Pulled Codes now need help....

[fernando323]

I recently purchased a 1999 323I a few days ago my check engine light came on so I purchased the Peek Tool to pull the codes.. It rendered these three codes. Any Ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Code 6A “VANOS, Exhaust mechanical stuck”
Code F5 “Secondary Air System Flow Too Low”, Cyl 1-3
Code F6 “Secondary Air System Flow Too Low”, Cyl 4-6

The car seems to run fine however being the new owner I can tell if anything would feel different than normal.

[lwebb12]

yikes that doesnt sound good. ill pm extech and he should be able to tell you.

[EXtech]

those are some odd codes, kind of. I doubt that they are related at all. To me the secondary air flow codes are due to the secondary air pump either malfunctioning or a deteriorated hose that is leaking. Have you been hearing any strange noises? Mostly at first start up? A whining or loud howling noise, usually at cold start, is indicative of a malfunctioning air pump. It is possible that the pump is no longer working or barely at all. Most likely one of those codes are older than the other and was stored in memory. The VANOS code sounds to me like there might be a mechanical problem with the vanos unit. I think there might have been some recall on that. I can't remember, that would be something to check with your favorite dealer on. It could be an actuator problem. If possible, if your code puller will tell you, find out the frequency of the codes and last occurrance. If one was just a one-time occurence then I would clear it and see if it happens again. Of course, if you have any type of warranty (factory or aftermarket) then i would take the car in. If checking this stuff out is something you would want to do yourself, you can send me an email or pm me and I'll help you check it out the best I can via email, unless you are anywhere near where I am.

[lwebb12]

thanks Extech

[fernando323]

Thank you both for your quick replies… I should add that the code numbers where in the format that my reader read….However in Dealer format the codes where as follows does this change anything? I have reset the engine light and cleared the codes. Assuming the light will re appear in a day or two.
Friday I ordered the Bentley service manual on CD (should arrive Thursday) I will the start trouble shooting. Is this Hose or pump you mentioned visible that I may be able to check before I receive the CD?

Once again both your help is and was greatly appreciated.

Code 106 “VANOS, Exhaust mechanically stuck”
Code 245 “Secondary Air System Flow Too Low”, Cyl 1-3
Code 246 “Secondary Air System Flow Too Low”, Cyl 4-6

[EXtech]

the secondary air pump is the black thing on the passenger side up next to the firewall. It should have a black plastic hose coming off of it. It may have two. You can check the operation of it in the a.m. on first starts. You should hear and/or feel it come on. I would check the connecting hose(s) also. I would pull the pump out and check it. Loosen the 10mm nuts (i think there's 3) and remove. You'll have to disconnect the hose(s) by squeezing and working loose. I would check the electrical connector too. On occasion I have found water in those connectors resulting in an improper connection. Once you have the pump out, then check to see if it is full of water and soot. Follow the hose(s) and check for any kind of cracking or deterioration. Without being there it makes it hard to point you in the exact direction, plus I don't have one right in front of me. I hope I have helped.

[fernando323]

Thank you again I will post results as they become available…….