BMW Forum - BimmerFest BMW Forums banner

Help no start / fuel pump EKPS issues I think

11K views 13 replies 4 participants last post by  yhungzbo2  
#1 ·
So my stepsons 2008 328xi coupe is dead where it sits.

We had an issue where the fuel gauge was misreading fuel level and what we thought was a defective transfer pump.
He is in auto mechanics at school, so he drove it into the shop a few weeks ago to work on it in class and and it has not run since.

I had in towed to my house, discovered that whoever had atempted to install the drivers side pump did so without properly conecting the lines to the assembly as well as missing a line on the passenger side. I found what appeared to be brushes on tiny springs in the tank, so I just ordered both new pump assemblies. The kids also decided to put in a new EKPS module, there are 2 new/different ones in the back. I have no clue which one was original.

Pumps are in, I was getting a CAN bus error CDA6, I replaced the DME relay and nothing. I then discovered that the fuse was not installed into F70. All that is corrected. I still have a no start and still have fault DCA6. When I run a scan tool to try and active the pumps, it fails. I can see the pumps but can not active them. I have power coming out of the module to the pump.

I tried to download NCS expert and failed miserably so I have ProTool with the master license but for the life of me I can not find how to code the EKPS, if that is even the problem.

What do I do next?

TH
 
#2 ·
... 2008 328xi coupe is dead where it sits. We had an issue where the fuel gauge was misreading fuel level and what we thought was a defective transfer pump. [HOW did you determine "fuel gauge was misreading fuel level? See below.] He [stepson] is in auto mechanics at school, so he drove it into the shop a few weeks ago to work on it in class and and it has not run since. [School auto mechanics has NO Diagnostic Software/ Scan Tool/ References to different Automotive Systems? Drove it in -- TOWED it out -- "Das ist NICHT gut"!! ANY "Responsible Adult Supervision in that "school"? -- see below]
... The kids also decided to put in a new EKPS module, there are 2 new/different ones in the back. [Neither one powered if F70 removed :whistle: .] I have no clue which one was original. [Part# 11-digit, or at least last 7 digits, should be on each. Lookup in RealOEM.com, or post here.] Pumps are in, I was getting a CAN bus error CDA6, I replaced the DME relay and nothing. I then discovered that the fuse was not installed into F70. All that is corrected. I still have a no start and still have fault DCA6. When I run a scan tool to try and active the pumps, it fails. I can see the pumps but can not active them. I have power coming out of the module to the pump... I have ProTool with the master license but for the life of me I can not find how to code the EKPS, if that is even the problem. [Don't think THAT is the problem -- see below.] ...
I know you want to fix the problem, but we need to FIRST understand WHAT issue(s) were present BEFORE the vehicle was "worked on/ OVER" by "The School".
1) Was the ONLY issue when SS "DROVE" to school something related to the Fuel Gauge?
2) Was the car starting & running fine?
3) What are the BMW Part #s on the two EKPS Modules?
4) If you have ProTool, with Diagnostic License, please indicate if you know how to "connect to" the EKPS Module, and if so:
a) What "Information" or "Identification" of that Module can be read with ProTool?
b) What Live Data or "Status" of EKPS can be read with ProTool?
c) What Fault Code information, or response to Fault Memory query is returned?
d) Does ProTool have the capability of displaying status of ALL ~ 20 Modules in the vehicle, to see if ANY module is "missing" from the list (such as "17 EKPS")?
5) You mention trying to download NCS, which is part of BMW Standard Tools, along with INPA diagnostic software. Do you have a Laptop, K+DCAN Cable, and BimmerGeeks "Downloads" site for links to MEGA downloads of BMW Standard Tools & E89 Datens? If you have the Hardware, but NOT a successful install of software, please advise.

If you can answer those questions we can offer specific suggestions, along with ISTA ScreenPrints of wiring, Connector Location & View, with specific suggestions of "Next Steps".

We need to TRY to identify everything that was "Inflicted upon" the car while "At School" (BEFORE it was towed to your place ;-). You suggest a 2nd EKPS was installed. There was NOTHING wrong with the first EKPS Module, IF only issue was the Gauge, as the TWO tank Level Sensors (one in each "Half" of the tank) send signals directly to the JBE Module and EKPS is NOT involved at all.

INPA or ISTA, or probably ProTool would show Live Data when Software/Tool connected to JBE Module, with one Signal/ Value for each Tank Level Sender. The Instrument Cluster Gauge then gets a bus-communicated Message from JBE of the COMBINED level and displays single level. Again: EKPS is NOT in that message loop.;)

Here is the Definition of CDA6, per BMW Fault Code Lookup & ISTA:
CDA6Message (status, electric fuel pump, 0x335) incorrect, receiver DME, transmitter EKPmsv80Engine electronicsView
You can click on "View" and see the Fault Information sheet, with Details & Service Notes.
My interpretation of that code (in DME Memory) is that there is a bus communication fault where DME is NOT receiving an expected "Message" from the EKPS Module via the PT-CAN bus. The LACK of such message is usually due to:
1) Lack of power supply to EKPS Module;
2) Improper PT-CAN bus wiring (here most likely at the EKPS Module that was "worked over";
3) Fault in EKPS Module itself.
4) In this case, possible INCORRECT Variant of EKPS. There were at least 3 different variants (SGBD) of EKPS used in E9x models, and if WRONG variant was installed, that can result in lack of communication.

I would BEGIN by simply trying to identify the two EKPS Modules (Part #s) and reconnecting the ORIGINAL, to see if communication is restored, BEFORE then doing wiring tests. I trust you have a Multimeter.:geek:
George
 
#3 ·
The car was running fine when it was taken to school, however, we thought the drivers side pump might be bad and not transfering fuel to the passenger side. We had a no start issue beucase the car was pulled up the driveway that has a mild slope. After exhausting every simnple search, I added 5 gallons of fuel and it started right up.

So, the kid was taking it to school to trouble shoot the transfer pump and I assume they felt like it was a bad EKPS module. I am not near the car now but will post the EKPS module numbers this afternoon.

I did some additional troublshooting last night. I have power to the module and the the pump. I have approx 2.4v coming from pin 16 out of the module but have zero coming out of pin 9. I am told I need 1.5v here.

The only fault code I currently get is the CAD6 on protool and I do not know if it is capable of flashing the EKPS or not. I spoke to them yesturday and they stated if the EKPS did not have the right firmeware that their device could not flash it.

I have atempted to down load the BMW tools but I have not tried to connect yet and do not know if the down load was successful.

I will add more later, thank you very much for your responce.

Tim
 
#5 ·
... we thought the drivers side pump might be bad and not transfering fuel to the passenger side. We had a no start issue beucase the car was pulled up the driveway that has a mild slope. After exhausting every simnple search, I added 5 gallons of fuel and it started right up. [What did fuel gauge show?]... The only fault code I currently get is the CAD6 on ProTool ... I have attempted to download the BMW tools but I have not tried to connect yet and do not know if the down load was successful. [Please let us know if any questions/ issues with BMW Standard Tools(INPA) Download/ Install.] Tim
1) Original EKS module: EKPM3, 16147209286
2) New module: EKPM3 DE, 1614727683
3) 3rd Module: EKPM3 DE, 16147276073
Hi Tim,
Short Answer:
Have you tried simply connecting Module connector to the ORIGINAL EKPS (16147209286)?

Based upon your information reported to date, the car ran fine, at least with gas added to R HALF of tank when you added 5 gallons, and ORIGINAL EKPS was installed. If the car will NOT start NOW with original EKPS Module Connected, we need to know WHAT ELSE was changed "at school". If we don't have reliable information on that, complete diagnostics are required to (1) establish ProTool/ INPA communication with EKPS (2) Determine what SGBD/Variant of Module each actually is, and (3) See if DME can activate the Module (If there is DME to EKPS communication).

Lookup of BMW Part #s in RealOEM.com:
1) 16147209286: Correct part# for 2008 328xi E92 with N52 Engine:

2) 1614727683: Probably a typo in that part# as posted (NOT found):

3) 16147276073: Does NOT appear to be correct part (different SGBD at least?) for E9x models:

Next Steps:
1) I would connect EKPS connector to ORIGINAL EKPS, and see if ProTool (or INPA) can communicate with that Module. INPA would show you (INPA > Functional Jobs > F2 Identification) if Communication with Module (17 EKPS). ProTool can probably do that TOO, but I don't use it/ know HOW to query.

2) See if you can Activate the Fuel Pump via the DME Module. This tests DME communication with the EKPS which is needed.

3) See if engine will fire, or at least sputter (getting SOME fuel) in cranking for NOT MORE than 10 seconds. We don't want to add injury by burning up the Starter Motor.;)
Please let us know what you find,
George
 
#4 ·
Original EKS module:
EKPM3 1614 7209286
Helbako 55892110
080461856 8129
HW 04 FSV 5.32.97 0808

New module
EKPM3 DE
1614 727683
12V 01
Helbako 558921 10
100692261 48 5135
HW 04 FSV.5.32.144 1010

ANd I find out there is now a 3rd that was supposedly purchased from a similiar make and model car
EKPM3 DE
1614 7276073
12V 01
HELBAKO 558921 10
0110672330 5135
SWFL 000.128.008
HWFL 000.001.001 1111
 
#6 ·
George,

I really appreciate your input.

I tried the original module but will try again.

The gauge reads 3/4 full no matter what, even after I just replaced both side fuel pumps. That w going to be another project.

I have tried all day to install BMW standard tools but have failed miserably. I thought the last time was successful but when I went to click on the app, no files were found so I think it's a simple mistake. I got as far as the registration had succeeded messages.

#2 EKPS part number is 1614 7276383

I will try this all again this evening and I am trying to find someone that can help me download and intsall BMW Standard tools. I am not much or a computer guy.

TH
 
#7 ·
... The gauge reads 3/4 full no matter what, even after I just replaced both side fuel pumps. That's going to be another project. [That's good to know, but let's pass that until we get INPA running, and that will easily show what's happening at the tank and sender signals to JBE Module.]
I have tried all day to install BMW standard tools but have failed miserably. [See suggestions below].
#2 EKPS part number is 16147276383 [that's the SAME number you provided as #2 before -- it's STILL "Not found" ;) The specified part 16147276383 was not found.
I will try this all again this evening and I am trying to find someone that can help me download and install BMW Standard tools. I am not much or a computer guy.
Hi Tim,
Mechanical things are a LOT more "Obvious" to us "ANALog" types than Computers and Auto Electronics.:giggle:

There are MANY sources for INPA/BMW Standard Tools, and E89 Datens. BimmerGeeks Version is easy to install. There is a 'txt'/ Text file that opens when you "UNZip" the compressed download file, and you just open that text file in Wordpad and follow the instructions. If you run into any issues with that, please save a ScreenPrint of any error message, or what you were doing when "the wheels came off" and things no longer worked per the instructions. We can probably help.

Even without being connected to vehicle, if you have properly installed the Software, INPA should open to the Screen shown below (WITHOUT the Script Selection Box) when you click on it's shortcut. The Script Selection Box in center of screen appears when you click on "E90" button on Task bar at bottom of screen. That "Script Selection" box is what is used to select Menus to perform tasks. NOTE that the two circles for Cable Detection and Ignition ON will NOT be filled. That only occurs when connected to vehicle.
Image


Also attached are (1) E9x References pdf, providing MEGA links for BG Downloads, and (2) INPA Tutorial Quickstart pdf which:
a) Shows "Functional Jobs" screens for list of all Modules & Fault codes in all Modules;
b) Explains HOW to access each of those screens, and
c) Explains HOW to save ScreenPrints of INPA (or any other) computer Screens, so we can all learn by seeing YOUR Screens (like Remote viewing -- just SLOOOWER ;-)
George
 

Attachments

#8 ·
I’m having the worse time trying to figure out what’s wrong I’m not sure what’s happening i replaced valve cover gasket, oil cooler housing gasket, and oil filter housing gasket. Everything was good till I was driving around and then the car died I checked and saw the ground was deteriorated and broken so I replaced it and now it will crank once and stop then I try again but then my dash glitches and then nothing after that. Replaced starter twice and then battery and nothing then I took the plugs out and the car will crank but slow and then I cranked by hand and it cranked just fine idk what to check anymore, I’m new on here and don’t know how to upload the videos and pics that I took so apologies in advance
 
#10 ·
... Looks like the original EKPS is bad as well as one of the replacements and one just doesn't show up...
Hi Tim,
1) WHAT was installed? INPA?
2) If INPA is working, did you run:
INPA > Functional Jobs > F4 Error Memory, ALL Modules?
3) Can you attach ScreenPrints of the results, or at least list ANY EKPS Fault Codes shown, or what was reported respecting the EKPS Module?
4) WHAT diagnostic tests/ DATA suggest (make it "look like") "the original EKPS is bad"?
5) WHAT is the basis for the statement that "one just doesn't show up"? Do you mean you get an error message saying (probably in German): Module "X" NOT found (gefunden); Module "Y" found?

Without knowing WHAT Diagnostics have been run, and what the results of those were, we have NO IDEA whether your conclusory statements are correct or NOT. We don't even know whether you used INPA to do any diagnostics, were able to connect to any of the 3 EKPS Modules, and if so, whether any Fault Codes were found, whether you were able to view any Live Data (F5 Status), or Activate the Pump (F6 Activations).

INPA is a very powerful Diagnostic Software, developed by German Automotive Engineers for use as "Factory-Level" Diagnostic Software. Unless you are fluent in Technical German, and fully understand how the various systems work and HOW the DME Communicates with the EKPS, it is QUITE unlikely that in an hour or two you could properly diagnose the issue.

I DO "Wish you luck". However most people who rely on "luck" rather than competent diagnosis don't get "bailed out by luck".
Just Sayin',
George
 
#11 ·
He installed the BMW Standard Tools and used INPA. He did everything remote so I can't say I exactely know all the tests he ran. The gentleman's name is Joe Jones from Top Gear Solutions and Imy biological son has used him to help code his M4. I think he has a presense on this site as well.

One module just a voltage error, that was the original one, the other just did not show up in the list of modules at all and the other he said could not be coded because it was not for that type of car. I will be most happy to perform any tests that you want, as long as you help me get there. I have a new BMW EKPS module coming but it will not be here until Thursday.

Thank you.
 
#12 ·
He installed the BMW Standard Tools and used INPA. He did everything remote so I can't say I exactely know all the tests he ran. The gentleman's name is Joe Jones from Top Gear Solutions and Imy biological son has used him to help code his M4. I think he has a presense on this site as well.
One module just a voltage error, that was the original one... the other just did not show up in the list of modules at all and the other he said could not be coded because it was not for that type of car. I will be most happy to perform any tests that you want, as long as you help me get there.
"A man's got to know his limitations". I don't claim to "know it all" and I hope Joe doesn't either. Life's too short, things are too complex, and "trade secrets" prevent folks outside BMW from finding out things known to folks INSIDE BMW. So everyone has his own "bag of tricks": concepts and procedures based upon his ability, access to information, and time spent ANALyzing data.

It's YOUR call on what you do with INPA and the vehicle in question, and NOT mine. ;)
My "suggestion" however (given my own "limitations" ;-):
If you have spent the time, effort, & money to get a working INPA installation and connection to an E9x vehicle, then I would spend another hour or two (at most) to get a basic understanding of what YOU can do with that new Toy/Tool. To get started, and rather quickly get a feeling of accomplishment of what you can do (positive reinforcement ;-), try viewing, SAVING, and POSTING the two screens below.

If you refer back to Post #7 in this thread, and the first pdf attached to that post: "INPA Tutorial Quickstart", it explains how to get PRELIMINARY data using the two INPA Screens:
1) INPA > Functional Jobs > F2 Identification; THAT screen provides list of all Modules communicating.
2) INPA > Functional Jobs > F4 Error Memory, All Modules; provides list of ALL Fault codes, ALL Modules.


That Error Memory "screen" will actually require TWO separate ScreenPrint jpg files. What is shown on p.5 of the Tutorial pdf is just the first of two. When you use INPA to view those two Screens, you need to have ORIGINAL EKPS Module Connected, F70 in place, and Ignition ON, preferably with battery charger connected at the Jumpstart Terminals, charging at ~ 6-Amp rate.

That "Tutorial" contains ScreenPrints of the screens in question, and HOW (what buttons to push) to access them (menu selection sequence). Unless you speak German, or have spent a LOT of time using Google Translate to translate the German Labels to English, SOME of the screens will NOT be readily apparent as to meaning. HOWEVER the two screens in question, used as a starting point for diagnosis, do NOT require a lot of time to interpret, at least for someone like me who has spent HOURS pouring over INPA Screens. So if you will take 30 to 60 minutes to view, save & post jpg ScreenPrints of those screens, YOU can quickly get started.

Those two screens are the Starting Point to determine NEXT Steps in the Diagnosis Process, at least in a case such as this where we don't know exactly WHY a car that ran to School, required a TOW to get to your place. Keep in mind that F70 (Fuel Pump Module power supply) was missing, so what other things have been changed?

BTW, lack of Voltage supply to EKPS when Ignition ON, due to F70 being ABSENT, might cause "Voltage Fault". Such a fault would remain in Module fault memory until cleared, even after F70 was reinstalled. We'll know a LOT more when we see those suggested screens. ALSO, you can use INPA to diagnose the issue with the Fuel Gauge always reading 3/4 full, which is where this movie started.:)

You're CLOSE to having an "INPA Epiphany".;) I would suggest spending "just a little more time" on the steps above, which will have general applications to ALL the Bimmer's in the family, and any fault situation in any of them. The NEXT Step will depend upon what those screens show, but generally it would entail connecting to the DME Module and/or EKPS Module to:
1) Get more detailed DATA on any fault code shown in those modules;
2) Conduct "Activation" of the Fuel Pump, and see how it responds.
George
 
#13 ·
OK this issue has been put to bed. I purchased a brand new EKPS, had it coded and still nothing. So I pulled the fuel pump back out and discovered a piss poor solder connection within the fuel pump motor itself. It took less than 5 seconds to re-solder and then a 15 minutes to isntall and the car started right up.

The fuel gauge is still wrong but that's another day.

Thank you for all the help!

Tim