Strange running problems. Code 1221.

[ryan_george]

Alright, I've posted this on e30tech a few days ago, but I need more help.
I'm running a MAF, SMT6, and LC-1. Other than that we're stock. No vacuum leaks, nothing else I can think of....

So I'm about to leave work, and it's been raining all day, so I think to myself "Ah, great, we're gonna have fun starting this thing up..."
I get in, crank the bitch over, and she runs. Perfect.
But right after startup, the CEL goes on. Perfect.
I sit for about 30-60 seconds like I do everytime, just to get everything going, and I've still got the light on. I try revving it, but it's very hesitant. When the throttle is released, the rpms go down to about 500 and it can barely hold an idle. Eventually it poops out on me, so I check the error code: 1221. That apparantly means EGO sensor.
Well I start it up again, and it still has issues running. But I figure, I'll give it a shot anyways. I can always call CAA if it dies for good.
Driving is a pain. It's bucking quite a bit, and I pray that I don't run into a red light or traffic.
I get into second gear, and it's still struggling, but all of the sudden, voila! CEL goes out and it's driving strong.
Well WTF? Can something just magically fix itself like this? I make it home without any issues, but I'm still puzzled.

I guess I should mention that I recently installed a wideband LC-1, and after doing that I would periodically get a CEL come on for a second or two, mid-driving. Whenever I got where I needed to go, I'd check the code, and it was 1222 - Lambda Control.

Any insight?

Well god damn....
It wasn't raining today, but the exact same thing happened.

This time the light went away when I was at about 4k in 1st gear. Maybe it's load-dependant? As in maybe it is my MAF, and it requires a certain load to fix itself?

Any ideas? I'm screwed if this dies for good...

Alright, this thing it starting to become very predictable.
This morning I start the car up with my SMT6 logging so that I can see if there are any MAF errors. Sure enough, it has the same problem.
But the data from the SMT6 indicates that the MAF is running correctly. It's sending out the proper signal, etc.
So I get in and drive, and slowly accelerate in 1st gear. I reach 4k rpm on the dot and the light goes out, all is well.
I can't think of anything that is causing this... I need it fixed.
I did notice an extra strong smell of exhaust during the startup, but maybe it's always like that and I never paid attention before.
I'm getting a MarkD chip soon, hopefully that'll fix it....

I might stop by the dealership today and see if they have any suggestions.

[ryan_george]

Something else has come to mind....
Just after I installed the LC-1, I noticed a humming sound coming from underneath the car, driver's side. This is only noticeable with the ignition ON, but car OFF.
I guess this is fuel pump noise that everyone's been talking about. I've owned this car for about 3 years, and I have never heard this before.

Fuel problem maybe?

[rwh11385]

Is it 1221 or 1222????

I guess I should mention that I recently installed a wideband LC-1, and after doing that I would periodically get a CEL come on for a second or two, mid-driving. Whenever I got where I needed to go, I'd check the code, and it was 1222 - Lambda Control.

1221 = O2 sensor

1222 = "This code is stored when the DME detects excessive deviations in the air-fuel mixture (too rich or to lean) for longer than 10 seconds. Possible causes: Fuel tank ran empty, Incorrect fuel pressure, Injector valve defective or cooked, 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 plug, compression, intake/exhaust valves, etc.)""

i.e. your car is running lean or rich for a while and therefore motronic throws the code.

[ryan_george]

After I installed the wideband, I was getting 1222. It was very random, and wouldn't stay on for over a few seconds.

Now, about 500-700 kms after I installed that, I'm getting 1221.

I just got back from giving it a test drive, and I found out some more useful data.

How rich should it be running on startup? I checked it and I was getting about 12 - 14 afr at idle. But when I pressed the gas, I was getting between 9 and 10. Meanwhile it's stumbling, etc, but isn't that a bit rich? Even for cold start?

This time I didn't even start driving, but I revved it in neutral to 4k, and god damn... The light turns off, and it's running great.

This is turning into such a headache....

[rwh11385]

what size injectors?

and when's the last time you cleaned you ICV? my car was having all sorts of start up / idling / CEL problems, then the ICV took a crap, and since fixing it, no problems again. I was getting random check codes too, until the ICV was found to be the problem root.


either your o2 sensor is bunk (i don't think so)
or your engine isn't running right and it says OOPS running rich, 02 is bad. get it tuned better or the problem solved

[ryan_george]

I'm running m50 injectors.
The entire engine was rebuilt about 8000 kms ago. I sometimes have hot-start troubles, which might be related to injectors, but I think my coolant temp sensor is not working 100%.

I guess I could have a look at the ICV, but it's probably clean.

The O2 sensor is virtually new, so there's something else wrong. Should I try disconnecting the battery for a while? Maybe the ecu just "thinks" something is wrong...

[danm]

sounds similar to a problem I had a year ago on my 89 IC
try cleaning the main engine connector plug on the drivers side engine block. mine appeared to oxidized slightly and was giving erronious info to the ecu. I used a high quality contact enhancer and my problems disappeared.I seem to recall there is a bmw bulletin on this subject
i was getting 1221 codes,rough running,hard starting when warm. The problem seemed worse when moisture was present.
good luck danm

[ryan_george]

You mean the big round connector that hooks up to the fuse box?

[ryan_george]

Here's an update for everyone that's interested:

Last night I disconnected the battery and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Hooked it back up and went to sleep.
This morning was the tester....
Before I started it up, I checked for any error codes, and it was all clear. So far so good. Started it up, and we have a smooth running m20 here!
Made it to work OK, and on the return trip, still no issues.

So I hope this was just a big ECU hiccup, and after resetting it everything will be good from now on.... Let's hope.

[parkerbink]

I just changed my chip with a Mark D & my injectors with 19libbers and I am getting this code (1222) when the car is cold or when it is under load ie uphill when at low idle and I give it gas to move.

It stays on for a few seconds, then is gone. The car runs great otherwise what do you guys think? I need to wait for it to get used to the new components?

[nando]

I never got any codes with 19# injectors, but I dodn't have a markD chip. Sounds like you're running rich though.

[parkerbink]

Should it sort it's self out or do I need to reduce the amount of fuel it's getting? Btw it is running really well Off the line it feels much stronger and the midrange is great! The only problem is at idle sometimes the light comes on but goes off just from giving her gas.

Thanks