Project 28: Reading Fuel Injection Fault Codes

[Wayne 962]

Got any questions on Project 28 for your E36 or E30? Ask them here!

-Wayne

[mmsteinwand]

Just received the book, looks it it should be a great resource...much appreciated. So question 1: My '89 325i keeps repeating the same code, rather than giving code "1000" , followed by a half sec flash and then remaining off as described in the book. I may be reading it wrong but I really don't think so, in any event the car just keeps flashing... Is something wrong, with either the car or my interpretation of its crazy German Morse code?
Question 2: The book reads "Note: A big hole in one of your fuel injection intake boots may cause the car to stall and generate this code." What is a "fuel injection intake boot" and do I really have more than one? I would very much like to know as I don't want to have to buy a new mass airflow sensor, and the car does stall upon warm startup, or after coasting down a hill. Thanks in advance!

[Wayne 962]

What is the code it's giving?

The intake boot is that rubber thing in the engine compartment that looks flexible. I don't have a picture handy right now, but they crack and create vacuum leaks quite easily, which often affect the proper running of the car...

-Wayne

[Jeron]

The intake boot is the hose where the air runs from the air filter to the intake manifold. On many cars it is segmented, meaning there are multiple sections of boot on the way to the manifold, hence boots.

[DUDEK]

Originally posted by mmsteinwand
Just received the book, looks it it should be a great resource...much appreciated. So question 1: My '89 325i keeps repeating the same code, rather than giving code "1000" , followed by a half sec flash and then remaining off as described in the book. I may be reading it wrong but I really don't think so, in any event the car just keeps flashing... Is something wrong, with either the car or my interpretation of its crazy German Morse code?

Can anybody answer this question??? same problem on a 1995 318Ti.

[mmsteinwand]

The car appears to be repeating code 1215, which is is the mass airflow sensor fault...I hope I am interpreting this properly. The boot appears to be OK, I took it off and looked at it. Is there anything else that could be generating this code, other than the airflow sensor?

[Jeron]

I've heard of cars repeating codes before, so I dont think it is unusual.

Some MAF sensors can be cleaned. There is a test procedure for the MAF in the Bentley manual.

I would check the connections, then check for cracked or loose intake boots, then clean the MAF, then test probe the sensor.

[Wayne 962]

Originally posted by DUDEK
Can anybody answer this question??? same problem on a 1995 318Ti.

What is the code it keeps repeating?

-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

Try this.

- Clear the codes.
- Start the car up, and let it run for 30 seconds.
- Check the codes again.

Repeat, but this time don't start the car - just turn the key to the "on" position where the radio goes on. What I'm trying to see if it will give a fault when the car is running, or if it's a fault in the unit just standing still.

Again, this sounds like a vacuum leak problem, if the codes only come when the car is running...

-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

Here's another idea too, I just remembered. Try disconnecting the boot from the air flow meter to the intake manifold and create a massive vacuum leak there. Then try starting the car, and see if it still behaves the same. If yes, you have a big problem with the air flow meter, or a big vacuum leak you can't see. Take the boot off and physically squish it with your hands. I had a big crack on mine on my 318 that I just could not see until I took it off...

-Wayne

[DUDEK]

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
Try this.

- Clear the codes.
- Start the car up, and let it run for 30 seconds.
- Check the codes again.

Repeat, but this time don't start the car - just turn the key to the "on" position where the radio goes on. What I'm trying to see if it will give a fault when the car is running, or if it's a fault in the unit just standing still.

Again, this sounds like a vacuum leak problem, if the codes only come when the car is running...

-Wayne

That's the thing...we can not clear the codes! the code 1215 keeps on repeating forever. It never gets to code 1000 which we need to clear the codes by pressing the gas pedal down for 10 seconds.

[DUDEK]

Originally posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts
Here's another idea too, I just remembered. Try disconnecting the boot from the air flow meter to the intake manifold and create a massive vacuum leak there. Then try starting the car, and see if it still behaves the same. If yes, you have a big problem with the air flow meter, or a big vacuum leak you can't see. Take the boot off and physically squish it with your hands. I had a big crack on mine on my 318 that I just could not see until I took it off...

-Wayne

will do!

[DixonHill]

Does a 1985 325e have OBD-I or is OBD in e36 models only?

Thanks,
Dix

[Keith M]

OBD-1 started in 92-93??, OBDII in 96.
Your car used Bosch Motronic system.

Keith

[DixonHill]

Originally posted by Keith M
OBD-1 started in 92-93??, OBDII in 96.
Your car used Bosch Motronic system.

Thought as much. The book claims that Project 28 is for all years, but it looks like it's just for e36 if OBD started in 92-93.

So is there anything I can do to see the error codes in an e30... or do I just rely on the dashboard lights, Service Interval indicator and the LED indicators above my rearview mirror?

Thanks,
Dix