1996 BMW 318I

1.9L I4 M44RWDAUTOMATICgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Founding sponsor spot is openYour name on every procedure for this vehicle, permanently.Sponsor — $99 →
P1545high severityPowertrain

Throttle Position Control Error

on 1996 BMW 318i 1.9L I4 M44 · 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

⚠ STILL BEHIND THE PAYWALL
The 1996 BMW 318i repair data is incomplete because no one has sponsored it yet. For $99, we generate the full step-by-step procedures, then fact-check them with a second AI pass and your expert review. Your name on every procedure, permanently.
The same data would cost $169/mo from Mitchell1 or $30/year from ALLDATAdiy — and you'd be renting access, not freeing it. Sponsor once, free forever.
Sponsor the BMW 318i — $99 →
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.
Get an API key →
Run a shop?
Manage repairs, estimates, and customers with ShopBase — $249/mo, all features included.
Try ShopBase →