P138F BMW Fault Code

Description:

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit High Input Indicates the sensor signal is greater than Self-Test maximum. The ECT sensor maximum is 4.6 volts or -50 C (-58 F). Note on some vehicles that are not equipped with an ECT sensor, CHT can be used and can set this DTC. Open circuit in harness Sensor signal short to power Damaged PCM Improper harness connection Damaged sensor ECT V PID reading greater than 4.6 volts with key ON and engine OFF or during any engine operating mode indicates a hard fault.

P138F Code Symptoms :

OBD P138F code and tailpipe testing are two different approaches to identify vehicles in need of repair. The OBD system looks for broken or malfunctioning emissions control components and P138F, while tailpipe tests sample a vehicle's exhaust to see if it is above or below certain prescribed limits. Given the robust nature of today's emissions control components, it is entirely possible for an individual component to malfunction without leading to an immediate increase in emissions at the tailpipe.

In such cases, other components (like the catalyst) can temporarily compensate for the part that is broken however, these other components can only do double duty for so long before they, too, begin to malfunction. In addition, OBD also monitors for and other malfunctions in the fuel system problems that traditional tailpipe tests were not designed to identify. Most state and local areas also include a gas cap pressure test as part of an emission inspection.

Diagnosis And Repairing P138F

P138F OBD2 reports a sensor fault, replacement of the sensor is unlikely to resolve the underlying problem. The fault is most likely to be caused by the systems that the sensor is monitoring, but might even be caused by the wiring to the sensor itself.

How to fix P138F code ?

• Camshaft advance mechanism binding (VCT unit)
• Exhaust tube
• EVAP canister or fuel tank leaks
• Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) position circuit is open or shorted

As long as the throttle plate remains closed, the idling speed and quality is controlled by the PCM via the idle control valve, and as can be seen from the above it should be clear that idle control on a gasoline engine is a complex affair.

For instance, if the engine is started in sub-zero temperatures, the PCM will command the idling control valve to allow less air to enter the engine to enrich the air/fuel mixture to create a condition which is roughly analogous to how chokes worked on carburetted engines to control idling in cold weather.