Page 1 of 1

BMW 323i - EML & Traction Light w/ECM Codes

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 9:37 am
by MarionB2BAuto
I am finding it near impossible to find any type of accurate information on this vehicle in Mitchell1. I have a 1999 BMW 323i with the 2.8 engine, automatic trans and ABS with traction control. The customer has come in with a complaint of EML light and traction light engaging, and when it does, the vehicle does not respond to throttle. I found multiple engine DTCs stored, but do not feel that a catalytic efficiency code, would have any bearing on it. I do have history misfire codes for cyl 3 and 5, but not current, and customer did not mention any concerns. The code I do have that I feel is most likely the concern is P1542. The problem stems from not being able to find any diagnostic chart for this code. It mentions min and max resistance values and such, but no real diagnostic help. I am thinking a bad sensor would definitely trigger this event. I expected to find an APP sensor on the pedal assembly, but it has a cable. I am assuming that the "APP sensor" is part of the throttle body? Any advice on this concern would be VERY appreciated.

The following is the list of codes in the ECM:
P0420 cat
P0430 cat
P0456 evap
P0302 misfire
P0305 misfire
P0505 ISC mechanical
P0101 MAF
P1542 APP pedal (pot 2)

Re: 323i EML and traction light w/ECM codes

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 10:17 am
by ricmorin
Is this a 323 or a 328? I'm not showing the 2.8 engine in a 323 for 1999.

Re: 323i EML and traction light w/ECM codes

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 10:51 am
by MarionB2BAuto
My mistake. It is a 2.5 litre. It is the 323i.

Re: 323i EML and traction light w/ECM codes

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 12:42 pm
by ricmorin
P1542 is for the accelerator pedal position sensor (s) out of range. Yes, it has a cable, but the sensors for the pedal are in the throttle body and are piggy-backed with the throttle plate position sensors. Weird, huh? So I would scope the accelerator pedal position sensors while sweeping the throttle. These circuits are labeled as 'Drivers Wish 1 and 2' on MOD wiring diagrams.

Re: 323i EML and traction light w/ECM codes

Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2013 1:16 pm
by MarionB2BAuto
Thanks. I will do that. Actually piggybacking the APP sensor and TP sensors is not unusual. Toyota does it on the Tacoma, and some other models.

Re: 323i EML and traction light w/ECM codes

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2013 1:45 am
by steven kiser
Just to throw a bit into the scheme here. Any sport vehicle that throws a code, especially Foreign, will shut down the speed, traction, power balance, systems causing light to come on. Resolve the other issues and usually the traction and speed issues will leave.