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P3872 BMW Fault Code

Check P3872 OBD Fault Code Reason
Description:

Output Shaft Speed sensor circuit intermittent failure The output shaft speed sensor signal to the PCM is irregular or interrupted.
Harness connector not properly seated Harness intermittently shorted, or open Harness connector damaged OSS sensor damaged, or not installed properly Verify harness and connector integrity Verify OSS sensor proper installation.

P3872 Code Symptoms :

See P3872 in engine

When you turn on the ignition, the Service Engine Soon or Check Engine P3872 light should flash briefly, indicating that the OBD system is ready to scan your vehicle for any malfunctions. After this brief flash, the light should stay off while you drive as long as no problems are detected. If so, you'll be glad to know that your vehicle is equipped with an early warning system that could save you time, money, and fuel in addition to helping protect the P3872!

Diagnosis And Repairing P3872

P3872 OBD2 specifically refers to the camshaft (cam) timing. In this case, if the cam timing is over-retarded, the engine light will be illluminated and the code will be set.

How to fix P3872 code ?

See P3872 repair manual
  • EVAP system hose leaking
  • Faulty starter motor
  • Foreign matter caught in fuel filler cap
  • Variable Valve Timing (VVT) circuit is open or shorted

One example of this would be when an bmw automatic car in placed in gear. To prevent the added drag from the torque converter and transmission from reducing the idling speed, the PCM will command the idle control valve to allow more air to enter the engine, while at the same time, adjusting the injector pulse width to inject more fuel to suit the increased amount of air. Note that the idle air control valve is closed by the PCM when the throttle plate is opened to prevent excess air from entering the engine.

BMW Cars that meet P3872 error