1999 BMW 540i warning light

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120-3
Ignition System
Warnings and cautions
The ignition system produces dangerous high voltage. In ad-
dition the sensitive electronic components can be damaged
if
proper precautions are not adhered to.
WARNING-
* Do not touch or disconnect any cables from the coils while
the engine is running or being
cranked by the starter.
The ignition system produces high voltages that can be
fatal. Avoid contact with exposed terminals. Use ex-
treme caution when working on a car with the ignition
switched on or the engine running.
- Connect and disconnect tlie DME system wiring and
test equipment leads only when the ignition is
OFF:
Before operating the starter without starting the engine
(for example when
making a compression test) always
disable the ignition.
CA
U TIOW-
Do not attempt to disable the ignition by removing the coils
from the spark plugs.
Connect or disconnect ignition system wires, multiple
wire connectors, and ignition test equipment leads only
while the ignition is
off Switch multimeter functions or
measurement ranges only with the test probes discon-
nected.
* Do not disconnect the battery while the engine is run-
ning.
A high impedance digital multimeter should be used for
all voltage and resistance tests. An LED test light
should be used in place of an incandescent-type test
lamp.
In general, make test connections only as specified by
BMW as described in this manual, or as described by
the instrument manufacturer.
Engine management
BMW €39 engines use an advanced engine management
system known as Digital Motor Electronics (DME). DME in-
corporates on-board diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition and
other engine control functions. DME variants are listed in
Table a. Engine management systems.
Second generation On-Board Diagnostics
(OED II) is incor-
porated into the engine management systems used on the
cars covered by this manual. Use a BMW-specific electronic
scan tool, or a "Generic"
OED II scan tool to access Diagnos-
tic Trouble Codes (DTCs). DTCs can help pinpoint ignition
ine management problems.

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120-6
lgnition System
lgnition system, troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ignition system faults should begin with an
interrogation of the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD
II) system.
The OBD
II system detects ignition system misfire and other
related faults. When faults are detected, the OBD
II system
stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the Engine Con-
trol Module (ECM) along with other pertinent fault information.
4 In addition, the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will come on
if an emissions related fault is detected. Additional OBD
II in-
formation, including a DTC lookup table, can be found in
OED On-Board Diagnostics.
NOTE-
BMWmodels covered in this manual were equipped with one
of three versions of
MIL warning lights (as shown).
Misfire detection
Engine m~sfire in one or more cylinders, may be caused by a
var~ety of malfunctions in various subsystems. The OBD II
system ~ncorporated into the engine management systems is
des~gned to detect and warn of misfire faults during englne
operat~on. See OED On Board Diagnostics.
WARNING -
lgnition misfires can cause high hydrocarbon exhaust emis-
sions andcatalytic converter damage. For this reason, if a se-
vere misfire is detected, the fuel injector
will be turned off to
the specific cylinder and the
MIL will be illuminated. A misfire
may also produce an overheated catalytic converter, which
can be a fire hazard.
Oscilloscope diagnostic diagrams
One way to diagnose a faulty coil is to use an oscilloscope to
analyze spark quality with the engine running.
See Table b. lgnition secondary voltage diagnostics for
list of common ignition
coil voltage faults and related causes.

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120-1 2
ignition System
Crankshaftspeedsensor
Crankshaft speed sensor, replacing (M52, M52 TU and
M54 engines)
4 Crankshaft speed sensor for 6-cylinder engine is mounted in
the left rear side of the cylinder block below the starter (ar-
row). The sensor reads a toothed pulse wheel mounted to
the end of the crankshaft.
- if the Engine Control Module (ECM) does not receive a signal
from the crankshaft speed sensor during cranking, the en-
gine will not start.
- If the OBD II svstem misfire detection ~rotocol detects a cat- - - ~~
alysr oarnagin; faLlt oJe to a ma I-nclion in crandshafi speeo
sensor components. Ine Check Engine
lignr (Malfuncrion In-
dicator Light or MIL) will be illuminated.
NOTE-
If the crankshaft speed sensor pulse wheel is damaged, the
engine will have to be disassembled down to the crankshaft
to
reolace the wheel.
- Make certain ignition has been turned off.
- Raise car and support in a safe manner.
WARNING -
Make sure the car is stable and well supported at all times.
Use a professional automotive lift orjacltstands designed for
the ouroose.
A floor iaclc is not adequate support.
- Remove under engine splash guard
4 Working underneath starter:
Cut off wire tie securing crankshaft speed sensor harness
connector (arrow) to sensor.
* Disconnect harness connector.
4 Remove sensor mounting fastener (arrow) and remove sen-
sor from cylinder block.
- Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following:
Use a new O-ring when installing sensor.
Be sure wiring is routed in same orientation.
Secure sensor using new wire ties.
Use scan tool to read out and clear ECM fault memory.

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Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
WARNING-
Always wear protective goggles and clothing when perform-
ing a load test.
Table
d. Battery load test - minimum voltage
Ambient temperature Voltage*
27
" C (80" F) 9.6 V
-I 8' C (0"
F) 8.5 V
* Measure
after applying a 200 amp load for 15 seconds.
Closed-circuit current measurement
If the vehicle battery is discharged for an unknown reason,
perform a closed-circuit current measurement as the first test.
For diagnostic purposes, it is important to not disconnect the
battery. Disconnecting the battery may reset a faulty control
unit, preventing proper diagnosis.
The following test is generally completed overnight using a
multimeterwith a closed circuitcurrent measurement adaptor
with a recording function
- Check that battery voltage is 12 volts or higher. If lower,
recharge battery.
- Switch off electrical consumers (interior lights, telephone,
aftermarket equipment, or others).
- Open luggage compartment and remove battery trim panel.
Use screwdriver to lock latch on trunk lid or hatch, simulating
closed luggage compartment. Close other doors.
- Open driver's door, then close it, simulating driver entering
vehicle.
- Switch ignition to RUN position for at least five seconds, then
turn ignition to OFF position. This simulates driving vehicle.
- Open and close driver's door, simulating driver leaving
vehicle.
- Lock car and arm alarm.
- Wait at least 16 minutes for consumer cut-off.

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Battery, Starter, Alternator
Water-cooled alternator
The water-cooled alternator, used on 1999 and later M62 TU
engines, is a sealed unit housed inside the engine block wa-
ter jacket. It is cooled via the engine cooling system. It is a
"brushless" sealed unit that cannot be serviced. Maintaining
consistent alternator temperatures increases the life span of
the alternator, and elimination of the alternator cooling fan re-
duces alternator noise
significantly.
The M62 TU water-cooled alternator incorporates load start
reduction. This function is intended to shorten the duration of
engine starting, particularly at low ambienttemperatures. The
current load is limited to
20 amps during starting in order to re-
duce alternator braking torque on the engine. Following the
current limiting phase, full power output is then progressively
reached.
Charging system diagnostics requires special test equip-
ment. If the test equipment is not available, charging system
fault diagnosis can be performed by an authorized
BMW
dealer or other qualified repair shop. See Table a. Battery,
alternator and starter troubleshooting for general electri-
cal component troubleshooting.
Before checking the alternator, make sure the battery is fully
charged and capable of holding a charge. Check that the bat-
tery terminals are clean and tight and the alternator drive belt
is properly tensioned and not severely worn.
NOTE-
Some model require up to 15 second to reacli full alternator
output.
CA UTIOG
If the charge indicator light in the instrument cluster remains
on, the charge warning circuit in the instrument cluster may
be faulty. Check that the ground lead is securely
affached to
the grounding stud on the cylinder head
(A). Replacing the
instrument cluster before repairing the ground lead will both
damage the instrument cluster and cause the failure to
reoccur.

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Battery, Starter, ~lternatorl
Charging system quick-check
Use a digital multimeter to measure voltage across the bat-
tery terminals with key off and then again with engine running.
Battery voltage should be about 12.6 volts with key off and be-
tween 13.5 and 14.5 volts with engine running.
NOTE-
The regulated voltage (engine running) should be between
13.2 and 14.5, depending on temperature andoperating con-
ditions.
If the voltage is higher than 14.8, the voltage regula-
tor or
mulitfunction controller is most likely faulty
Check for clean and tight battery cables. Check ground cable
running from negative
(-) battery terminal to chassis and
ground cable running from engine to chassis. Check alterna-
tor drive belt condition and tension.
Charging system, checking
CAUTIOI\C
* Do not disconnect the battery while the engine is running.
Damage to the alternator and/or engine electronic systems
may result.
Only use a digital multimeter when testing charging
system components.
--7
4 Turn ignition key on. Check that battery warning light comes
on.
NOTE-
If the warning light does not come on, repair bulb or wiring
faults before continuing to checlc the charging system.
/ Charge indicator
502820805
4 6-cylinder engines only, remove complete air filter housing:
Loosen
intake duct hose clamp (A) at throttle assembly.
Loosen clamp and remove idle control hose from intake
duct
(B) and disconnect idle speed control valve electrical
harness connector.
Disconnect electrical harness connector
(C) from mass air
flow sensor.
Remove air filter housing mounting screw
(D).
Disconnect vent tube (E).
Loosen air intake duct clamp (F).
Carefully lift air filter housing out of engine bay.

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Fuel Injection
Warnings and cautions
For personal safety, as well as the protection of sensitive
electronic components, adhere to the warnings and cautions
on the following pages.
WARNING-
Gasoline is highly flammable and its vapors are explosive.
Do not smoke or work on a car near heaters or other fire
hazards when diagnosing and repairing fuel system prob-
lems. Have a fire extinguisher available in case of an emer-
gency
Renew fuel system hoses, clamps and O-rings any
time they are removed.
When working on an open fuel system, wear suitable
hand protection, as prolonged contact
with fuel can
cause illnesses and skin disorders.
* The ignition system produces high voltages that can be
fatal. Avoid contact with exposed terminals. Use ex-
treme caution when
working on a car with the ignition
switched on or the engine running.
CAUTION-
- Disconnecting the battery may erase fault code($ storedin
memory Check for fault codes prior to disconnecting the
battery cables. Read the battery disconnection cautions in
001 General Warnings and Cautions.
a Connect and disconnect the DME system wiring and
1 test equipment leads only when the ignition is switched
off.
Wait at least 1 minute after turning off the ignition be-
fore removing the engine control module (ECM) con-
nector. If the connector is removed before this time,
residualpower in the system relay may damage the
control module.
Fuel system cleaners and other chemical additives oth-
er than those specifically recommended by BMW may
damage the catalytic converter, the oxygen sensor or
other fuel supply components.
* Do not connect any test equipment that delivers a 12-
volt power supply to terminal 15 (+) of the ignition coil.
The current flow may damage the ECM. In general,
connect test equipment only as specified by BMW or
the equipment maker.
Only use a digital
multirneter for electrical tests. Only
use an LED test light for
quiclc tests.

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I Fuel Injection
Release injector locking clips at each injector and pry injector
wiring duct up off injectors.
Clamp off fuel supply line and fuel return line at end of fuel
rail. Disconnect fuel supply fuel return lines from fuel rail.
WARNING -
Clamp off the fuel lines and then wrap a clean shop towel
around the lines before removing them. Residual
fuelpres-
sure is present in the lines.
Fuel is discharged. Do not disconnect any wires that
could cause electrical
sparks. Do not smoke or work
near heaters or other fire hazards. Keep an approved
I fire extinguisher handy. I
- Remove fuel rail mounting fasteners
- Pull up on fuel rail and remove individual injectors by remov-
ing injector retaining clip and pulling injector from rail.
- Installation is reverse of removal. Fit new O-rings when in-
stalling injectors. For ease of installation, lightly lubricate in-
jector O-ring with
SAE9O gear lube.
Tightening torque Fuel rail to
intake manifold 10 Nm (89 in-lb)
Evaporative emissions, overview
On E39 MS 41 .I cars, the evaporative emissions system is
combined with the tank ventilation system. The evaporative
system is monitored by the ECM for correct purge operation
and leak detection.
The carbon (purge) canister is purged using engine vacuum
via the
purgevalve.The purgevalve (located nextto the mass
airflow sensor) is ECM controlled and regulates the purge
flow into the intake manifold. The valve is powered open and
closed by an internal spring.
If the evaporative emission valve circuit is faulty, a fault code
is set and the MIL is illuminated when OBD
II fault criteria are
exceeded. If the valve is mechanically faulty, poor driveability
may result and a mixture adaptation fault is stored in the
ECM.
The leak diagnosis pump (LDP) is activated by the ECM and
pressurizes the fuel tank and evaporative system as apart of
theOED I1 leakdetection monitor. If the LDP orthe LDP circuit
is defective, afault code is set and the MIL is illuminated when
OBD
I1 fault criteria are exceeded. The LDP is mounted the
left rear wheel well behind the fender liner.