Recall - Throttle Body Freezing
GROUP 13Fuel System
Bulletin Number
13 02 94 (3980)
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
July 1994
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Throttle Body Recall Campaign No. 94V-037
MODELS:
E36 with M42 Engine - 318i, 318is
Situation:
BMW of North America, Inc. has voluntary initiated a recall campaign which involves the throttle body of the affected vehicles.
The potential defect involves the throttle body and throttle body heater of the affected vehicles. The heater is manufactured in two pieces that are adhered to form a circulating chamber. After an extended period of time in some of the heaters, adhesive material may migrate into the circulating chamber. This could lead to a buildup of impurities and restrict flow within the chamber.
If this condition exists and the car is driven for several minutes at a steady state with a warmed up engine at very low ambient temperature (15°F and colder), water vapor in the warm air from the crankcase ventilation system might condense and freeze in the throttle housing.
When such icing occurs, it can prevent the throttle plate from fully closing as the driver releases the gas pedal, and the vehicle might not decelerate as expected. The vehicle will decelerate if the brakes are applied.
The idle speed of the engine might also increase, depending on the degree of icing inside the throttle housing. The ice can usually be cleared from the throttle plate by repeatedly depressing and releasing the gas pedal while the car is stationary. After the car is parked for a while, the ice will usually disappear.
Affected Vehicles:
The vehicles involved are 1992-1994 318i and 318is models produced from 2/92 - 1/94.
In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this recall, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of the DCS (Dealer Communication System). Proceed to "Inquiries;" "Vehicle History" and enter the chassis number (last seven characters) of the vehicle in question. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action or take no further action.
Note:
If a customer presents the customer notification letter (for that chassis number) it is not necessary to inquire on the DCS. Perform the required modification.
The Chassis Number Ranges listed are only for informational purposes and are not to be considered as the only deciding factor. The affected vehicles are limited to vehicles within these ranges but not all of these vehicles are affected by the recall. The final decision is the DCS inquiry.
Correction:
Replace the throttle body heater plate with a new version throttle body heater plate.
Procedure:
Refer to work Package # 1.
Recall Campaign Label Instructions:
This recall has been assigned code number 110. After the vehicle has been checked, and corrected if necessary, obtain a label (SD 92-031) and:
a) emboss your BMW dealer warranty number in the middle of the label (1);
b) punch out code number 110 printed on the label (2); and,
c) bend the label to crease an edge and remove the backing paper. Then affix the label to the "B" pillar as shown:
If the vehicle already has a label from a previous Service Action/Recall Campaign, affix the new label next to the old one. Do not affix one label on top of another one because a number from a underlying label could appear in the punched-out hole of the new label.
Parts Information:
Warranty Information:
Reimbursement for this Recall Campaign will be provided through Campaign Entry.
Special Defect Code: 00 13 01 39 00
Work Package # 1 - Replacing the throttle body heater plate.
Remove cable ((1) and if necessary (2))
(1) Throttle Cable
(2) Cruise Control Cable
Installation:
See construction groups 35/65 for appropriate adjusting procedures.
^ Loosen hose clamp (1) on bellows boot at the throttle body.
^ Disconnect the Volume Air Flow meter plug (2), remove the wire harness from the bottom clip on the bellows boot and unclip the upper air cleaner housing cover. Remove the upper air cleaner housing, Volume Air Flow meter and bellows boot assembly.
Remove plug from throttle position potentiometer.
Remove purge valve hose, vacuum hose for fuel pressure regulator and crankcase vent hose from the bottom of the throttle body assembly.
^ Remove 2 bolts for U-shaped crankcase vent heater and remove hold down bracket
^ Remove nuts (1) - (4)
Caution:
Do not loosen the throttle plate adjusting nut. If the throttle valve adjustment is tampered with, the throttle body assembly must be replaced.
^ Loosen hose clamps and remove coolant hoses from heater plate (A).
^ Install the new version heater plate.
Replace throttle body gaskets (1) and (2).
Reinstall coolant hoses on heater plate. Position the crimp type clamps as shown in the illustration.
Caution:
Only use the crimp type hose clamps BMW, P/N 16 12 1 180 240 (not the screw type clamps) when reinstalling the coolant hoses to the heater plate, to avoid any throttle linkage interference during throttle operation.
Reassemble components in reverse order.
NOTE:
Always replace the throttle body gaskets, BMW P/N 13 54 1 247 400, between the intake manifold/throttle body heater plate/throttle body assembly since the reuse of these gaskets will cause unmetered air leakage into the engine.
Torque specification for M6 throttle body nuts = 4.5 ft. lb. (6 Nm).
Check coolant system level.