Troubleshooting The CAN Bus
The failure of communication on the CAN bus can be caused by several sources
- Failure of the CAN bus cables.
- Failure of one of the control units attached to the CAN.
- Failure of the voltage supply or ground to individual modules.
- Interference in the CAN bus cables.
Failure of the CAN bus cables
The following faults can occur to the CAN bus wiring
- CAN-H/L interrupted
- CAN-H/L shorted to battery voltage
- CAN-H/L shorted to ground
- CAN-H shorted to CAN-L
- Defective plug connections (damaged, corroded, or improperly crimped)
In each instance, the connected control units will store a fault due to the lack of information received over the CAN bus.
The voltage of the CAN bus is divided between the two data lines: CAN-High and CAN-Low for an average of 2.5V per line. The voltage measurement is taken from each data line to ground. Each module on the CAN contributes to this voltage.
The fact that 2.5V are present does not mean that the CAN bus is fault free, it just means that the voltage level is sufficient to support communication.
Scheme 295
Terminal Resistors: are used in the CAN bus circuit to establish the correct impedance to ensure fault free communication. A 120 Ohm resistor is installed in two control units of the CAN between CAN-H and CAN-L. Because the CAN is a parallel circuit, the effective resistance of the complete circuit is 60 Ohms. On some vehicles there is a jumper wire that connects the two parallel branches together, others have an internal connection at the instrument cluster.
The resistance is measured by connecting the appropriate adapter to any of the modules on the CAN and measuring the resistance between CAN-L and CAN-H. The resistance should be 60 Ohms. The CAN bus is very stable and can continue to communicate if the resistance on the CAN bus is not completely correct; however, sporadic communication faults will occur.
The terminal resistors are located in the ASC/DSC control unit and either the instrument cluster or in the DME.
Early 750iL vehicles that used the star connector have a separate external resistor which connect CAN-H and CAN-L together.
Modules which do not have the terminal resistor can be checked by disconnecting the module and checking the resistance directly between the pins for CANH and CAN-L. The value at these control units should be between 10 kOhms and 50 kOhms.
Scheme 296
Diagnosis and Troubleshooting
Due to the cost and complexity of today's electronic transmissions, BMW recommends that the technical hotline be contacted before any repairs are performed. It is important that the technician perform some basic diagnostic procedures before contacting technical assistance. The following procedures should be followed
- Always Verify customer complaint, make sure the complaint is not related to normal operation. (i.e. Warm Up Phase, AGS operation etc.)
- Survey Fault Memory - Perform complete quick test. There may be other systems that interface with EGS that could cause faults. (i.e DME, ASC/DSC, IKE/Kombi etc.)
- Print out all fault code with fault conditions. Also print out copy of Identification page and diagnostic report.
- CHECK TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY SERVICE BULLETINS THAT APPLY TO YOUR SPECIFIC COMPLAINT. THIS INCLUDES THE SERVICE ROUND TABLE.
- Ensure that battery voltage is sufficient. Battery voltage must be greater than 12.5 with ignition switched off. Check battery connections for tightness and condition.
- Check ground connections. (chassis to engine, grounds to bulkhead and shock tower.)
- Check over vehicle to look for transmission leaks, physical damage, loose connections etc.
- If necessary, check fluid level and condition using DISplus or GT-1.
- Check to see if any aftermarket or performance components have been installed that could effect transmission operation. (DME or EGS software as well as any engine modifications).
- Check repair history to see if there were any recent repairs that could effect the proper operation of the transmission (i.e. Engine replacement with damaged dowel pin etc.).
- Check DCS for any open campaigns or recalls pertaining to drivetrain.
- Check and record chassis number, production date and transmission serial # before contacting technical assistance.
Establishing A Diagnostic Plan
Once all of the pre-diagnostic criteria has been satisfied, a logical diagnostic plan should be followed. A logical, well organized diagnostic plan will help avoid improper diagnosis, unnecessary parts replacement and lost diagnostic time. A technician's goal should be to satisfy the customer by "Fixing it the first time, on time, every time". The productivity of the technician can also be improved by following a logical, common-sense approach to problem solving. The following steps are recommended to form a diagnostic plan
- Verify the Customer Complaint - This step is the most important, but also the most overlooked. The focus should always be on the exact customer concern. Make sure that the customer complaint is not a misunderstanding of proper vehicle operation. This step can avoid unnecessary diagnosis and lost time. If the customer concern is not exactly identified, any subsequent repairs can not be verified as being effective. This is the most common cause of "comeback" repairs. Communication between the customer to advisor and the advisor to technician must be clear. Vague or misunderstood customer complaints are often improperly diagnosed. Also make sure that the conditions under which the concern has occurred are duplicated. For example: If the customer is customer is complaining about a shifting concern after a cold start, then the vehicle should be road tested under those conditions.
- Analyze the Problem - Once the complaint has been verified, then all available resources should be used to find the "root cause" of the complaint. Start out by checking Service Information Bulletins, DCS messages, and Service Round table information. Use the DISplus or GT-1 to access the diagnostic program and per form Diagnostic Test Modules where applicable. Electrical Troubleshooting Manuals (ETM's) should also be used when needed.
- Isolate the Problem - Now, the problem can be narrowed down into the final steps of diagnosis. Using proper tools and procedures, the technician can "Isolate" by using the process of elimination and common sense. Having a working knowledge of BMW systems is helpful in this area. When applicable, use all available BMW special tools and equipment. Perform all necessary electrical checks such as Voltage Drop, resistance measurements etc.
- Repair the Problem - Once the concern has been correctly identified, perform all necessary repairs as per BMW guidelines. Make sure all repairs are properly documented to comply with warranty policies and procedures.
- Verify the Repair - Make sure the customer concern has been rectified. Road test the vehicle under the same conditions whenever possible. Failure to complete this step properly is almost a guaranteed comeback. Repeat repair attempts are costly to the BMW Center and the BMW Service Technician.
REMEMBER - Fix it the first time, On Time, Every time.
Diagnosis Program
There are two diagnostic formats (programs) used on current model BMW vehicles. The earlier diagnostic program was used on the E38 and E39. The latter diagnostic program was introduced as the "E46 Diagnostic Concept". This is used on the E46, E65 and the E52 (Z8). The E53 X5 uses a mixture of both diagnostic programs depending upon engine/transmission options. Below is an example of the earlier diagnostic program.
Scheme 297
The diagnostic program contains the following features
- Fault Symptoms - This is a symptom driven program that will lead the technician into guided diagnostics. It contains several possible fault scenarios that are common to electronic transmissions. This path is helpful when the technician is not sure where to start in his diagnostic plan.
- Function Test - There are no function tests for electronic transmissions.
- Service Functions - This is where you will find the ATF level check function. Also Test Codes can be obtained and printed out for warranty purposes. The Adaptation values can be cleared as well as printed out.
- Expert Mode - Expert Mode should be used when the technician has a thorough working knowledge of the system. You will find several items in expert mode: Read/Clear fault memory, Diagnosis (Status) requests, Component Activation and Test Modules.
Test Modules
Test modules are found in the diagnosis program of the DISplus and GT-1. These allow the technician to take advantage of a guided diagnostic plan. The program will direct the technician through the various steps using a "trouble tree" format. When using test modules it is important to follow the instructions exactly. Due to the complex nature of some faults, the test modules are not always conclusive. The test module is only as effective as the information provided by the technician. The technician also needs to rely on his experience and some common sense. The test modules should be used to assist the technician, not as a replacement for good diagnostic skills.
Scheme 298
Test modules come in two formats. The one shown above is used on E38/E39 vehicles and the E53 with 4.4 and 4.6 engines. The E46, E65 and E53 (with 3.0 M54) uses the new "E46 Diagnostic Concept" which was introduced with the E46 in the 1999 model year. Regardless of the format used, the technician is still guided through a step by step procedure.
Diagnostic Tips
The following consists of some helpful hints to assist the BMW diagnostic technician. It is designed to assist the technician to form a logical path of diagnosis. These suggestions should be used in conjunction with other approved diagnostic routines. This does not exclude the technician from the responsibility to contact technical assistance. All major repairs and transmission replacement must be pre-approved by the BMW Technical Hotline. Transmission concerns can be broken down into several categories
- Shift Quality Complaints - Shift Quality complaints consist of harsh up or down shifts, improper shift points and erratic shifting. These complaints could be related to electronic/software issues or hydraulic/mechanical problems. Perform quick test and check SIB's before proceeding. As with most concerns, check the transmission fluid level and condition as well. Do not clear adaptation values unless instructed to do so by BMW Technical Hotline.
- Delayed/No Upshifts - Before proceeding on delayed upshift complaints, make sure you are aware of the conditions that this occurs. This could be normal operation, such as the "Warm-up Phase" program. Always check front tires for proper inflation pressures, correct size and type. Also check for uneven tire wear. Variations in front tire size from left to right can activate the AGS "Curve Recognition" feature. The TCM will interpret the difference in wheel speed signals as being a turn and suppress (or delay) upshifts.
- Slipping - This type of issue is usually associated with a fault code. Be sure to check the transmission fluid level and condition.
- Noise, Vibration - Noises and vibrations should be checked over by a good visual inspection. Look for loose transmission or engine mounts. Check the driveshaft, center bearing and flexible coupling (or constant velocity joints). Also check the lateral alignment of the driveshaft. There are several SIB's pertaining to noise and vibration.
- No Forward or Reverse Gear - Start by checking transmission fluid level and note the fluid condition. Inspect for leaks and external transmission damage.
- Leaks - When investigation transmission leaks, be sure to verify that the suspected leak is actually transmission fluid. Engine oil, hydraulic and brake fluid can be mistaken for a transmission leak. Check the transmission cooler lines, transmission cooler and transmission pan gasket. Try to locate the source of the leak. Do not make any major repairs until the technical hotline is contacted.
- Fault Codes - Perform COMPLETE short test (Quick test) on all vehicle systems. It is important to survey all systems in the event that a related system is causing the transmission fault. Always print out the ID Page, Fault codes and fault conditions.