EM Light on and fault codes - Update….

[AdyBish]

Hello good people. I hope someone can shed some light on an issue I have with my E86.

I have just replaced both DISA units due to the top one failing and sounding rough. I had an engine management light on so thought - aha the DISA it is! When I removed the DISA it was clearly shot to bits and flapping all over the place. Simple cure I thought. Unfortunately it seems I may be wrong!

Now after replacing both DISA units, I still have the engine management light on so plugged the BMW scanner tool in to see what error codes there are. I now have more codes than I started with!

I disconnected the battery whilst working on the car. On start up the car does still hunt a little on tick over and still sounds a bit rattley on top end. But, it still drives really well, plenty of power, and no missing or flat spots etc.

The codes I have now are;

ZKE - OD (013) power window open circuit jam protection strip or lost of scaling/error eks electronic drivers door

OD (014) power window open circuit jam protection strip or lost of scaling/error eks electronic passenger door

DME - not present - 2C93 (11422) heater lambda probe rear catalyst control

ENS - Shadow - 2A (042) error number 2A

I have tried to clear the codes but they just return. Which one is causing the engine management light? Any ideas what my issue is? Maybe some of the codes have something to do with the battery disconnect?
Like I say the top end still sounds a bit tappety. Maybe I need to investigate that further? I have the black top engine so thought that the lifters weren't and issue on my car but you never know....

Thanks in advance.

All the best, Ady.

 

[enuff_zed]

Do a window reset to get those two gone

 

[j3nks79]

Going by those codes the only one to bring on the eml would be the lambda.

 

[AdyBish]

Do a window reset to get those two gone

Thanks for the reply. I’m not too sure how I do that though!? I’ve tried to clear those but they just keep coming back. Am I missing something in how to clear the codes I wonder?

 

[AdyBish]

Going by those codes the only one to bring on the eml would be the lambda.

Thanks for the reply. Because it says - not present - and shows a yellow square I thought it may be a historic code? I guess it needs investigating but I’m not sure what’s involved. A new sensor required I guess?

 

[enuff_zed]

Do a window reset to get those two gone

Thanks for the reply. I’m not too sure how I do that though!? I’ve tried to clear those but they just keep coming back. Am I missing something in how to clear the codes I wonder?

Sit in the car with doors and windows closed.
Then with ignition on position 1, do this (repeat for the other side):

 

[j3nks79]

Going by those codes the only one to bring on the eml would be the lambda.

Thanks for the reply. Because it says - not present - and shows a yellow square I thought it may be a historic code? I guess it needs investigating but I’m not sure what’s involved. A new sensor required I guess?

I’m not sure what diag you are using?
You need to view live data readings from the lambda sensors to see what they are all doing.

 

[AdyBish]

Do a window reset to get those two gone

Thanks for the reply. I’m not too sure how I do that though!? I’ve tried to clear those but they just keep coming back. Am I missing something in how to clear the codes I wonder?

Sit in the car with doors and windows closed.
Then with ignition on position 1, do this (repeat for the other side):
Screenshot 2024-06-15 200048.png

Thanks for this good work!

 

[AdyBish]

Going by those codes the only one to bring on the eml would be the lambda.

Thanks for the reply. Because it says - not present - and shows a yellow square I thought it may be a historic code? I guess it needs investigating but I’m not sure what’s involved. A new sensor required I guess?

I’m not sure what diag you are using?
You need to view live data readings from the lambda sensors to see what they are all doing.

I have BMW scanner 1.4. It’s a bit basic so I’m not sure it has that function? A quick google shows me that there are two sensors rear of the cat. I guess I need to take a look in the first instance to see if there is anything obviously wrong with either one. It would be nice if the scanner told me which sensor is at fault, cylinders 1-3 or 4 - 6. Maybe I need to invest in a better scanning tool? Any suggestions for that?

Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

 

[j3nks79]

I better code reader will tell you which bank for sure and also give you live data.
I use snap on but a lot of people will run INPA on an old laptop. Quite a cheap way of getting a half decent BMW diagnostics.
Where are you? Perhaps a member is close by and could scan it for you?

 

[AdyBish]

I better code reader will tell you which bank for sure and also give you live data.
I use snap on but a lot of people will run INPA on an old laptop. Quite a cheap way of getting a half decent BMW diagnostics.
Where are you? Perhaps a member is close by and could scan it for you?

I’m in Kent. If anyone is out there and able to help, I’m happy to pay for a scan.
I guess I should have bought INPA in the first place! Looking at Autodoc they list BOSCH rear of cat lambda sensors for each bank at just under £50 each delivered inc vat. I guess they may be a universal sensor and need modification to fit though? Might be worth changing both at that price though for peace of mind?

 

[colb]

BMW scanner 1.4 should show live data from the exhaust sensors, if working pre cat should show their voltages ranging up and down with engine warmed up. Post cat sensors look fairly static unless they detect high levels of CO2 after the cats. High levels could be caused by bad cats or high fuel trims usually down to vacuum leaks, check for splits or holes in all the rubber intake boots and system hoses. Smoke test will find any you can't find visually.
Bad Maf sensors are also suspect of they are misreading air flow. Disconnecting the Mags plug will make the car run on default settings, see if doing that improves running. Mags don't always set fault codes.

 

[AdyBish]

BMW scanner 1.4 should show live data from the exhaust sensors, if working pre cat should show their voltages ranging up and down with engine warmed up. Post cat sensors look fairly static unless they detect high levels of CO2 after the cats. High levels could be caused by bad cats or high fuel trims usually down to vacuum leaks, check for splits or holes in all the rubber intake boots and system hoses. Smoke test will find any you can't find visually.
Bad Maf sensors are also suspect of they are misreading air flow. Disconnecting the Mags plug will make the car run on default settings, see if doing that improves running. Mags don't always set fault codes.

Thanks for the reply Colb. I’ll see if I can get live data from my 1.4 to see it that will shed any light, and Google how to do a smoke test.

 

[j3nks79]

I better code reader will tell you which bank for sure and also give you live data.
I use snap on but a lot of people will run INPA on an old laptop. Quite a cheap way of getting a half decent BMW diagnostics.
Where are you? Perhaps a member is close by and could scan it for you?

I’m in Kent. If anyone is out there and able to help, I’m happy to pay for a scan.
I guess I should have bought INPA in the first place! Looking at Autodoc they list BOSCH rear of cat lambda sensors for each bank at just under £50 each delivered inc vat. I guess they may be a universal sensor and need modification to fit though? Might be worth changing both at that price though for peace of mind?

I’m in Kent as well. Might be able to help you out on certain days as I’m going through radiotherapy at the moment so not about everyday.
But we could see what the lambdas are doing. Looking at the code you put it leads me to think one of the post cat sensor heater elements is broken. My code reader will be able to tell you which bank it is for sure.

 

[AdyBish]

I better code reader will tell you which bank for sure and also give you live data.
I use snap on but a lot of people will run INPA on an old laptop. Quite a cheap way of getting a half decent BMW diagnostics.
Where are you? Perhaps a member is close by and could scan it for you?

I’m in Kent. If anyone is out there and able to help, I’m happy to pay for a scan.
I guess I should have bought INPA in the first place! Looking at Autodoc they list BOSCH rear of cat lambda sensors for each bank at just under £50 each delivered inc vat. I guess they may be a universal sensor and need modification to fit though? Might be worth changing both at that price though for peace of mind?

I’m in Kent as well. Might be able to help you out on certain days as I’m going through radiotherapy at the moment so not about everyday.
But we could see what the lambdas are doing. Looking at the code you put it leads me to think one of the post cat sensor heater elements is broken. My code reader will be able to tell you which bank it is for sure.

Wow that’s very kind, especially in your circumstances, thank you. I’d really appreciate your help. The car is running ok and it’s a weekend toy, so there’s no rush this end. I’m in Maidstone if that has any bearing. I’d also love to see your car, carbon black with a cinnamon interior is the ultimate for me!

I’ve checked everywhere for air leaks as best I can by eye and with a can of WD, paying particular attention to what I disturbed when fitting the DISAs, and found nothing. I’ve disconnected the maf sensor and that makes no difference to the hunting on tick over. So, I’m thinking it must be one of the Lambdas. I could order both, but it would be a bonus to find out which one is the culprit.

All the best of luck with your treatment!

Thanks again, Ady.

 

[j3nks79]

I’m in Kent. If anyone is out there and able to help, I’m happy to pay for a scan.
I guess I should have bought INPA in the first place! Looking at Autodoc they list BOSCH rear of cat lambda sensors for each bank at just under £50 each delivered inc vat. I guess they may be a universal sensor and need modification to fit though? Might be worth changing both at that price though for peace of mind?

I’m in Kent as well. Might be able to help you out on certain days as I’m going through radiotherapy at the moment so not about everyday.
But we could see what the lambdas are doing. Looking at the code you put it leads me to think one of the post cat sensor heater elements is broken. My code reader will be able to tell you which bank it is for sure.

Wow that’s very kind, especially in your circumstances, thank you. I’d really appreciate your help. The car is running ok and it’s a weekend toy, so there’s no rush this end. I’m in Maidstone if that has any bearing. I’d also love to see your car, carbon black with a cinnamon interior is the ultimate for me!

I’ve checked everywhere for air leaks as best I can by eye and with a can of WD, paying particular attention to what I disturbed when fitting the DISAs, and found nothing. I’ve disconnected the maf sensor and that makes no difference to the hunting on tick over. So, I’m thinking it must be one of the Lambdas. I could order both, but it would be a bonus to find out which one is the culprit.

All the best of luck with your treatment!

Thanks again, Ady.

I’m in Ramsgate but my Garage is in Deal. I may be about next weekend if that’s any good?

 

[AdyBish]

I’m in Kent as well. Might be able to help you out on certain days as I’m going through radiotherapy at the moment so not about everyday.
But we could see what the lambdas are doing. Looking at the code you put it leads me to think one of the post cat sensor heater elements is broken. My code reader will be able to tell you which bank it is for sure.

Wow that’s very kind, especially in your circumstances, thank you. I’d really appreciate your help. The car is running ok and it’s a weekend toy, so there’s no rush this end. I’m in Maidstone if that has any bearing. I’d also love to see your car, carbon black with a cinnamon interior is the ultimate for me!

I’ve checked everywhere for air leaks as best I can by eye and with a can of WD, paying particular attention to what I disturbed when fitting the DISAs, and found nothing. I’ve disconnected the maf sensor and that makes no difference to the hunting on tick over. So, I’m thinking it must be one of the Lambdas. I could order both, but it would be a bonus to find out which one is the culprit.

All the best of luck with your treatment!

Thanks again, Ady.

I’m in Ramsgate but my Garage is in Deal. I may be about next weekend if that’s any good?

I can do early Saturday morning if that works? PM me your details?

 

[AdyBish]

Hello all
It’s taken me a while to get around to looking into this because I’ve been away. I did take a quick look under the car a couple of weeks ago and found that one of the o2 sensors had chaffed and exposed wiring. Thinking that I had found the issue, I have replaced that sensor today. I cleared the code, started the car, and the engine management light went away. It came straight back however when I stopped the car, and then started it again! :roll:

This time around the code reads DME rear of cat sensor - fault not present. How can this keep throwing the EML on if it’s a fault that’s not present!?

The other sensor that’s rear of the cat looks to have a dodgy plug. It looks like the sensor has been replaced fairly recently but who ever did the work broke the little tabs off of the plug, so it’s a bit loose. I have secured the plug with a cable tie for now which has squeezed the ends together nicely and it fits much tighter. But, could this be the issue? If it is I’m guessing I will need to source a loom inc plug, which doesn’t sound too pleasant, but is doable. Anyone had to do this themselves?

Also any recommendations for a decent BMW Indy, or person to take the car to for a diagnostic check in the Kent area would be appreciated. Just in case this proves to be beyond me…..

Cheers, and all the best, Ady.

 

[enuff_zed]

Also any recommendations for a decent BMW Indy, or person to take the car to for a diagnostic check in the Kent area would be appreciated. Just in case this proves to be beyond me…..

Errr............... [ref]j3nks79[/ref] did offer?

 

[AdyBish]

Also any recommendations for a decent BMW Indy, or person to take the car to for a diagnostic check in the Kent area would be appreciated. Just in case this proves to be beyond me…..

Errr............... [ref]j3nks79[/ref] did offer?

Yes, correct. I did reply to his offer too. Didn’t want to bug him though in his current situation… He obviously has more important things to do right now.