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C3169 BMW Fault Code

Check C3169 OBD Fault Code Reason
Description:

Catalytic converters must be warm before they can work properly. On a cold start the PCM provides a rich mixture to keep the cold engine running.
All that extra fuel goes into the catalytic converter. But the exhaust isn't very hot, because, ah, the engine is pretty cold. GM has employed several strategies to fire up the catalytic converter quicker and reduce cold start emissions. One way is to use a secondary air pump that pumps outside air directly into the catalytic converter.

C3169 Code Symptoms :

See C3169 in engine

When you turn on the ignition, the Service Engine Soon or Check Engine C3169 light should flash briefly, indicating that the OBD system is ready to scan your vehicle for any malfunctions. After this brief flash, the light should stay off while you drive as long as no problems are detected. If so, you'll be glad to know that your vehicle is equipped with an early warning system that could save you time, money, and fuel in addition to helping protect the C3169!

Diagnosis And Repairing C3169

C3169 OBD2 specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing. In this case, if the cam timing is over-retarded, the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set.

How to fix C3169 code ?

See C3169 repair manual
  • Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
  • Faulty Air Flow Meter
  • Insufficient cylinders compression
  • Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) position circuit poor electrical connection

Gear changes are accomplished by a command from the BMW TCM to energize the clutch actuator to release the clutch; after which various actuators inside the transmission disengage the current gear, and depending on current operating conditions, engage the next higher or lower gear ratio. All of this happens much faster than a human driver could change gears, and in most applications, gear changes are as smooth and seamless as on any fully automatic transmission.

BMW Cars that meet C3169 error