C0879 BMW Fault Code

Description:

Catalytic converters must be warm before they can work properly. On a cold start the PCM provides a rich mixture to keep the cold engine running.
All that extra fuel goes into the catalytic converter. But the exhaust isn't very hot, because, ah, the engine is pretty cold. GM has employed several strategies to fire up the catalytic converter quicker and reduce cold start emissions. One way is to use a secondary air pump that pumps outside air directly into the catalytic converter.

C0879 Code Symptoms :

OBD C0879 code and tailpipe testing are two different approaches to identify vehicles in need of repair. The OBD system looks for broken or malfunctioning emissions control components and C0879, while tailpipe tests sample a vehicle's exhaust to see if it is above or below certain prescribed limits. Given the robust nature of today's emissions control components, it is entirely possible for an individual component to malfunction without leading to an immediate increase in emissions at the tailpipe.

In such cases, other components (like the catalyst) can temporarily compensate for the part that is broken however, these other components can only do double duty for so long before they, too, begin to malfunction. In addition, OBD also monitors for and other malfunctions in the fuel system problems that traditional tailpipe tests were not designed to identify. Most state and local areas also include a gas cap pressure test as part of an emission inspection.

Diagnosis And Repairing C0879

C0879 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 C0879 code ?

• Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
• Faulty front heated oxygen sensor
• Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve harness is open or shorted
• Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) position circuit poor electrical connection

At this point we are assuming that the fuses and relays are good. You will need to locate the PCM/TCM and the power input signal circuit using your vehicle information source.

Unplug the connector from the PCM/TCM, place the ignition switch in the ON position, and probe the appropriate circuit with the positive test lead of the DVOM.