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1996 BMW M3

3.2L I6 S52RWDAUTOMATICgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs0Labor544Torque3958Fluid7DTC642Battery0Maintenance0Recalls1
P1545high severityPowertrain

Throttle Position Control Error

on 1996 BMW M3 3.2L I6 S52 · RWD

What this code means

The DME detected that the electronic throttle body is not reaching its commanded position. The actual throttle opening does not match the DME-requested opening, indicating a throttle actuator or sensor malfunction.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Reduced power mode (limp mode)
  • Poor throttle response
  • Engine may idle only
  • Throttle warning light

Common causes

  • Carbon buildup on throttle blade
  • Faulty throttle body actuator motor
  • Throttle position sensor failure
  • Wiring issue to throttle body
  • DME throttle driver failure

Diagnostic steps

  1. Perform throttle body adaptation reset with scan tool
  2. Clean throttle body
  3. Test throttle position sensor voltages
  4. Inspect wiring to throttle body
  5. Test throttle motor by commanding positions

Repair notes

Clean throttle body and perform adaptation; replace throttle body if actuator motor has failed.

Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle

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