P12A3 BMW Fault Code

Description:

Brake Switch Circuit Input Malfunction Indicates PCM did not receive a brake pedal position (BPP) input. Open or short in BPP circuit Open or short in stoplamp circuits damaged PCM Malfunction in module(s) connected to BPP circuit.

(Rear Electronic Module [REM] Windstar and LS6/LS8 or Lighting Control Module (LCM) Continental and Town Car. Damaged brake switch Misadjusted brake switch Check for proper function of stoplamps.

P12A3 Code Symptoms :

The original multi-displacement system turned off opposite pairs of cylinders, allowing the engine to have three different configurations and displacements. P12A3 code had an elaborate diagnostics procedure, including showing engine trouble codes on the air conditionning display. However, the system was troublesome, misunderstood by customers, and a rash of unpredictable failures led to the technology being quickly retired.

Diagnosis And Repairing P12A3

P12A3 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 P12A3 code ?

• Damaged ECM
• Faulty front heated oxygen sensor
• Fuel tank leaking
• Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted

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.