M54 2.2 CEL light

B

Bmw2.2M54

Member
Hi everyone :)

I have a question I hope you can help me with. I have a BMW E85 2.2L M54 from 2005. I’ve just replaced the radiator, water pump, thermostat, the sensor in the hoses, and added new blue coolant. I’ve bled the system, the temperature gauge stays right in the middle, and warm air is coming from the vents. The car sounds and runs well, and I don’t feel any difference.

I’ve been starting and stopping the car a lot recently while working on it, and yesterday when I was driving, the CEL (check engine light) came on. I’ve ordered a scanner that will arrive this week, but my question is: do you think this could be related to the cooling system, or could it just be a coincidence? The light hasn’t come on before.

I opened the gascap and noticed the rubber seal there is quite worn—could that have any effect? I guess there’s not much to do before I can read the fault code, but I’m curious to hear what you think :)
 
As you say, purely guesswork without the codes read.
Have a look at the inlet pipe elbow where it joins the throttle body. There is a smaller corrugated pipe that leads to the Idle Control Valve. This often splits and lets in unmetered air, causing the engine light to come on.
 
enuff_zed said:
As you say, purely guesswork without the codes read.
Have a look at the inlet pipe elbow where it joins the throttle body. There is a smaller corrugated pipe that leads to the Idle Control Valve. This often splits and lets in unmetered air, causing the engine light to come on.
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Mine has split in exactly the place you metioned. Luckily Stuart (@bigwinn) saw it straight away. I didn't! Taped up the hole and a new one ordered today.
Bmw2.2M54 said:
I opened the gascap and noticed the rubber seal there is quite worn—could that have any effect?
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It could, yes. If it senses a problem with the 'fuel tank ventilation' it will put the light on. The seal on the fuel cap is a common source of the tank vent fault. No way of knowing without a code reader though.
 
Thanks for all the responses. I’ll be able to scan the car on Friday, so I’ll get back to you with the issue then and hopefully get a code
 
Hello again,

I’ve now read the fault code, and it’s a P0444 code, which says “control valve circuit open.”

I understand that it could either be the fuel cap or the purge valve that has failed.

What’s the best way to approach troubleshooting this problem?
 
Bmw2.2M54 said:
Hello again,

I’ve now read the fault code, and it’s a P0444 code, which says “control valve circuit open.”

I understand that it could either be the fuel cap or the purge valve that has failed.

What’s the best way to approach troubleshooting this problem?
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Not sure but I have exactly the same fault on my M54 and it won't go away! Comes back as soon as I clear the fault.
My fuel cap is fine.
It was recommended to me to change the purge valve, as it is simple to do. I haven't done it yet as need to sort a perished intake boot first, just in case this is affecting it.
Luckily I don't have a check engine light anymore, but I know the fault is still there.
 
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"Circuit open" usually means something electrical has taken an early bath. So new purge valve time. And, since these engines do seem to whinge about having a sealed fuel system, a new petrol cap after 20 years isn't a bad idea.
 
Pondy said:
Not sure but I have exactly the same fault on my M54 and it won't go away! Comes back as soon as I clear the fault.
My fuel cap is fine.
It was recommended to me to change the purge valve, as it is simple to do. I haven't done it yet as need to sort a perished intake boot first, just in case this is affecting it.
Click to expand...
Yep, that was my advice. Change the purge valve. :thumbsup:
 
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