Secondary Air Problem !!

The Kalim Fuse sends power to the sap relay...did we cover that in this thread yet?

Hi - my mechanic says the codes that are being throw indicate that my 2001 330i needs a Air inject check valve and Elect change over valve (part # 1161131273 and 11747810831 respectively). My question is does anyone know where these parts are located on my car and how easy/hard to replace?

Very much appreciated.

thank you

Use RealOEM.com to look up the part locations.
Your first part number is short one number

11747810831 is number 1 in this diagram-

thanks for the website . First part number should have 7 at the end.

Not sure how you picked the right diagram for the second part number since there are 4 to choose from :
E46 330i Sedan, M54 (EV53) : Vacuum control, exhaust flap
E46 330i Sedan, M54 (AV53) : Vacuum control, exhaust flap
E46 330i Sedan, M54 (EV53) : AIR PUMP F VACUUM CONTROL
E46 330i Sedan, M54 (AV53) : AIR PUMP F VACUUM CONTROL

But it does look right ! Next question -- is there any DIY that could help me replace that part ???

thank you

OP, the secondary air pump is not designed to run continuously. It only runs for a few seconds on start up, depending on how cold the engine is. It is an emissions device.

The Secondary Air System is designed to run for 120 seconds after cold start up. No more, no less.

Originally Posted by xi_ter

My secondary air low flow code cleared by filling the tube between the pump and the exhaust valve with seafoam. Then start the engine for about 4 seconds so the Seafoam is blown in the exhaust valve. Repeat this about 3 times and then let sit 20 min.
Start the car and an amazing amount of carbon will burn off the valves. Repeat these cold start seafoam cleanings a few days later. There will be more air flow and the code will eventually clear. Mine has been clear for 2 years now.



Review clamp and pull tube away from secondary air pump



Fill to the top of the hose with Seafoam. Reattach and start car for 4 sec. Repeat 3 times since the secondary air pump only operates while the engine is cold.

Is it the same thing ?

I don't have any code or anything but it only sound like a leaf blower is it going to help ?

It 100% safe right?

...

^^ Yes this is the same, there was a change in the Seafoam can last year. Seafoam burns off like gas so yes 100% safe.

Originally Posted by tomkocz

Not sure how you picked the right diagram for the second part number since there are 4 to choose from :
E46 330i Sedan, M54 (EV53) : Vacuum control, exhaust flap
E46 330i Sedan, M54 (AV53) : Vacuum control, exhaust flap
E46 330i Sedan, M54 (EV53) : AIR PUMP F VACUUM CONTROL
E46 330i Sedan, M54 (AV53) : AIR PUMP F VACUUM CONTROL

But it does look right ! Next question -- is there any DIY that could help me replace that part ???

thank you

Look at your VIN number, digits 4,5,6 and 7, (if VIN number 7 is a 3, it is a US model) to select the correct diagram, you should have either an EV53 or AV53 in your VIN

Originally Posted by Stickbuilder

The Secondary Air System is designed to run for 120 seconds after cold start up. No more, no less.

The time it runs does vary.....If you have a stored code for the Secondary Air system it doesn't run.

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/BMW_docs/m54x5.pdf
See page 37

SECONDARY AIR INJECTION MONITORING
In order to reduce HC and CO emissions while the engine is warming up, BMW implemented the use of a Secondary Air Injection System in. Immediately following a cold engine start (-10 - 40°C) fresh air/oxygen is injected directly into the exhaust manifold. By injecting oxygen into the exhaust manifold:

• The warm up time of the catalyst is reduced
• Oxidation of the hydrocarbons is accelerated
The activation period of the air pump can vary depending on engine type and operating conditions.

Conditions for Secondary Air Pump Activation:
REQUIREMENTS STATUS/CONDITION MS 43

Oxygen sensor - Open Loop
Oxygen sensor heating -Active
Engine coolant temperature -10 to 40ºC*
Engine load - Predefined Range
Engine speed - Predefined Range
Fault Codes - No Secondary Air Faults "currently present"

*NOTE: Below -10°C the air injection pump is activated only as a preventive measure to blow out any accumulated water vapor that could freeze in the system.

Great link shanneba! That's the kind of information that can help one diagnose a stubborn problem. Now....if I can just find my vacuum leak! Thanks again....

Sub'd

Not sure what happened to BillBimmer, but what everyone needs to understand is on the newer cars that have the plastic quick connectors on the pump to check valve, the system is set up a bit different. Note this system also has an inlet hose connected to another device furthers back toward the firewall.

This item appears to be the part numbered 2 in the diagram earlier in the thread?

The item that the air pump input hose is connected to is actually a Mass Air Flow sensor. It is used to determine the amount of air the airpump is actually moving. I believe the idea is if the pump is not moving enough air, due to blockage or bad bearings, this MAF can detected low airflow and will trigger a code. I also believe that the opposite is the case as well, that if the pump output hose is crack and leaking, the pump draws too much air and will trigger a fault code.

This SAP MAF is somewhere in the $80+ range depending on where you source it as I recall?

Hi - I have tried the seafoam solution in this thread but when I fill the tube from the SAP start the car and then go to refill it - there is still all the seafoam in the tube - never goes down . What part do you think needs replacing the SAP or the check valve?

thank you

test the check valve, if you apply vacuum it should open. Your problem could be the vacuum line to the valve, it runs under the engine cover over the head around the back of the engine to the intake manifold.



Here is a good SAP troubleshooting document:
http://www.bavauto.com/newsletter/20...ter.pdf#page=6

Hi - I have already replaced part #6 above and the solenoid (near it) and checked the line for issues which I found none. I am not sure how to test vacuum - can I just remove hose from check valve when cold and see if suction is there? If there is suction then must be the Check Valve is bad?
thanks

Here is a good SAP troubleshooting document: see steps 5 and 6 for check valve testing -
http://www.bavauto.com/newsletter/20...ter.pdf#page=6

Sorry shanneba, the link does't work. Thanks!

Shanneba, I just tried one of the other links and read the BavAuto article. Great stuff! I'll try it in the morning!

I did a quick check this morning of the SAP circuit vacuum switch to determine if it indeed vents to atmosphere when deenergized. And yes it does. After seeing a good 17-19 in. of vacuum during a cold start (and holding, implying no vacuum leaks) it did vent when the key was turned off (i.e. the vacuum went to 0 immediately). Hope this helps clarify the question. My issue still exists, bummer.