stomp test?

[schnell944]

I performed the stomp test for the first time on my '90 535 per the instructions on bmwe34.net. All that happens is that the check engine light goes through a flashing sequence. No codes appear on the display. Did I do it right? I read that 1444 is supposed to show if there are no faults. TIA!

[Antrieb]

The CEL flashing IS the code!
For instance...

Flashes once then briefly stops, flashes twice then briefly stops, flashes once then briefly stops, flashes three times then stops, then repeats the whole sequence again.

What, did you think you were going to see actual numbers?

[Milkboot]

http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/engine_codes.htm'


This might help some :)

[schnell944]

i thought that this might be the code. yes, I DID think I would see actual numbers. the display tells me when my washer fluid was low, etc, so I thought it would would display the numbers, as well, rather than blinking a code out.

[schnell944]

OK, so I properly read it. It's showing a 1222 code. Lambda Control 1. This has to do with the O2 sensor, no? The car seems to run fine, plenty of power. Haven't seen the check engine light come on while driving. Anyone know what should be done? Should I clear it out and see if I get it later? The O2 sensors have not been replaced while I've owned it (for about 30k mi and 4 years) Thanks for any insights.

[BillionPa]

lambda control doesnt necessarily mean its the O2 sensor, it just means the sensor thinks your AF ratio is outside the normal operating range. this can signify fuel system or vacuum leaks. the condition of your spark plugs may be able to narrow that down.

although if the previous owner followed normal replacement intervals, you are a few thousand miles (or maybe much more) past due for a new one anyway, so id replace it.

i would unplug the ECU and put the battery on trickle charge while you change it, so when you start the car up again the computer will relearn from scratch rather than trying to adjust to a radically different input signal.

[SnakeyesTx]

I get a 1221 code which is the sensor-specific code for oxygen sensors. I know for sure that this is a true code since coolant got to it when the head gave out. :D I'd try Billionpa's suggestion since your code wasn't specific to the oxygen sensor.

[schnell944]

thanks! another question....how/when can I reset the stored code memory? The CEL blinks out the code then stays on for a longer period then blinks the 1222 code again and again. at what point should I depress the pedal over 10 sec? I read the e34.net instructions but don't really follow.

[swenpro]

stomp test never works for me!! :( Key position 2, accelerator 5 times to the floor within 5 secs. Do I need to do a rain dance as well??

EDIT: I know my bulb works too, because the check engine light has been on now since the last time I filled up gas.

[Yiorgos]

swenpro, stomp tests are only for US model E34s.

Are you sure your E34 is US-spec?

Either that, or you're not stomping quick enough ;)

[E34 530]

stomp test never works for me!! :( Key position 2, accelerator 5 times to the floor within 5 secs. Do I need to do a rain dance as well??

EDIT: I know my bulb works too, because the check engine light has been on now since the last time I filled up gas.

Me neither. My light also works because it lights up on the dash when the key is in position 2. Don't know what I'm doing wrong.

[shogun]

Just buy a Peake fault check tool, much easier to handle. You plug it into the diagnostic box, select what it should do, push 'go' and that's it.

You can also delete stored faults from the DME, reset oil and service light with the same tool.
Only for airbag reset there is another tool necessary.