CEL 1222 High idle

[bcrdukes]

How did you test for signal to the dme? I still have this issue and the on/off again CEL and I can't retrieve the code... stomp test not working either tried probably 20 times lol

To be very honest, I was stumped to the point where I was hoping the car would be stolen. I tried everything I could to my abilities and finally threw in the white towel and brought it to a BMW specialty shop who had the proper tools.

They first scanned for codes at the diagnostic port and sure enough, found exactly the issues I encountered:

1. Battery charging/Alternator - My alternator went out a few weeks ago and it has 203,000km on the original alternator (not bad IMHO.) I had it replaced.

2. AFM Signal to DME - The cable/plug that went from the DME to the AFM was loose so it threw a code. I found a clip to replace the missing one.

3. Code 1222 - This code was hard embedded into the DME. It wouldn't clear no matter what the techs did.\

4. Oxygen Sensor code - Mine was dead. Yes. So logically, I put in a new one. It would send a flat signal to the DME resulting in it running in limp mode.

The funny thing is that when the stomp test is done, only Code 1222 showed up, nevermind the other codes. The shop swapped in their test DME - low and behold, signal no codes. ICV started to work so idle was smooth. AFM was measuring air and oxygen sensor was working fine where signals fluctuate up and down. I can't tell you exactly how they did it or what tools they used, but it can be done with some basic tools, I'm sure which I did not have and a combination of not having the technical/mechanical ability to troubleshoot this. I am positive however that there are posts on this very forum that can explain how it can be done. I'm certain also that the Bentley Manual will have a step-by-step procedure on how to achieve this.

The bottom line is - If I hadn't taken the car to the shop, I would have still been troubleshooting this error while throwing money away on the car endlessly. All I need to do this weekend is to pull out the fuel rail and injectors and swap it with known, good working injectors.

I pulled the rail out weeks ago and pressurized it, had no leaks. I would agree with you though, the DME is probably running in limp and caused the car to run very rich. I wonder if the water temp sensor I just installed is what caused the problem....

See if you know somebody that has a good, known working DME. Offer them a pizza and some beers, swap the DMEs in both cars with one another, and if the known good working one in your car shows no codes but your DME in buddy's car is throwing the same codes, you know where the problem is. :)

[BlackE30]

The DME is good, tested it back in September.

[bcrdukes]

Looking at your previous post, did you notice a drop in fuel pressure? Mine went from 2.5bar idle and within an hour, dropped to under a bar. Tech's pulled my spark plugs out to find that it was leaking pretty seriously on cylinder 5.

[richardb]

Interesting... problem is I can't get a code from the car there's no communication to the Snap-on scan tool, I think it's a Solus. Stomp test doesn't work either. Still have the intermittent CEL. What does the car feel like when it is in limp mode? Will it cut fuel or limit RPM's or anything? I have a feeling I have a vac-leak somewhere causing the CEL

[bcrdukes]

What year and model is your car? If it's a Motronic, it should throw the codes using the stomp test method. As for your diagnostic port, is your port the old or late style? You'll know if it's the late style if you see a "Pacman" looking hole in the middle. :)

[richardb]

its a 1991 318is with a early 92 aka non-vanos m50 swap, wired up using the standard "m50 into 318is" diagram.