BMW MOTRONIC 'PEDAL' FAULT CODES
(Models 1989-94)

All 1989-94 BMW vehicles are equipped with a self diagnostic system for the detection of injection faults. When a fault is detected by the system the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) records the code corresponding to the defect in the ECU's memory until either:
 
1) The vehicle battery or the ECU is disconnected.
2) The engine is started 60 times with no recurrence of the fault.
3) The ECU memory is cleared using the Bosch KTS300, CARSOFT BMW software or the CS1000 BMW hand scanner.



To review the FAULT CODES from the ECU memory use the following procedure:
 
1) Turn the ignition switch to the 'engine run' position.
2) Depress the gas pedal to the floor 5 times.
 
The CHECK ENGINE light will blink out the FAULT CODES starting with the lowest number first. These FAULT CODES consist of 4 digits each separated by a short pause (ie. blink pause blink blink pause blink pause blink translates as 1 2 1 1).
 

CODE

MALFUNCTIONING SYSTEM

EXPLANATION

1211

DME Control Unit

This code is stored when the DME self test fails. Delete any stored codes. Start and run the car for 30 seconds. Turn off the ignition for 30 seconds. Rerun the diagnosis. If the same fault recurs, the DME control unit must be replaced.

1212

Lambda (O2) Sensor 2

This code is stored when the engine temperature is >70C and the Oxygen Sensor value is out of range or not present. Check the Oxygen Sensor wiring and the operation of the sensor. The value should fluctuate between 0.02 and 0.85V. Slow fluctuation indicates a polluted Oxygen sensor and negative values indicate a damaged sensor. Note: Cars without Catalytic Convertors will incorrectly store this code.

1213

Lambda Control 2

This code is stored when the DME detects excessive deviations in the air-fuel mixture (too rich or too lean) for longer than 10 seconds. Possible causes: Fuel tank ran empty, Incorrect Fuel Pressure, Injector valve defective or coked, Engine Temperature Sensor defective, Secondary air leak, Fuel evaporation control system defective,  Air Flow Meter defective and/or the combustion is being disturbed by mechanical failure (Spark plugs,,    compression, intake/exhaust valves, ...etc.)

1215

Air Mass/Volume Sensor

This code is stored if there is a break or short-circuit at: Air Mass Flow Meter or its supply wires or the voltage supply to Air Mass Flow Meter insufficient. Cable damage is the most common cause of this trouble code.

1216

Throttle Potentiometer

This code is stored if a break or short-circuit occurs in the wiring to the Throttle Potentiometer or the potentiometer is defective. Damage at the throttle potentiometer connection is the most common cause of this fault.

1218

Output Stage, Group 1

This code is stored if there is a short to B+ or Ground at the Output Amplifier Stage (Bank 1). Generally this code occurs with other defects.  Causes may be a faulty Idle Speed Actuator,  Injector Valves, Ignition Coil on Plug, Oxygen Sensor Heating Relay, Fuel Evaporation, Control Valve,  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or EKP Relay. Delete the code after examining for other faults. If the code recurs, delete code, then disconnect the DME for a minimum of 5 minutes to initiate a reset. Rerun car. If code recurs and no other defects are found the DME is most likely damaged and must be replaced. If the code does not recur and the engine runs properly, ignore.

1219

Output Stage, Group 2

This code is stored if there is a short to B+ or Ground at the Output Amplifier Stage (Bank 2). Generally this code occurs with other defects.  Causes may be a faulty Idle Speed Actuator,  Injector Valves, Ignition Coil on Plug, Oxygen Sensor Heating Relay, Fuel Evaporation, Control Valve,  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or EKP Relay. Delete the code after examining for other faults. If the code recurs, delete code, then disconnect the DME for a minimum of 5 minutes to initiate a reset. Rerun car. If code recurs and no other defects are found the DME is most likely damaged and must be replaced. If the code does not recur and the engine runs properly, ignore.

1221

Lambda (O2) Sensor 1

This code is stored when the engine temperature is >70C and the Oxygen Sensor value is out of range or not present. Check the Oxygen Sensor wiring and the operation of the sensor. The value should fluctuate between 0.02 and 0.85V. Slow fluctuation indicates a polluted Oxygen sensor and negative values indicate a damaged sensor. Note: Cars without Catalytic Convertors will incorrectly store this code.

1222

Lambda Control 1

This code is stored when the DME detects excessive deviations in the air-fuel mixture (too rich or too lean) for longer than 10 seconds. Possible causes: Fuel tank ran empty, Incorrect Fuel Pressure, Injector valve defective or coked, Engine Temperature Sensor defective, Secondary air leak, Fuel evaporation control system defective,  Air Flow Meter defective and/or the combustion is being disturbed by mechanical failure (Spark plugs,,    compression, intake/exhaust valves, ...etc.)

1223

Coolant Temp. Sensor

This code is stored when a short to plus or a break in the wiring at the Coolant Temperature Sensor or its supply wires may exist. Check the wiring and the value of the sensor. 8.26-10.56 KOhms at -10C,  2.2-2.7 KOhms at 20C,  290-364 Ohms at 80C

1224

Intake Air Temp. Sensor

This code is stored when a short to plus or a break in the wiring at the Intake Air Temperature Sensor or its supply wires exists. Check the value of the sensor. 2.2-2.7 KOhms at 20C, 760-910 Ohms at 50C

1225

Knock Sensor 1

This code is set when Knock Sensor #1 has sent multiple signals or a break or short has occurred in the sensor or it's wiring. Check the Knock Sensor and its wiring for defects. Check with customer about the grade of fuel being used (RON>91). Increase octane if necessary. (Caution customer about carbon build up.)

1226

Knock Sensor 2

This code is set when Knock Sensor #2 has sent multiple signals or a break or short has occurred in the sensor or it's wiring. Check the Knock Sensor and its wiring for defects. Check with customer about the grade of fuel being used (RON>91). Increase octane if necessary. (Caution customer about carbon build up.)

1227

Knock Sensor 3

This code is set when Knock Sensor #3 has sent multiple signals or a break or short has occurred in the sensor or it's wiring. Check the Knock Sensor and its wiring for defects. Check with customer about the grade of fuel being used (RON>91). Increase octane if necessary. (Caution customer about carbon build up.)

1228

Knock Sensor 4

This code is set when Knock Sensor #4 has sent multiple signals or a break or short has occurred in the sensor or it's wiring. Check the Knock Sensor and its wiring for defects. Check with customer about the grade of fuel being used (RON>91). Increase octane if necessary. (Caution customer about carbon build up.)

1231

Battery Voltage/DME Main Relay

Either the battery was disconnected or the voltage of the battery is too low or too high. Check the battery and charging system.

1232

Throttle Idle Switch

 

1233

Throttle WOT Switch

 

1234

Vehicle Speed Sensor (Speedometer A Signal)

This code is stored when no plausible speed signal is detected while driving. The requirements are an engine speed >2500 rpm and under load for more than 10 seconds. Check the speedometer function and the wire to the DME . Also check for codes in the Combi Unit (Instrument Cluster).

1237

A/C Compressor cut off

This code is stored if there is a short to B+ or Ground.  In the case of a short to ground, the A/C compressor is not switched off at a speed below 5 mph (8 km/h) when accelerating under full load. The A/C compressor does not operate when shorted to B+. Check the A/C compressor cut-out relay and its wiring.

1241

Air Mass Sensor (See note 1)

 

1242

A/C Compressor 

Check A/C compressor signal wire to the DME control unit for a short-circuit to power,  ground or for disconnection. Check refrigerant level and condition of A/C pulley drive belt.

1243

Crankshaft Pulse Sensor 

This code is stored when signal from the Crankshaft Pulse Generator is implausible (absent or out of range). Check the Crankshaft Pulse Generator and the wiring.

1244

Camshaft Sensor 

This code is stored when the Camshaft Pulse Generator signal is interrupted or defective. Also check the spark plugs and the ignition coil(s) output. Check the pulse signal with an oscilloscope (50Hz, 25ms sweep). Measure with a break-out box. If a coil is found to be defective the DME control unit may also be damaged. Failure of the injector side of the output stage is the most common symptom.

1245

Intervention EGS 

This code is stored when a short to ground occurs on the wire from the EGS to the DME control unit,  for more than 2.5 seconds. The on-board computer should display the message TRANSMISSION EMERGENCY PROGRAM.  Ignition timing will be retarded only once and then the DME will substitute the original value until this code is cleared. Check the wire and connection to the EGS.

1247

Ignition Secondary Monitor

 

1251

Fuel Injector 1 (or group 1)

Check the injector valve for coking and proper spray pattern. Check the wiring from the DME and the output stage of the DME. Code 1283 may also be stored when the defect is intermittent.

1252

Fuel Injector 2 (or group 2)

Check the injector valve for coking and proper spray pattern. Check the wiring from the DME and the output stage of the DME. Code 1283 may also be stored when the defect is intermittent.

1253

Fuel Injector 3 

Check the injector valve for coking and proper spray pattern. Check the wiring from the DME and the output stage of the DME. Code 1283 may also be stored when the defect is intermittent.

1254

Fuel Injector 4 

Check the injector valve for coking and proper spray pattern. Check the wiring from the DME and the output stage of the DME. Code 1283 may also be stored when the defect is intermittent.

1255

Fuel Injector 5 

Check the injector valve for coking and proper spray pattern. Check the wiring from the DME and the output stage of the DME. Code 1283 may also be stored when the defect is intermittent.

1256

Fuel Injector 6 

Check the injector valve for coking and proper spray pattern. Check the wiring from the DME and the output stage of the DME. Code 1283 may also be stored when the defect is intermittent.

1257

Fuel Injector 7 

Check the injector valve for coking and proper spray pattern. Check the wiring from the DME and the output stage of the DME. Code 1283 may also be stored when the defect is intermittent.

1258

Fuel Injector 8 

Check the injector valve for coking and proper spray pattern. Check the wiring from the DME and the output stage of the DME. Code 1283 may also be stored when the defect is intermittent.

1261

Fuel Pump Relay Control 

There is a break or short circuit in the wiring to the Fuel Pump Relay, pin 3, of the DME or the output stage in the DME is damaged (M1.3 only).

1262

Idle Speed Actuator

There is a break or short circuit in the wiring to the idle actuator or the wire from the DME is defective or the output stage in the of the DME is damaged. This code will also be stored if the engine stalls at over 600 rpm.

1263

Purge Valve 

This code is stored if there is a break or short-circuit at: Evaporative control valve, wire from the DME control unit or the output stage of the DME control unit is defective (M1.3 only).

1264

Lambda (O2) Sensor Heater 

This code is stored if there is a break or short-circuit at:,  - Oxygen Sensor Heater,  - Sensor heating relay,  - Wire from the DME control unit.  Check the Oxygen Sensor Heater Relay and Air Pump Relay and the supply wires.

1265

Fault Lamp (check engine)

This code is stored if a break or short-circuit occurs in the wiring to the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or the lamp is burned out.

1266

VANOS Relay

Check the wires and the connections of the VANOS relay (Variable camshaft adjustment). The relay could also be defective. 

1267

Air Pump Relay Control

 

1271

Ignition Coil 1

A break or short in the Ignition Final Stage wiring has occurred. Check primary ignition signal pattern.

1272

Ignition Coil 2

A break or short in the Ignition Final Stage wiring has occurred. Check primary ignition signal pattern.

1273

Ignition Coil 3

A break or short in the Ignition Final Stage wiring has occurred. Check primary ignition signal pattern.

1274

Ignition Coil 4

A break or short in the Ignition Final Stage wiring has occurred. Check primary ignition signal pattern.

1275

Ignition Coil 5

A break or short in the Ignition Final Stage wiring has occurred. Check primary ignition signal pattern.

1276

Ignition Coil 6

A break or short in the Ignition Final Stage wiring has occurred. Check primary ignition signal pattern.

1277

Ignition Coil 7

A break or short in the Ignition Final Stage wiring has occurred. Check primary ignition signal pattern.

1278

Ignition Coil 8

A break or short in the Ignition Final Stage wiring has occurred. Check primary ignition signal pattern.

1281

Control Unit Memory Supply

This code is stored when a defect is detected in the RAM or in the ROM/EPROM. This is most often the result of low battery voltage. Delete the stored codes and disconnect the DME for at least 5 minutes in order to trigger a reset. Reconnect the DME and run the engine at idle for 3 minutes then drive the car at over 30 mph for more than 5 minutes. If the code recurs the DME must be replaced.

1282

Fault Code Memory 

This code is set if there is illogical data stored in the trouble code memory. Delete the stored codes. Simulate a defect (i.e. start engine and then disconnect the Idle Actuator) If the code recurs, the DME control unit must be replaced!

1283

Fuel Injector Output Stage 

This code is stored when a break or short-circuit occurs temporarily at: an injector valve, wiring from the DME to an injector or the injector stage of the DME is damaged.

1286

Knock Control test Pulse 

The ECU internally generated pulse was not detected. It is used to verify electrical integrity (shorts or disconnection) of the knock control circuitry both internally and externally. Check wiring and Knock Sensors.

1444

No Failures 

 

*In the 12 cylinder model the Injection system is treated as two 6 cylinder systems joined at the crank. This means there are two ECUs in the system. To access the second ECU depress the gas pedal to the floor 6 times.Some models will return implausible blink codes if the ECU has failed or if the power is interrupted during operation. Removal of the control units harness and reconnection after 10 minutes seems to resolve most of these problems.
Note 1) Code 41, 1241 and 2241 can be false Air Mass Flow Meter codes on 1992 and later models. The actual cause of the code is a faulty Idle Air Valve and the need for an updated EPROM. See all applicable service bulletines for further information.

DME 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
M20, M30, M40, M70, S38

FAULT

MALFUNCTION

1

Fault in the DME control Unit - Reset and run vehicle if code returns replace DME.

3

Electrical Fuel Pump Relay (EKP)

4

Idle-speed Actuator - Open

5

Tank Ventilation Valve

7

Air-flow Sensor

10

Lambda Regulation

15

Check Engine Failure Light

16

Injection Valve(s)

17

Injection Valve(s)

22

Idle Speed Controller

23

Lambda Sensor - Heater/Air Pump

28

Lambda Sensor

29

Speed Signal

33

Magnetic Valve Hydraulic Automatic Transmission

37

Power Supply

38

ASC/DWA

40

Air Conditioner Compressor

43

Idle-speed Co-potentiometer

44

Temperature-sensor - Air Intake

45

Temperature-sensor - Coolant

50

Engine Towing Moment Regulation

51

Ignition Angle Engagement

52

Idle-speed Switch

53

Wide-open-throttle Switch

54

Torque Converter Lockup Clutch

100

DME Control Unit Final Stage