P396C BMW Fault Code

Description:

The Throttle Position sensor signals the Engine Control Module as to the current position of the engine throttle valve.
The current throttle valve opening is based on the driver's input from the gas pedal.

The ECM uses the information from this sensor to help calculate fuel delivery and spark timing.

P396C Code Symptoms :

If your P396C check engine light is illuminated, it's best to take it in for diagnostic testing, which can feel like a hassle. Because while the lights vary in appearance from vehicle to vehicle, all have the same basic meaning: There's a problem with the car's emissions system. The on-board diagnostics system P396C and engine control unit are in charge of monitoring a bunch of different , and if they get a reading that's a little out of whack, up pops the check engine light.

Diagnosis And Repairing P396C

P396C OBD2 reports a sensor fault, replacement of the sensor is unlikely to resolve the underlying problem. The fault is most likely to be caused by the systems that the sensor is monitoring, but might even be caused by the wiring to the sensor itself.

How to fix P396C code ?

• Faulty Air Flow Meter
• Faulty Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1
• Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor
• Improper ignition timing

As long as the throttle plate remains closed, the idling speed and quality is controlled by the PCM via the idle control valve, and as can be seen from the above it should be clear that idle control on a gasoline engine is a complex affair.

For instance, if the engine is started in sub-zero temperatures, the PCM will command the idling control valve to allow less air to enter the engine to enrich the air/fuel mixture to create a condition which is roughly analogous to how chokes worked on carburetted engines to control idling in cold weather.