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P0279 BMW Fault Code

Check P0279 OBD Fault Code Reason
Description:

BMW HO2S Sensor Circuit Malfunction (HO2S-11) During testing the HO2S Heaters are checked for opens/shorts and excessive current draw.
The BMW test fails when current draw exceeds a calibrated limit and/or an open or short is detected. Short to VPWR in harness or HO2S. Water in harness connector. Open VPWR circuit. Open GND circuit. Low battery voltage. Corrosion or poor mating terminals and wiring Damaged HO2S heater. Damaged PCM.

P0279 Code Symptoms :

See P0279 in engine

There are currently two main types of cylinder deactivation used today, depending on the type of engine. P0279 code for the pushrod design which uses solenoids to alter the oil pressure delivered to the lifters. In their collapsed state, the lifters are unable to elevate their companion pushrods under the valve rocker arms, resulting in valves that cannot be actuated and remain closed.

Diagnosis And Repairing P0279

P0279 OBD2 specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing. In this case, if the cam timing is over-retarded, the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set.

How to fix P0279 code ?

See P0279 repair manual
  • Damaged camshaft position (CMP) sensor
  • 1Camshaft Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Starting system circuit Dead (Weak) battery

One example of this would be when an bmw automatic car in placed in gear. To prevent the added drag from the torque converter and transmission from reducing the idling speed, the PCM will command the idle control valve to allow more air to enter the engine, while at the same time, adjusting the injector pulse width to inject more fuel to suit the increased amount of air. Note that the idle air control valve is closed by the PCM when the throttle plate is opened to prevent excess air from entering the engine.

BMW Cars that meet P0279 error