P397A BMW Fault Code

Description:

Brake Switch Circuit Input Malfunction Indicates PCM did not receive a brake pedal position (BPP) input. Open or short in BPP circuit Open or short in stoplamp circuits damaged PCM Malfunction in module(s) connected to BPP circuit.

(Rear Electronic Module [REM] Windstar and LS6/LS8 or Lighting Control Module (LCM) Continental and Town Car. Damaged brake switch Misadjusted brake switch Check for proper function of stoplamps.

P397A Code Symptoms :

The original multi-displacement system turned off opposite pairs of cylinders, allowing the engine to have three different configurations and displacements. P397A 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 P397A

P397A 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 P397A code ?

• Damaged ECM
• Faulty Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve
• Continuous oil flow to the VCT piston chamber
• Exhaust tube

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.