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Thread: Running on half cylinder when idle cold

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    PNW
    Posts
    28
    My Cars
    1981 E21, 1972 2002

    Running on half cylinder when idle cold

    Ok so I got most of my gremlins gone. Now when I start the car cold it will start on 12 then after a minute or so. Right when you can start actually seeing exhaust gas come out it will drop down to half bank . Driver side turning off. No eml light. The light does work and goes on then off on start up like it should. If I get in and rev the engine it will immediately go back to 12. I have scan before and code 16 has been the only code to show. It drives on 12. Literally the only time it drops down is on cold start up. Not a huge deal but it is driving me nuts trying to figure this ghost out. Any suggestions. I have replaced just about everything involved with the ignition system and had the throttle bodies rebuilt by dragon.

    Thanks for any advice

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    Shoreview MN
    Posts
    979
    My Cars
    Had a 1991 BMW 850

    Test

    Test both your Cam Position Sensors and your Crankshaft position sensors with an Ohmmeter. Test from the inside tab to the outside. One way will give you a reading and the other infinity. report back with readings.

    Cam Position Sensors AKA Doughnut sensors are likely the problem.

    Test # 6 and # 12 Sparkplug wire for continuity. 6K Ohms

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    PNW
    Posts
    28
    My Cars
    1981 E21, 1972 2002
    Rjjable. Thank you for the advice. I already replaced the crank sensors

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    CSRA, SC
    Posts
    667
    My Cars
    850Ci, Excursion
    He suggested you test the cam sensors and plug wires 6 and 12. Have you done that?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Japan
    Posts
    54,749
    My Cars
    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    checked both fuel pumps and fuel pumps pressure?
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

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