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P0E31 BMW Fault Code

Check P0E31 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.

P0E31 Code Symptoms :

See P0E31 in engine

There are currently two main types of cylinder deactivation used today, depending on the type of engine. P0E31 code for the pushrod design which uses solenoids to alter the oil pressure delivered to the lifters. In their collapsed state, the lifters are unable to elevate their companion pushrods under the valve rocker arms, resulting in valves that cannot be actuated and remain closed.

Diagnosis And Repairing P0E31

P0E31 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 P0E31 code ?

See P0E31 repair manual
  • Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
  • Clogged or faulty fuel injector (s)
  • Oil Control Valve (OCV) circuit is open or shorted

One example of this would be when an bmw automatic car in placed in gear. To prevent the added drag from the torque converter and transmission from reducing the idling speed, the PCM will command the idle control valve to allow more air to enter the engine, while at the same time, adjusting the injector pulse width to inject more fuel to suit the increased amount of air. Note that the idle air control valve is closed by the PCM when the throttle plate is opened to prevent excess air from entering the engine.

BMW Cars that meet P0E31 error