AUC Sensor Error Code OF[015]

[colb]

Having sorted my new key out I turned my attention to the AUC Sensor Error code I keep getting, it relates to what is known as the 'stink sensor' that is mounted at the top of the radiator shroud. It senses polloutants in the outside air and closes the fresh air inlet vents and sets the inside cabin air to recirculation mode. Already had it out and cleaned the inside and washed the small filter material out. Seems the sensor itself has died but have not found out what OF[015] actually relates to as to what the fault is. I suspect its either burnt out as it has a heating element inside it or just worn out with age, they apparently dont last forever. The sensor inside is available from electronics supplies and is a Figaro TGS822, just ordered one from here
https://www.rapidonline.com/Catalogue/Search?Query=Figaro TGS822
£17.90 with post and packing so a fair saving over £60 odd quid BMW want for a complete replacement.
By all accounts the sensor just pushes into its socket base, not soldered. Will add some pictures when I do the replacement. You can live without this sensor working and just use the recirculation selection switch but if your like me and want a clean sheet with no codes being set its the way to put it right cheaper than a straight replacement at BMW Bucks.

As an aside I did reset the throttle adaption by holding the throttle pedal in the fully down position then swiching on to ignition position counting to 10 and switching off then release the throttle pedal. That resets the adaption that the car has learnt over time matching the drivers style. Took it for a quick blast up the road and the difference in performance was very noticable, went like stink!!

 

[colb]

Replacement sensor arrived in the post today, will have to wait till sons wedding over at the end of this week and Christmas is over and done with before I have a go at replacing it. Radiator top cover will have to be taken off and remove the sensor from RHS top rail, clips in, pull it back and lift out, disconnect the electrical lead. Strip it down and remove the foam filter material to get at the sensor. Should unplug. its not soldered in but a very tight fit according to my research. Will find some filter foam to replace the original stuff. Fish tank water filter foam is said to be a good bet.

 

[mrscalex]

Well you learn all the time. Never heard of that sensor before.

 

[colb]

Fitted the new Figaro sensor into the plastic sensor housing today.
The internals are held in by four plastic spring clips which when lifted clear of their stops allows the internal bit that houses the sensor and the connection pins to be slid out of the housing. Once out the sensor needs pulling out of its pin sockets, its held in by two plastic spring clips that can be flipped back with a flat blade screwdriver whilst using another screwdriver to lift the red senso up to clear the tabs, don't pull on the red housing with pliers, the red cap will pop off leaving the working bit still inside gripped by the pins. Carefully lever the sensor upwards working around it so it lifts up and out. Take note of the orintation so you put the new one in the same way.
The pins are a very tight fit and hold on, they are not soldered in there so quite some force has to be applied to get them lifting out.
Poped the new sensor in making sure the six pins went into its socket the same as the old one, firm pressure downwards pused it back in till the two securing clips snapped back to hold it in. Popped the unit back into the housing and replaced the small foam filter material when doing so. Refitted to the car and will check if the error code returns next time I scan the car with BMW Scanner 1.4.
The new sensor cost me £17 with postage, BMW wanted £70 for a replacement!!
The Figaro sensors are used in smoke detectors and industrial applications.

 

[colb]

Scanned the car this morning to check for codes, the AUC sensor code has not appeared so far. looks like changing the sensor inside the plastic housing has solved it.