)(3) (4) Shorted/Open Injector Or Circuit To DME Control Unit Pin No. 4
5Fuel Injector (No. 2)(3) (4) Shorted/Open Injector Or Circuit To DME Control Unit Pin No. 5
6Fuel Injectors (Output Signal)(4) Shorted/Open Injector Or Circuit To DME Control Unit
8CHECK ENGINE LightShorted/Open Indicator Light Or Its Circuit Wiring
12Throttle Potentiometer (TPS)Shorted/Open Circuit In Sensor Or Its Circuit Wiring
16Camshaft (Pulse) Sensor(5) Camshaft (Pulse) Sensor Signal Interrupted Or Faulty
18Output Stage (Signal)(1) Shorted Circuit To Ground/Battery Voltage At DME Control Unit Pin No. 18
19Output Stage (Signal)(1) Shorted Circuit To Ground/Battery Voltage At DME Control Unit Pin No. 19
23Ignition Coil (Cylinder No. 2)(1) Open Circuit In Ignition Output Signal For Cylinder No. 2 (Pin No. 23)
24Ignition Coil (Cylinder No. 3)(1) Open Circuit In Ignition Output Signal For Cylinder No. 3 (Pin No. 24)
25Ignition Coil (Cylinder No. 1)(1) Open Circuit In Ignition Output Signal For Cylinder No. 1 (Pin No. 25)
26DME Power Supply (B+)Voltage Input Less Than Battery Voltage (Engine Off)
29Idle Speed Actuator (Open)(2) Shorted Actuator/Circuit To DME Control Unit Pin No. 29, Output Signal Faulty
31Fuel Injector (No. 5)(3) (4) Shorted/Open Injector Or Circuit To DME Control Unit Pin No. 31
32Fuel Injector (No. 6)(3) (4) Shorted/Open Injector Or Circuit To DME Control Unit Pin No. 32
33Fuel Injector (No. 4)(3) (4) Shorted/Open Injector Or Circuit To DME Control Unit Pin No. 33
34Output Stage (Signal)(6) Shorted/Open Component Or Circuit To DME Control Unit
36Fuel Tank Vent (Evaporation) ControlShorted/Open Fuel Evaporation Control Valve Or Circuit To DME Control Unit
37Oxygen Sensor HeaterShorted/Open Oxygen Sensor/Heating Element Circuit To DME Control Unit
41Air Mass (Sensor) MeterShorted/Open Air Mass Sensor Or Its Circuit Wiring
46Output Stage (Signal)(1) Shorted Circuit To Ground/Battery Voltage At Dme Control Unit Pin No. 46
48A/C Compressor Shutoff(1) (7) A/C Compressor Not Switched Off At Speed Less Than 5 MPH
50Ignition Coil (Cylinder No. 4)(1) Open Circuit In Ignition Output Signal For Cylinder No. 4 (Pin No. 50)
51Ignition Coil (Cylinder No. 6)(1) Open Circuit In Ignition Output Signal For Cylinder No. 6 (Pin No. 51)
52Ignition Coil (Cylinder No. 5)(1) Open Circuit In Ignition Output Signal For Cylinder No. 5 (Pin No. 52)
54DME Power SupplyVoltage To DME Control Unit Drops Below 10 Volts Or Exceeds 14 Volts
55Ignition Output Stage (Signal)(1) Open Circuit, Defect Could Not Be Assigned To Any Specific Cylinder
64Ignition Timing Intervention(8) Short To Ground In Circuit To DME Control Unit Pin No. 64
67Crankshaft (Speed/ Position) Sensor(1) No Sensor Signal, Ignition And Fuel Injection Are Turned Off
70Oxygen SensorShorted/Open Circuit On Oxygen Sensor Or Its Circuit Wiring
73Vehicle Speed Sensor(9) Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor Signal
77Intake Air Temp. SensorShorted/Open Circuit In Sensor Or Its Circuit Wiring
78Engine (Coolant) Temp. SensorShorted/Open Circuit On Sensor Or Its Circuit Wiring
81Anti-Theft (DWA) SignalAnti-Theft System Is Detected As Being On After Engine Has Started
85A/C CompressorA/C Compressor Is Detected As Being On And A/C Switch Signal Is Not Received
100Output Stage (Signal)(1) Shorted Circuit To Ground/Battery Voltage At DME Control Unit Pin No. 100
200DME Control UnitCode Is Set When An Internal Defect Is Found In RAM Or ROM/EPROM
201Defect (Fault) Code MemoryCode Is Set If Illogical Data Are Stored In Defect Code Memory
202Emission ControlEmission Controls Out Of Range, No Air/Fuel Mixture Related Problem Is Detected
(1) Fault codes applicable to 325 models only. (2) Fault Code 29 is also stored when connection to idle actuator or power supply is interrupted. Fault Codes 2 and 29 are also stored when engine operation is interrupted without ignition being switched off. Defect is then detected at an engine speed less than 600 RPM. (3) Fault Code 6 may also be stored as pin No. 6 is connected to all injectors. (4) Fault Code 6 can be ignored if a code for a specific injector is stored. (5) Simultaneous activation of ALL ignition coils takes place when camshaft sensor signal is interrupted. (6) Components/circuits affected are: idle speed actuator, oxygen sensor heater relay, fuel evaporation control, fuel pump relay, CHECK ENGINE light. Fault Code 34 can be ignored if a code for a specific injector is stored. (7) Fault described occurs when circuit is shorted to ground. When circuit is shorted to battery voltage, A/C compressor never operates (engages). (8) Fault code is set when wiring from control unit pin No. 64 to electronic transmission control (EGS) unit has a short to ground for at least 2.5 seconds. Ignition timing is adjusted in retard direction only once, after which this signal is ignored. (9) Code is set when engine speed is greater than 4500 RPM at high loads for a minimum of 10 seconds.
(1)Fault codes applicable to 325 models only.
(2)Fault Code 29 is also stored when connection to idle actuator or power supply is interrupted. Fault Codes 2 and 29 are also stored when engine operation is interrupted without ignition being switched off. Defect is then detected at an engine speed less than 600 RPM.
(3)Fault Code 6 may also be stored as pin No. 6 is connected to all injectors.
(4)Fault Code 6 can be ignored if a code for a specific injector is stored.
(5)Simultaneous activation of ALL ignition coils takes place when camshaft sensor signal is interrupted.
(6)Components/circuits affected are: idle speed actuator, oxygen sensor heater relay, fuel evaporation control, fuel pump relay, CHECK ENGINE light. Fault Code 34 can be ignored if a code for a specific injector is stored.
(7)Fault described occurs when circuit is shorted to ground. When circuit is shorted to battery voltage, A/C compressor never operates (engages).
(8)Fault code is set when wiring from control unit pin No. 64 to electronic transmission control (EGS) unit has a short to ground for at least 2.5 seconds. Ignition timing is adjusted in retard direction only once, after which this signal is ignored.
(9)Code is set when engine speed is greater than 4500 RPM at high loads for a minimum of 10 seconds.

325 SERIES & 525i (DME 3.1) FAULT CODE IDENTIFICATION