2003 BMW X5 P1632 / Engine Failsafe

140,000 MILES • 3.0L • 6 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
GFAMULTRA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Driving car one day and the Fail safe flashed on for a sec. Drove normal after that. Parked for 4 hours then drove again for approx 5 mins, accelerated and then the Fail safe mode reappeared and then went into limp mode. Ran a scan and got the a code of 1632. Checked battery, had a low charge, charged up (thinking this was problem), replaced in car then started car up, but cycled the key for a few turns and code reappeared once more, car idles between 500 and 1000 rpm (stutters like its going to stall) then there is a slight backfire noise coming from the front of engine, (bad spark Plug?). No throttle response or brake pressure. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Jan 26, 2015 at 9:18 AM
Avatar
JOHNNYT73
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 924 POSTS
From what info I can find. It states that this is throttle actuator issue. I would first check to see if you have any cracks in your intake tube that is allowing in any un-metered air behind the MAF sensor. Check wiring at the throttle body for any breaks or exposed wire. If all good, I would try to get some throttle body cleaner and cleaning the throttle body and see if that helps. After cleaning try doing the throttle reset procedure.."With the car off, turn the ignition to the second position for 10 seconds(do not start) then turn the ignition off for 10 seconds. Then start the car immediately."
Jan 26, 2015 at 10:25 PM
Avatar
GFAMULTRA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the prompt response, really appreciate it, will do what you have proposed, but first got to remove a gasket that has the butterfly valve stuck open. Ironically I had found the solution earlier but was not sure, when remove the upper intake boot and stuck my hand down into the lower boot(pain removing) I felt the gasket there. Here is a post from another site that actually showed the entire thing in detail: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/x5-e53-forum/88939-engine-failsafe-prog-solved.html
Go to lower part of page with the pics and you will see my issue, now trying to move butterfly valve so that I can actually remove the gasket and replace. A minor thing that caused a major headache, but thankfully not one in the pocket as a dealer would have probably charged me the sticker price of the car. And thanks again
Jan 27, 2015 at 12:44 AM
Avatar
JOHNNYT73
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 924 POSTS
ok, It seems as if that may be your real issue.
Jan 27, 2015 at 10:09 AM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle