BMW 318ic 1992 Repair Manual download pdf (Page 19)

Appendix

Common Problems /Troubleshooting

E10 ERROR MESSAGE ON TOOL:

"E" means the car is not responding to the tool: This often happens when the data line (also

called "diagnostic bus") inside the car is "hung" or disabled. Occasionally the R5/FCX will

display the message "E" followed by a number (most commonly 10 or 11) when an attempt is

made to read codes or to reset the MIL light (Check Engine or Service Engine Soon)

Things To Try to Resolve the Flashing “E”:

1.) Insertion Depth: Check the insertion depth of the R5/fcx. If it is not fully inserted the unit will

not work. See page 40.

2.) Reversing the power-up sequence: Plug in the R5/FCX first, THEN turn on the ignition

key. This is the opposite of the routine specified by the manual and the tool label. This

procedure has proven very effective on some cars.

3.) Pin 19: Observe that pin 19 of your diagnostic connector is not recessed. A number of

models in the early 1990s had pin 19 improperly installed.

4.) Cycle power: Plug in tool, cycle the ignition key on and off two or three times (do not start

engine)

5.) Other warning lights: Observe that no other malfunction indicator lights are on. Often a

malfunctioning module (i.e. DME, EGS/transmission, ABS traction control, etc...) can impair or

“hang” the diagnostic bus.

6.) Power resetting of all modules (entire car)

Note: before doing this procedure, get your radio security code from the dealer.

a.) Disconnect the main car battery.

b.) Activate the emergency flasher lights (this will fully drain all power from all ECUs) wait

5 minutes

c.) Reconnect the main battery and try the tool again.

7.) Module Troubleshooting: If you suspect a particular module is malfunctioning or damaged,

you may wish to consult repair documentation for the car (see page 40) and attempt to isolate

the problem by removing the module from the diagnostic bus. WARNING: This procedure is for

qualified mechanics only.

ABS service bulletin 34 01 96: BMW circulated a service bulletin and low cost repair advice

detailing the malfunction of the ABS unit ground wiring which caused diagnostic bus problems

on a large number of BMWs. This is often the problem on BMWs built prior to 10/1994 that are

getting the "E" message on the R5/fcx code tool. (Please do not Contact Peake Research for

AB02, adapts FCX

to pre-1988

service bulletins. Contact Central Letter Shop (see page 40), BMWs authorized publication

vendor 1-800-695-0079, or 973-808-8339, 9:00am - 4:30pm EST)

8.) Trying the tool on a similar BMW

If you have access to s similar BMW, you can rule out the tool as the source of the problem by

trying it on that car. If it eighter reads or resets without the E message, then you can narrow

your attention to the car.

The R5/fcx will not serve it's intended purpose if the diagnostic bus is impaired by a

malfunctioning control module. If one of the modules is inhibiting communications it is necessary

to visit a BMW dealer or qualified repair facility to diagnose and fix/replace the bad module.

ENGINE LAMP WILL NOT RESET:

When the MIL is on, will not reset, yet no codes are found this can be caused by one of two

things; most common: the car has automatic transmission related faults which can occasionally

trigger an engine MIL. Another possible cause is the engine MIL circuit from the Engine ECU to

the instrument cluster is open.

SERVICE LIGHT BATTERY PROBLEMS:

(note: only applies to BMWs older than 1989) The R5/FCX is not giving error messages and

appears to be working normally but one of the following conditions occurs: a.) The reset seemed

successful but the service lights come back on shortly after the reset was done. b.) The service

lights stay on while the ignition is off and the key is out of the ignition switch. c.) The service

lights flash off and on. d.) The service lights will not reset at all. e.) The tachometer, temperature

gauge, or fuel economy gauge seem erratic (meter needle jumps rapidly) or have quit working

completely. The list of problems above indicates a dying or dead backup battery on your S.I.

(Service Interval) computer circuit board. When this "backup" battery dies, the S.I. computer

has to re-start every time you start your car, at which point an "Inspection" light will be

indicated. Winter storage without a trickle charger is the most common cause of premature S.I.

battery failure. These specialized batteries have a life expectancy of approximately 4 to 7 years.

Replacing the S.I. batteries takes about 90 minutes from start to finish and requires that you

know how to operate a soldering iron. A battery replacement kit is available for most pre 1989

models from Peake Research Corp.

WRONG PLUG STYLE: THE TOOL DOESN’T FIT THE CAR.

If the tool does not fit the connector in the car please read the following guidelines which detail

the possible causes:

1.) You may not have found the correct diagnostic plug (please closely review the illustrations

on page 3 and 4)

2.) The BMW is 1988 or older and equipped with the 15 pin plug, which

the R5/FCX will not fit. An adaptor is available (see image at right) to

adapt the R5/FCX back to the older BMW for service light reset only,

but no codes can be read on BMWs with the 15 pin connector built

1987 or earlier.

3.) The tool is not equipped with the correct connector - there are two

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BMW 318ic 1992 Repair Manual Page 19

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