CLEAR DEFECT CODE MEMORY Function
Using this function, defect code memory can be cleared, but only after all operating conditions which caused defect code to be stored have been corrected.
RETRIEVING CODES (USING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT)
Note. This system detects any malfunction of an emission-related control device which would cause vehicle to fail to comply with emission certification standards. Using CHECK ENGINE light for self-diagnosis is not a substitute for using BMW Service Tester. CHECK ENGINE light is also known as Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).
All diagnostic (flash) codes are stored in DME/Motronic control unit memory. Stored diagnostic codes are displayed by turning ignition switch to RUN position and depressing accelerator pedal 5 times to Wide Open Throttle (WOT) within 5 seconds. See DIAGNOSTIC (FLASH) CODES table. If a malfunction is detected on any listed component, diagnostic system turns on CHECK ENGINE light.
RETRIEVING CODES (USING BMW SERVICE TESTER)
Use BMW MoDIC (hand-held scan tester), BMW Service Tester (Sun 2013 Engine Analyzer) and applicable BMW diagnostic software to enter self-diagnostics. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS FEATURE and READ DEFECT CODE MEMORY DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION for additional information.
Select and monitor DEFECT CODE MEMORY (D 900). Contents of defect code memory should be printed (press "R" key) to ensure codes are not lost or unintentionally cleared during test/repair procedures requiring disconnecting control unit or its power supply. Display of a stored fault code on screen is as follows
Type Of Defect
Short circuits, breaks (open circuits), sensor out of range or an improperly working component may be indicated. See appropriate the FAULT CODE IDENTIFICATION table under TROUBLE CODE DEFINITION. If necessary, see WIRING DIAGRAMS section.
Frequency
Frequency rate indicates how often a defect has occurred and helps determine if malfunction is an intermittent problem. If malfunction is no longer present, number of engine starts which have taken place since last detection is indicated.
MONITORING STATUSES & CURRENT INPUT/OUTPUT VALUES
Use BMW MoDIC (hand-held scan tester), BMW Service Tester (Sun 2013 Engine Analyzer) and applicable BMW diagnostic software to enter self-diagnostics. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS FEATURE and READ STATUS DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION for additional information.
Status inquiries can be gathered independently, as required, from DEFECT CODE STORAGE (D 100 or D 200). This selection, called "TERM EXTRACT LIST", can then be displayed on screen by pressing down arrow key. Statuses or current input/output values are displayed (monitored) in this way.
COMPONENT ACTIVATION
Use BMW MoDIC (hand-held scan tester), BMW Service Tester (Sun 2013 Engine Analyzer) and applicable BMW diagnostic software to enter self-diagnostics. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS FEATURE and DRIVE COMPONENTS DIAGNOSTIC FUNCTION for additional information. Select DRIVE COMPONENTS MODE (D 300). Detailed information on this mode is displayed on screen.
Using BMW MoDIC Or BMW Service Tester
Use BMW MoDIC (hand-held scan tester), BMW Service Tester (Sun 2013 Engine Analyzer) and applicable BMW diagnostic software to enter self-diagnostics. See SELF-DIAGNOSTICS FEATURE and CLEAR DEFECT CODE MEMORY FUNCTION for additional information. Select DEFECT SIMULATION DIAGNOSTIC MODE (D 999) to clear fault codes.
Note. When DME/Motronic control unit is disconnected or its power supply interrupted, all stored (intermittent) fault codes as well as substitute values are cleared/lost. Current (hard) fault codes cannot be cleared.
Using CHECK ENGINE Light
When repairs have been completed, clear diagnostic codes from memory. To clear codes, turn ignition off and disconnect and reconnect negative battery cable. Alternative methods are starting engine 60 times without a repeat of failure or using BMW Service Tester. See USING BMW MODIC OR BMW SERVICE TESTER under CLEARING CODES .
Note. Disconnecting negative battery cable may also erase pre-selected settings for radio, seat memory, trip computer, etc.
SUMMARY
If no hard fault codes (or only pass codes) are present, driveability symptoms exist or intermittent codes exist, proceed to TESTS W/O CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO START, etc.) or intermittent diagnosis procedures.
