Engine Light - Throttle

[Shieldz]

Had the engine light came on the other week so took it to my local garage. It didn't have a specific code just said "Throttle" They cleared it but it's come back on again this week. Before I take it back in anyone else had this or got any thoughts on it please?

 

[mrscalex]

If the EML came on you would almost certainly have had 1 or more error codes stored by the car. And they would have been more specific than ‘throttle’.

Just clearing a code in the hope it was spurious and not making any other fix is not likely to resolve the position.

I would suggest you ask the garage for the error codes and post them here. The number is more important than any text that accompanies it if you cant make a full note.

It may be something as simple as a split MAF or throttle hose leaking unmetered air in.

 

[Shieldz]

OK, so I've bought myself a Torque ELM 327 - just out of interest really and the code coming up is - P0170 Powertrain Fuel Trim (Bank 1)

 

[Brian4]

Hi @Shieldz and welcome

Searching for P0170 code on google looks as if it is an air leak into the intake somewhere. vacuum hoses, crank vent system, intake hose.
Have a look here.

https://www.engine-codes.com/p0170_bmw.html

http://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/forum/f18/1999-318ise-e46-p0170-fault-code-t19406/

 

[Shieldz]

Just back from the garage with a new crankcase breather and pipe. Hopefully that's the issue fixed. They gave it a good check over and all in good order so very happy! Now for a nice long test drive

 

[Shieldz]

Not happy anymore as the engine light has come back on with the same error code Going back to the garage tomorrow.

 

[Pingu]

BMWs are notorious for not being very specific with generic code readers.

Throw away your ELM327 and get a specific BMW code reader (or find someone with a BMW-specific code reader).

 

[Shieldz]

You're right, I shouldn't bother with it and just go to my local garage - he's ex BMW so I trust he knows what he's doing.

From reading up there seems to be several reasons for the fault so guess it's just a case of working through them all.

 

[Shieldz]

So the car has been running like a bag of **** for the last few weeks. Took it to another garage who do my MOT's and they cleaned the throttle body and fitted a new MAF sensor. WOW!!, feels like a new car now... no more sticky throttle pedal, no more lag and so much more power