troubleshooting BMW 528i 1998 E39 User Guide

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
120-6
lgnition System
lgnition system, troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ignition system faults should begin with an
interrogation of the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD
II) system.
The OBD
II system detects ignition system misfire and other
related faults. When faults are detected, the OBD
II system
stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the Engine Con-
trol Module (ECM) along with other pertinent fault information.
4 In addition, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will come on
if an emissions related fault is detected. Additional OBD
II in-
formation, including a DTC lookup table, can be found in
OED On-Board Diagnostics.
NOTE-
BMWmodels covered in this manual were equipped with one
of three versions of
MIL warning lights (as shown).
Misfire detection
Engine m~sfire in one or more cylinders, may be caused by a
var~ety of malfunctions in various subsystems. The OBD II
system ~ncorporated into the engine management systems is
des~gned to detect and warn of misfire faults during englne
operat~on. See OED On Board Diagnostics.
WARNING -
lgnition misfires can cause high hydrocarbon exhaust emis-
sions andcatalytic converter damage. For this reason, if a se-
vere misfire is detected, the fuel injector
will be turned off to
the specific cylinder and the
MIL will be illuminated. A misfire
may also produce an overheated catalytic converter, which
can be a fire hazard.
Oscilloscope diagnostic diagrams
One way to diagnose a faulty coil is to use an oscilloscope to
analyze spark quality with the engine running.
See Table b. lgnition secondary voltage diagnostics for
list of common ignition
coil voltage faults and related causes.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
121-1
121 Battery. Starter. Alternator
General ........................... .I2 1.2
Special tools ........................ .I2 1.2
Engine electrical system ............... .I2 1.2
Battery Safety Terminal ............... .I2 1.3
Warnings and cautions ................. 121 -4
Battery ............................ 121-5
Battery testing ...................... .I2 1.5
Hydrometer testing ................... .I2 1.5
Battery open-circuit voltage test ......... .I2 1.6
Battery load voltage test ................ 121 -6
Closed-circuit current measurement ..... .I2 1.7
Battery charging ...................... 121 -9
Battery safety terminal, replacing ......... 121-9
Alternator (generator) ............. .I2 1.10
Alternator. basic .................... .I2 1.11
Alternator with multi-function
control (MFR)
...................... .I2 1.11
Water-cooled alternator ............... 121 -12
Charging System Troubleshooting . 121-12
Charging system quick-check .......... 121-13
Charging system. checking ............ 121-13
Alternator. removing and installing
(6-cylinder engine)
.................. 121 -1 5
Alternator. removing and installing
(M62 engine. air cooled)
.............. 121-16
Alternator. removing and installing
(M62 TU engine. water cooled) ......... 121-1 8
Starter ........................... 121 -1 9
Starter troubleshooting ............... 121 -1 9
Starter. removing and installing
(6-cylinder engine)
.................. 121-20
Starter. removing and installing
(V-8 engine)
........................ 121 -21
Solenoid switch. removing and installing . . 121-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
- -
Battery, Starter, Alternator
This section covers the battery, alternator, starter and associ-
ated components of the electrical system.
Troubleshooting information
forthese components isfound in
Table a. Battery, alternator and starter troubleshooting.
For additional electrical troubleshooting information, see
600 Electrical System-General.
Special tools
4 Automotive digital multimeter
CAUTION-
Only use a digital multirneter when testing automotive electri- I) cal components.
4 Closed-circuit current measurement adaptor
(Tool No.
BMW 61 2 300)
Engine electrical system
The alternator and starter are wired directly to the battery. To
prevent accidental shorts that might blow a fuse or damage
wires and electrical components, always disconnect the
negative
(-) battery cable before working on the electrical
system.
Various versions of alternators, voltage regulators, starters,
and batteries are used in
E39 cars. Replace components ac-
cording to the original equipment specification.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
@ TO fuse & relay panel Battery Safety Terminal
A Battery Safety Terminal (BST) controlled by the Multiple
Restraint System (MRS) control unit was introduced for mod-
el year 1998
vehicles. The system will disconnect electrical
power to the engine compartment
in the event of a significant
impact. The MRS system fires an encapsulated pyrotechnic
device
in the positive (+) battery terminal that disconnects
power to the engine compartment, but maintains power to
the exterior lights and interior of the vehicle.
point
002125~1
Table a. Battery, alternator and starter troubleshooting
1-
/Starter motor or solenoid faulty. l~est starter.
Symptom
Engine does not crank
Engine cranks slowly or
not at all, solenoid
clicits
when starter is operated.
I I
Battery will not stay IShort circuit draining battery. l~est for excessive current drain with everything
Probable cause
Fault
in immobilizer system (EWS)
-Clean Battery cables loose, dirty or corroded.
Battery discharged.
Battery to body ground cable in trunk
loose,
dirty or corroded
Poor connection at starter motor terminal
30.
Corrective action
Try another ignition key. If problem persists, contact
your authorized BMW dealer.
or replace cables. See 020
~aintenance.
Charge battery and test. Replace if necessary.
inspect ground cable. Clean, tighten or replace if
necessary.
Checlc connections, test for voltage at starter. Test for
voltage at neutral safety or clutch
interloclc switch.
charged more than a few
days.
I~atter~ faulty. /Test battery and replace if necessary.
Short driving trips and high electrical drain
on
charging system does not allow battery to
recharge.
. I
I Battery cables loose, dirty or corroded. Iclean or replace cables. See 020 Maintenance.
Evaluate driving
style. Where possible, reduce
electrical
consumption when malting short trips.
Drive
belt@) loose, worn or damaged.
IAlternator or voltage regulator faulty. /Test alternator and voltage regulator.
Inspect
or replace ribbed
belt@). See 020
Maintenance.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Battery, Starter, Alternator
Water-cooled alternator
The water-cooled alternator, used on 1999 and later M62 TU
engines, is a sealed unit housed inside the engine block wa-
ter jacket. It is cooled via the engine cooling system. It is a
"brushless" sealed unit that cannot be serviced. Maintaining
consistent alternator temperatures increases the life span of
the alternator, and elimination of the alternator cooling fan re-
duces alternator noise
significantly.
The M62 TU water-cooled alternator incorporates load start
reduction. This function is intended to shorten the duration of
engine starting, particularly at low ambienttemperatures. The
current load is limited to
20 amps during starting in order to re-
duce alternator braking torque on the engine. Following the
current limiting phase, full power output is then progressively
reached.
Charging system diagnostics requires special test equip-
ment. If the test equipment is not available, charging system
fault diagnosis can be performed by an authorized
BMW
dealer or other qualified repair shop. See Table a. Battery,
alternator and starter troubleshooting for general electri-
cal component troubleshooting.
Before checking the alternator, make sure the battery is fully
charged and capable of holding a charge. Check that the bat-
tery terminals are clean and tight and the alternator drive belt
is properly tensioned and not severely worn.
NOTE-
Some model require up to 15 second to reacli full alternator
output.
CA UTIOG
If the charge indicator light in the instrument cluster remains
on, the charge warning circuit in the instrument cluster may
be faulty. Check that the ground lead is securely
affached to
the grounding stud on the cylinder head
(A). Replacing the
instrument cluster before repairing the ground lead will both
damage the instrument cluster and cause the failure to
reoccur.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
Battery, Starter, Alternator
- Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following:
Replace alternator rubber sealing O-ring.
* Fill and bleed cooling system as described in 170 Radiator
and Cooling System.
Tightening torques
Fan clutch to coolant pump
with
BMW special tool 11 5 040 30 Nm (22 ft-lb)
without
BMW special tool 11 5 040 40 Nm (29 ft-lb)
Terminal 30 (Bc) wire to alternator (ME) 13 Nm (10 ft-lb)
STARTER
Starter troubleshooting
Typical starter wiring terminal identification is shown. Large
wire at terminal
30 (not shown in photo) is direct battery volt-
age. Smaller wire at terminal
50 operates starter solenoid via
ignition switch.
If starter turns engine slowly when ignition is in start position:
Check battery state of charge.
Inspect starter wires, terminals, and ground
connectlons
for good contact. In particular, make sure ground connec-
tions between battery, body and
englne are completely
clean and tight.
If no faults are found, starter may be faulty and should be
replaced.
- If starter fails to operate, check EWS (drive-away protection
system). Try another ignition key.
If no faults can be found,
have the EWS system checked using
BMW scan tool equip-
ment.
Checkclutch pedal operated
starter lock-out switch or gear
position switch (automatic).
NOTE-
* A factory-installed drive-away protection system, also re-
ferred to as
EWS, is used on E39 cars. This system pre-
vents operation of the starter if a specially coded ignition
key is not used.
On cars with automatic transmission, the transmission
gear position switch signals
EWS to prevent the engine
from starting in gear positions other than PARK or NEU-
TRAL.
On cars with manual transmissions, a starter immobiliza-
tion switch
at the clutch pedal is used to prevent the starter
from operating unless the clutch pedal is pushed fully to
the floor.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
130-2
/Fuel Injection
This repair group covers service and repair of the Bosch and
Siemens engine management systems used on
1997
through 2002 E39 models. Additional engine management
service and repair information may also be found in the fol-
lowing repair groups:
0 020 Maintenance
120 Ignition System
160 Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump
610 Electrical Component Locations
OBD On Board Diagnostics
NOTE-
Camshaft position sensor, crankshaft speed sensor and
knoclc sensors are covered in 120 Ignition System.
Table a. Engine management system applications
- - ~ ~
1 ~odellmodel year / Engine IDME system I - I
5281, 1997-1 998 IM52. 2.8 liter ISiemens MS 41 .I I 1
528i. 1999ZO00 1~52 TU, 2.8 liter ]siemens MS 42.0 I I
5251, 2001-2002 1~54, 2.5 liter 1 Siemens MS 43.0 I I
530i, 2001-2002 1~54, 3.0 liter ISiemens MS 43.0
5401 1999-2001 1~62 TU, 4.4 liter l~osch ME 7.2
I
OBI) II software and hardware is incorporated in the engine
management control systems. The
OED II system monitors
components that influence exhaust and evaporative emis-
sions. If a problem is detected, the
OED I1 system stores the
associated fault code and condition.
540i. 1997
4 If vehicle emission levels exceed 1.5 times Federally mandat-
ed criteria, the
OED II system illuminates a malfunction indi-
cator light
(MIL) in the instrument cluster.
For the
E39 cars covered by this manual, three different
MIL symbols were used, depending on year and model.
See illustration.
When faults arise, or if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is
illuminated, begin troubleshooting by connecting BMW ser-
vice tester
DISplus, MoDiC, GTl or equivalent scan tool. The
capabilities of OBD
II software has the potential to save hours
540i. 1998 IM62, 4.4 liter /Bosch M5.2.1
M62, 4.4 liter Bosch M5.2

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
130-6
Fuel Injection
Fuel supply to the injection system is provided by a high pres-
sure electric pump mounted inside the fuel tank. The pump is
powered via the fuel pump relay. If the relay is faulty, the fuel
pump will not run and the engine will not start.
NOTE-
* Fuel delivery volume and fuel pressure are critical to prop-
er operation. Fuel pressure direcfly influences fuel deliv-
ery
Fuel pump relay, fuel pressure and fuel volume tests are
given in 160 Fuel Tank and Fuel Pump.
Relieving system fuel pressure
The fuel system retains fuel pressure in the system when the
engine is off. To prevent fuel from spraying on a hot engine,
system fuel pressure should be relieved beforedisconnecting
fuel lines. One method is to tightly wrap
ashop towel around a
fuel line fitting and loosen or disconnect the fitting. Cleanli-
ness is essential when working with fuel components. Thor-
oughly clean the unions before disconnecting fuel lines.
When system faults are detected, a diagnostic trouble code
(DTC) is stored in the engine control module (ECM). The MIL
also iiluminates if an emissions-related fault is detected
When faults arise, or if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is
illuminated, begin troubleshooting by connecting BMW ser-
vice tester
DISplus. MoDiC, GTI or equivalent scan tool. The
capabilities of OBD
II software has the potential to save hours
of diagnostic time and to help avoid incorrect component re-
placement and possible damage to system components.
CAUTION-
- The tests in this section may set fault codes (DTCs) in the
ECM and illuminate the
MIL. Affer all testing is completed,
access and clear DJC fault memory using an
OED I1 or
BMW compatible scan tool. See OBD On-Board Diag-
nostics.
0 Only use a digital multimeter for electrical tests.
. Relay positions can vary Be sure to confirm relay posi-
tion by identifying the wiring in the socket using the wir-
ing diagrams found in ELE Electrical Wiring
Diagrams.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
- -.
Fuel Injection
SIEMENS MIS 42.0 AND 43.0
When system faults are detected, a diagnostic trouble code
(DTC) is stored in the engine control module (ECM). The MIL
also illuminates
if an emissions-related fault is detected.
When faults arise, or
if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is
illuminated, begin troubleshooting by connecting BMW ser-
vice tester
DISplus, MoDiC, GTI or equivalent scan tool. The
capabilities of OBD
II software has the potential to save hours
of diagnostic time and to help avoid incorrect component re-
placement and possible damage to system components.
CAUTION-
* The tests in this section may set fault codes (DTCs) in tlie
ECM and illuminate the MIL. After all testing is completed,
access and clear DTC fault
memory using an OBD I/ or
BMW compatible scan tool. See
OBD On-Board Diag-
nostics.
Only use a
dgital multimeter for electrical tests.
Relay positions can vary. Be sure to confirm
relayposi-
tion by identifying the wiring in the socket using the wir-
ing diagrams found in
ELE Electrical Wiring
Diagrams.
NOTE-
- OBD I1 fault memory. (including an illuminated MIL! can
only be reset using the special scan tool. Removing the
connector from the ECM or disconnecting the battery will
not erase the fault memory.
The BMW-dedicated 20-pin diagnostic
linlc connector
(DLC) is in the right rear of the engine compartment The
20-pin DLC is discontinued on models after
6/2000.
The 1 &pin OBD I1 diagnostic connector (arrow) is located
inside the car on the lower left dash panel.
The MS
42.0 and MS 43.0 systems manage the following
functions.
- Air:
Idle speed valve
Electronic throttle
Hot film mass air flow (MAF) sensor
Resonance-turbulence intake control
- Fuel:
* Fuel supply
Running losseslnon return
Fuel injection

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine
130-46
Fuel Injection
When system faults are detected, a diagnostic trouble code
(DTC) is stored in the engine control module (ECM). The MIL
also illuminates if an emissions-related fault is detected.
When faults arise, or
if the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is
illuminated, begin troubleshooting by connecting BMW ser-
vice tester
DISplus. MoDiC, GTI or equivalent scan tool. The
capabilities of
OED II software has the potential to save hours
of diagnostic time and to help avoid incorrect component re-
placement and possible damage to system components.
CA UTIOiU-
The tests in this section may set fault codes (DTCs) in the
ECM and illuminate the MIL. After ail testing is completed,
access and clear DTC fault
memory using an OED I/ or
BMW compatible scan tool. See OBD On-Board Diag-
nostics.
Only use a digital
multimeter for electrical tests.
Relay positions can vary. Be sure to confirm relay
posi-
. tion by identifying the wiring in the socket using the wir-
ing diagrams-found in ~~~~lectrical Wiring
Diagrams.
NOTE-
OED I1 fault memory (including an illuminated MIL) can
only be reset
using~the special scan tool. Removing the
connector from the ECM or disconnecting the battery will
not erase the fault
memory.
The BMW-dedicated 20-pin diagnostic link connector
(DLC) is in the right rear of the engine compartment.
The 16-pin OBD
I1 diagnostic connector (arrow) is located
inside the car on
the lower left dash panel.