P0276 BMW Fault Code

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.

P0276 Code Symptoms :

If your vehicle failed a P0276 test and the P0276 Check Engine Light is NOT on, chances are you have a problem with the OBDII system, a burned out MIL lamp, or a faulty catalytic converter. The converter is essentially an afterburner that cleans up the exhaust after it exits the engine. The OBDII system uses P0276 a ownstream oxygen sensor to monitor the efficiency of the converter, and it should detect a drop in converter efficiency if the converter has been contaminated or is failing (ignition misfiring, leaky exhaust valves, and oil burning can all damage the converter). What you want to look : Any conditions that might cause ignition misfire, an overly rich or lean fuel condition, or loss of compression.

Diagnosis And Repairing P0276

Parts or components should not be replaced with reference to only a P0276 DTC. The vehicle service manual should be consulted for more information on possible causes of the fault, along with required testing.

How to fix P0276 code ?

• Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
• Damaged VCT phaser
• Faulty TCM or TCM programming
• Three way catalyst converter Bank 1

On some transmissions, such as automated manual transmissions or automatic transmissions with manual mode, the GSP switch lets the TCM know whether or not the driver has selected automatic or manual function.

On manual transmissions, the GSP switch informs the TCM which gear the driver is selecting, and may function as a neutral safety switch, depending on system design. The TCM also uses the gate select position switch to monitor transmission operation. For example, if the driver selects manual mode and selects 3rd gear on an automatic transmission, the TCM may monitor speed sensors to detect clutch and brake slippage.