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C0496 BMW Fault Code

Check C0496 OBD Fault Code Reason
Description:

Low Speed Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction The PCM monitors the low speed fuel pump (LFP) primary circuit output from the PCM.
The test fails if: When the LFP circuit is commanded on (grounded), excessive current draw is detected on the BMW LFP circuit; or when the LFP circuit is commanded off, voltage is not detected on the LFP circuit (the PCM expects to detect VPWR voltage coming through the low speed fuel pump relay coil to the LFP circuit). Open or shorted low fuel pump (LFP) circuit Open VPWR to low speed fuel pump relay Damaged low speed fuel pump relay Damaged PCM An open circuit or short to ground can only be detected with the low speed fuel pump.

C0496 Code Symptoms :

See C0496 in engine

The original multi-displacement system turned off opposite pairs of cylinders, allowing the engine to have three different configurations and displacements. C0496 code had an elaborate diagnostics procedure, including showing engine trouble codes on the air conditionning display. However, the system was troublesome, misunderstood by customers, and a rash of unpredictable failures led to the technology being quickly retired.

Diagnosis And Repairing C0496

C0496 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 C0496 code ?

See C0496 repair manual
  • Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Continuous oil flow to the VCT piston chamber
  • Incorrect fuel filler cap used
  • Faulty spark plug (s)

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 C0496 error