U1431 BMW Fault Code

Description:

Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Circuit High Input Indicates the sensor signal is greater than Self-Test maximum. The ECT sensor maximum is 4.6 volts or -50 C (-58 F). Note on some vehicles that are not equipped with an ECT sensor, CHT can be used and can set this DTC. Open circuit in harness Sensor signal short to power Damaged PCM Improper harness connection Damaged sensor ECT V PID reading greater than 4.6 volts with key ON and engine OFF or during any engine operating mode indicates a hard fault.

U1431 Code Symptoms :

While fuel economy was increased, acceleration was seriously compromised, and the loss of engine vacuum led to a dangerous loss of braking assist when the U1431 code system was in four-cylinder mode. In addition to these issues, while the company proposed a hydraulically controlled system that could be switched from within the car, the version they implemented had to be manually changed in the engine compartment using hand tools.

Diagnosis And Repairing U1431

Parts or components should not be replaced with reference to only a U1431 DTC. The vehicle service manual should be consulted for more information on possible causes of the fault, along with required testing.

How to fix U1431 code ?

• Camshaft advance mechanism binding (VCT unit)
• Damaged VCT phaser
• EVAP canister or fuel tank leaks
• Faulty TCM or TCM programming

A good starting point in your diagnosis is checking all system fuses and fusible links. This can be done using the BMW DVOM on the voltage setting. You will want to test the fuses with circuits loaded.

Some fuses will appear normal until a load is placed on their respective circuit; at which point they will fail. This has been the cause of many 'phantom malfunctions'. Consult your vehicle information source for fuse and fusible link locations. If all fuses are in working order, you may want to check TCM relay operation by swapping identical relays. Usually the horn relay, starter relay, fuel pump relay, air conditioning clutch relay, and controller relays are similar enough in design to swap for diagnostic purposes.