P1278 BMW Fault Code

Description:

BMW Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Intermittent The MAF sensor circuit is monitored by the PCM for sudden voltage (or air flow) input change through the comprehensive component monitor (CCM).

If during the last 40 warm-up cycles in key ON engine running the PCM detects a voltage (or air flow) change beyond the minimum or maximum calibrated limit, a continuous memory diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is stored.

P1278 Code Symptoms :

While fuel economy was increased, acceleration was seriously compromised, and the loss of engine vacuum led to a dangerous loss of braking assist when the P1278 code system was in four-cylinder mode. In addition to these issues, while the company proposed a hydraulically controlled system that could be switched from within the car, the version they implemented had to be manually changed in the engine compartment using hand tools.

Diagnosis And Repairing P1278

Parts or components should not be replaced with reference to only a P1278 DTC. The vehicle service manual should be consulted for more information on possible causes of the fault, along with required testing.

How to fix P1278 code ?

• Failures of clutch motion/travel sensors.
• Damaged VCT phaser
• Camshaft Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
• Ignition coils circuit poor electrical connection

A good starting point in your diagnosis is checking all system fuses and fusible links. This can be done using the BMW DVOM on the voltage setting. You will want to test the fuses with circuits loaded.

Some fuses will appear normal until a load is placed on their respective circuit; at which point they will fail. This has been the cause of many 'phantom malfunctions'. Consult your vehicle information source for fuse and fusible link locations. If all fuses are in working order, you may want to check TCM relay operation by swapping identical relays. Usually the horn relay, starter relay, fuel pump relay, air conditioning clutch relay, and controller relays are similar enough in design to swap for diagnostic purposes.