HELP!! Car in permanent limp mode after DP install

suprtran · 08-03-2012, 01:12 AM

Summary:
-My N54 135i has DCI, JB4 installed months ago without any hiccups. Performance was good.
-Had VRSF downpipes installed 2 wks ago. 1 day later, Limp Mode light (1/2 yellow engine) came on while on frwy. Plugged in laptop to read the following codes: 29F4 Catalytic converter conversion, 29F5 Catalytic converter conversion 2
-1 day after that SES light came on while on frwy
-Took car into EAS to have all codes read via OBDII scanner. 3 codes showed, the 2 Cat codes and 1 low Turbo pressure code. Also, scanner noted the two rear O2 sensors were not registering anything, completely 0s. EAS cleared the codes and suggested I come back to DP looked at to make sure all O2 sensors were installed and installed in the right place. Car continued to drive in limp mode after codes were cleared
-Brought car back to EAS to double check DP install for misplace O2 sensors, lose gaskets/clamps, etc. Everything was installed properly and O2 sensors are where they should be. Basically, no clue as to why car still in performing in limp mode even with properly installed DPs and with all codes cleared.
-Car was test driven hard before leaving EAS and for the 2nd time, the Limp Mode light came on.

Does anyone know what could be the issue? Blown turbo? Blown rear O2 sensors? Malfunctioning JB4? Defective downpipes? Bad install of downpipes (even though careful visual inspection discovered nothing)?

theinfamousdrew · 08-03-2012, 06:03 AM

I would check the v-band clamp on the rear turbo.
Make sure there is enough clearance for the wastegate actuator, you might need to rotate the vband clamp up a bit so the arm can swing all the way.

A mistake that is often made while installing downpipes is that the vband clamp is positioned in such a way that blocks the wastegate arm.

Also turn on "autoclear" on the JB4, this will clear the codes for the O2 sensors.
Speedo - 1
Tach - 3

Hope this helps

stevenc · 08-03-2012, 08:19 AM

Yeah make sure your JB4 is set to clear the O2 sensor codes or else you will have a constant CEL.

crew_chief152 · 08-03-2012, 12:43 PM

Make sure you didn't get o2 sensors mixed up.

My135 · 08-03-2012, 12:50 PM

Check the V-Clamp and install the DP fix, then you are all set to go. Even JB4 clear code is active, you will still get the yellow engine light when emission codes were detected while they were in pending mode.

Trust me, I have been there before. It took me severl weeks to iroon everythings out. Good luck.

suprtran · 08-03-2012, 02:13 PM

Thanks everyone. I'll have the downpipes rechecked for improper install.

cunnyngham · 08-07-2012, 09:50 PM

Good info! I just installed my VRSF pipes, and I have been having similar issues.
My hesitation is that I did all the work on my 50K plus, midwestern 135 with jack stands and hand tools. Not looking forward to round 2.

NihonX · 08-10-2012, 05:28 PM

If you get a very bad idle or stuttering, you may have mixed the O2 Sensors up.

If everything goes smoothly during normal driving conditions up until you go WOT, and then the car hesitates to gain speed which then leads to a CEL; your pipes need to be adjusted because the wastegate is being blocked from opening/closing.

suprtran · 08-10-2012, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NihonX

If you get a very bad idle or stuttering, you may have mixed the O2 Sensors up.

If everything goes smoothly during normal driving conditions up until you go WOT, and then the car hesitates to gain speed which then leads to a CEL; your pipes need to be adjusted because the wastegate is being blocked from opening/closing.

I have both, but have confirmed that the O2 sensors are correctly installed. I will have the pipes/clamps re-looked at tomorrow; hopefully it's that.

Thank you.

cloud_connected · 08-10-2012, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suprtran

I have both, but have confirmed that the O2 sensors are correctly installed. I will have the pipes/clamps re-looked at tomorrow; hopefully it's that.

Thank you.

If you're getting a turbo under pressure code them a turbo to DP clamp is installed wrong and is preventing the WG actuator from making the turbo make boost. You need to rotate that clamp.

suprtran · 08-11-2012, 04:43 PM

UPDATE: Car fixed!! The issue was the rear Vband clamp that has been hindering the wastegate actuator. Clamp has been repositioned and now car runs great; no more limp mode, SES light or poor performance.

Thanks everyone.

08-03-2012, 01:12 AM	#1
suprtran Captain 113 Rep 919 Posts Drives: BMWs Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (18) Garage List 2008 E60 M5 6MT [0.00] 2019 G01 X3 sDrive30i [0.00] 2007 E86 M Coupe [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [10.00] 2006 E53 X5 4.8is ( ... [0.00] 2006 E85 M Roadster ... [0.00] 2002 DINAN 5 (sold) [0.00] 2013 E89 Z4 sDrive3 ... [7.00] 2011 E92 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2001 E46 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2007 R56 Cooper S ( ... [0.00] 2002 996TT (sold) [10.00] 2009 E82 135i (sold) [9.00] 2006 E85 Z4 M (sold) [6.00] 2007 B7 A4 2.0T (re ... [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2002 E46 325Ci (sold) [0.00]	HELP!! Car in permanent limp mode after DP install Summary: -My N54 135i has DCI, JB4 installed months ago without any hiccups. Performance was good. -Had VRSF downpipes installed 2 wks ago. 1 day later, Limp Mode light (1/2 yellow engine) came on while on frwy. Plugged in laptop to read the following codes: 29F4 Catalytic converter conversion, 29F5 Catalytic converter conversion 2 -1 day after that SES light came on while on frwy -Took car into EAS to have all codes read via OBDII scanner. 3 codes showed, the 2 Cat codes and 1 low Turbo pressure code. Also, scanner noted the two rear O2 sensors were not registering anything, completely 0s. EAS cleared the codes and suggested I come back to DP looked at to make sure all O2 sensors were installed and installed in the right place. Car continued to drive in limp mode after codes were cleared -Brought car back to EAS to double check DP install for misplace O2 sensors, lose gaskets/clamps, etc. Everything was installed properly and O2 sensors are where they should be. Basically, no clue as to why car still in performing in limp mode even with properly installed DPs and with all codes cleared. -Car was test driven hard before leaving EAS and for the 2nd time, the Limp Mode light came on. Does anyone know what could be the issue? Blown turbo? Blown rear O2 sensors? Malfunctioning JB4? Defective downpipes? Bad install of downpipes (even though careful visual inspection discovered nothing)?
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08-03-2012, 06:03 AM	#2
theinfamousdrew I'm The Captain Now 503 Rep 1,814 Posts Drives: X5M/X7 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Charlotte iTrader: (12) Garage List 2021 BMW X7 MSport ... [0.00] 2018 Raptor [0.00] 2015 X5M (SOLD) [0.00] 2014 BMW M5 (SOLD) [10.00] 2014 BMW M5 Totaled [10.00] 2014 Jeep SRT (SOLD) [0.00] 2012 C63 AMG (SOLD) [0.00] 2015 BMW M4 (SOLD) [0.00] 2011 Porsche Cayenn ... [0.00] 2007 911 Turbo (997 ... [0.00] 2013 335i M Sport ( ... [0.00] 2002 Porsche 911 Tu ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 135i (SOLD) [6.00] 2002 BMW M3 SOLD [10.00]	I would check the v-band clamp on the rear turbo. Make sure there is enough clearance for the wastegate actuator, you might need to rotate the vband clamp up a bit so the arm can swing all the way. A mistake that is often made while installing downpipes is that the vband clamp is positioned in such a way that blocks the wastegate arm. Also turn on "autoclear" on the JB4, this will clear the codes for the O2 sensors. Speedo - 1 Tach - 3 Hope this helps __________________ Turn on. Tune in. Drop out. IG: @InfamousCarGuy
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08-03-2012, 08:19 AM	#3
stevenc Coming Soon 256 Rep 960 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M4 Alphine White MT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	Yeah make sure your JB4 is set to clear the O2 sensor codes or else you will have a constant CEL.
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08-03-2012, 12:43 PM	#4
crew_chief152 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 35 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 135i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Make sure you didn't get o2 sensors mixed up.
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08-03-2012, 12:50 PM	#5
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Check the V-Clamp and install the DP fix, then you are all set to go. Even JB4 clear code is active, you will still get the yellow engine light when emission codes were detected while they were in pending mode. Trust me, I have been there before. It took me severl weeks to iroon everythings out. Good luck. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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08-03-2012, 02:13 PM	#6
suprtran Captain 113 Rep 919 Posts Drives: BMWs Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (18) Garage List 2008 E60 M5 6MT [0.00] 2019 G01 X3 sDrive30i [0.00] 2007 E86 M Coupe [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [10.00] 2006 E53 X5 4.8is ( ... [0.00] 2006 E85 M Roadster ... [0.00] 2002 DINAN 5 (sold) [0.00] 2013 E89 Z4 sDrive3 ... [7.00] 2011 E92 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2001 E46 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2007 R56 Cooper S ( ... [0.00] 2002 996TT (sold) [10.00] 2009 E82 135i (sold) [9.00] 2006 E85 Z4 M (sold) [6.00] 2007 B7 A4 2.0T (re ... [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2002 E46 325Ci (sold) [0.00]	Thanks everyone. I'll have the downpipes rechecked for improper install.
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08-07-2012, 09:50 PM	#7
cunnyngham New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA iTrader: (0)	Good info! I just installed my VRSF pipes, and I have been having similar issues. My hesitation is that I did all the work on my 50K plus, midwestern 135 with jack stands and hand tools. Not looking forward to round 2.
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08-10-2012, 05:28 PM	#8
NihonX Captain 63 Rep 901 Posts Drives: 2011 VO 1M Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Antioch iTrader: (8)	If you get a very bad idle or stuttering, you may have mixed the O2 Sensors up. If everything goes smoothly during normal driving conditions up until you go WOT, and then the car hesitates to gain speed which then leads to a CEL; your pipes need to be adjusted because the wastegate is being blocked from opening/closing. __________________ 2011 VO 1M
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08-11-2012, 04:43 PM	#11
suprtran Captain 113 Rep 919 Posts Drives: BMWs Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (18) Garage List 2008 E60 M5 6MT [0.00] 2019 G01 X3 sDrive30i [0.00] 2007 E86 M Coupe [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [10.00] 2006 E53 X5 4.8is ( ... [0.00] 2006 E85 M Roadster ... [0.00] 2002 DINAN 5 (sold) [0.00] 2013 E89 Z4 sDrive3 ... [7.00] 2011 E92 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2001 E46 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2007 R56 Cooper S ( ... [0.00] 2002 996TT (sold) [10.00] 2009 E82 135i (sold) [9.00] 2006 E85 Z4 M (sold) [6.00] 2007 B7 A4 2.0T (re ... [0.00] 2003 E46 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2002 E46 325Ci (sold) [0.00]	UPDATE: Car fixed!! The issue was the rear Vband clamp that has been hindering the wastegate actuator. Clamp has been repositioned and now car runs great; no more limp mode, SES light or poor performance. Thanks everyone.
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