Code 1222

[robin58]

I've checked for airleaks but am still getting 1222 and the rough idle that accompanies this. Can a clogged catalytic convertor cause this code to be set?

[LouieD]

I think that's one of the four o2 sensor codes. Look at this link...
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/Mult-Code_Reading/Mult-Code_Reading.htm

[strad]

Have you checked for correct fuel pressure and for any injector leaks?

Edit: a clogged cat will cause the engine to bog more and more as you ask the cat to flow more and more. So, full throttle and high rpms are not going to happen.

[pldlnr]

Have you checked for correct fuel pressure (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1330768#) and for any injector leaks?

x2

When my fuel pump started to go the fuel pressure dropped to a point where the motor would run, but not really well. I was getting a 1222 code. New fuel pump fixed it.

Look carefully for any sources of vacuum leakage. Also, check your fuel pressure at the rail. A fuel pressure test kit is less than $20 at Harbor Freight and a little more at Sears.

[robin58]

I think that's one of the four o2 sensor codes. Look at this link...
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/Mult-Code_Reading/Mult-Code_Reading.htm

The confusing part is the way that reads (along with Bentley's manual etc) is that code 1222 doesn't really identify the exact nature of the problem. It's just that the O2 sensor is reporting rich/lean condition. Right?


Have you checked for correct fuel pressure and for any injector leaks?

Edit: a clogged cat will cause the engine to bog more and more as you ask the cat to flow more and more. So, full throttle and high rpms are not going to happen.


No haven't checked fuel pressure yet or injector leaks.

Reason I suspect cat is I noticed what I thought was the rotten egg type smell after my wife had limped home in it. Usually I thought that was pretty indicative of a clogged cat. But even after running it at idle for a lengthy period of time it hasn't returned nor does it seem the outlet of the cat is noticably colder than the inlet which I've always used as a telltale measure. Haven't driven it anywhere to see what transpires, but the missus told me it would really bog down once she got to around 35-40mph. In the driveway in neutral it seems to rev fine up to 3500rpm (as high as I was willing to go in case it is running really lean).

[bdejong11129]

Do NOT underestimate how much a very small leak can affect these engines. Look for my past thread on the same issue with the same indications. CEL 1222 and 1213 error. A while back or just search my user id.

Mine was solved by a simple 0.20 vacuum plug...

Pm me if you want to talk about it.

[Racerhoze]

When my car threw this code I just threw parts at it until it went away. I think it was probably a throttle body gasket or fuel pump that finally made it stop.

[paanta]

Literally anything that screws up the mixture/burn can cause it. Vacuum is most likely on these cars, but bad spark, fuel pressure, leaking injectors, etc are all potential culprits. Mine was caused by a timing chain off by one tooth.

[robin58]

Do NOT underestimate how much a very small leak can affect these engines. Look for my past thread on the same issue with the same indications. CEL 1222 and 1213 error. A while back or just search my user id.

Mine was solved by a simple 0.20 vacuum plug...

Pm me if you want to talk about it.

I had actually read your thread earlier which caused me to hunt deep and low for any kind of airleak. I guess I am not looking deep enough. I have eliminated fuel pressure/pump problems after running a test both at the pump and at the fuel rail. I've also eliminated a faulty injector (other than maybe clogged) by testing voltage on each one.

[rvp1030]

O2 sensor my friend

[strad]

O2 sensor my friend

The problem here is that this bit of information is erroneous unless you've already diagnosed EVERYTHING related to mixture and come up dry. 1222 simply means that mixture is outside the dme's ability to correct it (either rich or lean). This could either mean it's being measured incorrectly (o2 sensor would be at fault here) or it could mean there is actually something wrong with the mixture, either caused by a vacuum leak, a spark problem or a fuel issue.

[bdejong11129]

The problem here is that this bit of information is erroneous unless you've already diagnosed EVERYTHING related to mixture and come up dry. 1222 simply means that mixture is outside the dme's ability to correct it (either rich or lean). This could either mean it's being measured incorrectly (o2 sensor would be at fault here) or it could mean there is actually something wrong with the mixture, either caused by a vacuum leak, a spark problem or a fuel issue.

+1000000

It will always pay to properly diagnose WHY the code is showing up. Although the post that states "I just threw money at it until it went away" was very funny.....:lol

[raceyBMW]

Same thing here (1213 actually). Replaced all intake manifold gaskets, PCV plate, injector o-rings, and spark plugs...and no more CEL.

[Racerhoze]

+1000000

It will always pay to properly diagnose WHY the code is showing up. Although the post that states "I just threw money at it until it went away" was very funny.....:lol

Ha, well the car had 0 records and every part I have removed so far says "made in West Germany" on it, so I considered it an excuse to do some neglected maintenance.

[robin58]

+1000000

It will always pay to properly diagnose WHY the code is showing up.

Precisely what I was trying to solve. My feeling is if the O2 sensor is reading something, replacing the O2 will simply allow the basic issue to continue. Much the same way if it is a clogged cat/muffler, it got clogged for a reason and a new one will suffer the same consequence. Rain is in the forecast today so I won't be working on it, but I've found some tests to run on the O2 sensor to eliminate that aspect.

Question though, does an error with the DME itself throw a different code or is that something I need to consider too?

[strad]

Yes, it'll throw a code if it fails the self test. The code is 1211

[Kashmirbeige525]

So fuel pump can cause the rough iddle and slugishness issues? Mine is making a whining noise at the back of the car and I had the 1222 code which was vacumm related but this couldnt help.

[strad]

So fuel pump can cause the rough iddle and slugishness issues? Mine is making a whining noise at the back of the car and I had the 1222 code which was vacumm related but this couldnt help.

Actually the engine could care less what the fuel pump does or sounds like as long as proper fuel pressure is seen at the rail at all times. Anomalies can cause 1222 to get thrown.

[robin58]

Well just to update for anyone who experiences this issue in the future for an additional item to look at.

I eliminated the O2 sensor as the culprit after running some voltage tests so went back to searching for airleaks.

Finally located the source as being the check valve in the brake booster vacuum line sucking in air through the little cap on the side. Replaced all the hoses there and the valve and all's well again now.

[530V8]

Although the vacuum hoses may look OK, check the hoses ends at the connections for tightness. My vacuum hoses all looked fine but when I put at the connections the hoses were very loose, as the hose end had expanded with age and heat from the engine. Changed all the vacuum hoses and now the engine idle well and power is back. Cost $2 for three feet of vacuum hose.