Gathering codes on a BMW made before 1995 is performed using the check engine light in the instrument cluster. This guide will take you through a highly detailed, technical, step-by-step process to gather these codes.
1. Locate the 20-pin round diagnostic connector which is typically located under the hood near the fuse box or the engine bay.
2. Remove the diagnostic connector cover to expose the pins inside. Refer to your service manual to identify the ground pin and the diagnostic request pin. Commonly, pin 7 is the diagnostic request pin, and pin 19 is the ground pin. If you are unsure of the pin location please ask one of our experts to help.
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3. Insert a jumper wire or paper clip into the diagnostic request pin (pin 7). Connect the other end to the ground pin (pin 19). This action will allow you to access the OBD1 codes.
4. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position, without starting the engine. The Check Engine Light (CEL) on the dashboard should begin to flash. Recorded the number of times the check engine light flashes.
5. The first set of blinks will give the first digit of the trouble code, there will be a pause and then it will restart blinking. This will be the beginning of the next code digit and so on. For example: twelve flashes followed by fifteen more flashes the code number is 1215.
6. Once repairs are completed, clear the codes by disconnecting the battery for five minutes and you are all set.
Tools and Materials Needed
- OBD1 code reader (specific for BMW if possible)
- Paper clip or jumper wire
- Notebook and pen
Code Definitions
1211 - DME (Digital Motor Electronics) Control Unit
1212 - Lambda (Oxygen) Sensor 1
1213 - Lambda (Oxygen) Sensor 2
1215 - Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
1216 - Throttle Position Switch (TPS)
1218 - Output Stage, Group 1
1219 - Output Stage, Group 2
1221 - Oxygen (Lambda) Sensor 1
1222 - Oxygen (Lambda) Sensor Control 1
1223 - Coolant Temperature Sensor
1224 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor
1225 - Knock Sensor 1
1226 - Knock Sensor 2
1227 - Knock Sensor 3
1228 - Knock Sensor 4
1231 - Battery Voltage/DME Main Relay
1232 - Speedometer A Signal
1233 - Fuel Injector Output Stage
1234 - Alternator
1237 - Oxygen (Lambda) Heater
1241 - Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
1242 - A/C Compressor Cut Off
1243 - Crankshaft Pulse Sensor
1244 - Camshaft Sensor
1245 - Control Unit Supply
1247 - Ignition Secondary Monitor
1251 - Fuel Injector 1 (or group 1)
1252 - Fuel Injector 2 (or group 2)
1253 - Fuel Injector 3
1254 - Fuel Injector 4
1255 - Fuel Injector 5
1256 - Fuel Injector 6
1257 - Fuel Injector 7
1258 - Fuel Injector 8
1261 - Fuel Pump Relay Control
1262 - Idle Speed Actuator
1263 - Purge Valve
1264 - Oxygen (Lambda) Sensor Heater Relay
1265 - Check Engine Lamp
1266 - VANOS
1267 - Air Pump Relay
1271 - Ignition Coil 1
1272 - Ignition Coil 2
1273 - Ignition Coil 3
1274 - Ignition Coil 4
1275 - Ignition Coil 5
1276 - Ignition Coil 6
1277 - Ignition Coil 7
1278 - Ignition Coil 8
1281 - Control Unit Memory Supply
1282 - Fault Code Memory
1283 - Fuel Injector Output Stage
1286 - Knock Control Test Pulse
1288 - Knock Control Module
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Credits
This guide knowledge base was created by the 2CarPros Team, and by Ken Lavacot: Automobile repair shop owner and certified master automobile technician of over 30 years. If you have question or need help please ask one of our experts we are happy to help. Please visit our 2CarPros YouTube Channel.
Article published 2024-05-31
