P1CA3 BMW Fault Code

Description:

The input turbine speed sensor detects rotation of the input shaft of the input shaft speed sensor transmission. The computer uses that information, along with the output shaft speed sensor to determine if the transmission is operating according to plan. If the computer detects a difference between the input shaft speed , and the expected output shaft speed, it will adjust transmission pump pressure to prevent clutch disc slip. If adding pressure doesn't solve the problem, it will set a trouble code.

P1CA3 Code Symptoms :

There are currently two main types of cylinder deactivation used today, depending on the type of engine. P1CA3 code for the pushrod design which uses solenoids to alter the oil pressure delivered to the lifters. In their collapsed state, the lifters are unable to elevate their companion pushrods under the valve rocker arms, resulting in valves that cannot be actuated and remain closed.

Diagnosis And Repairing P1CA3

P1CA3 OBD2 reports a sensor fault, replacement of the sensor is unlikely to resolve the underlying problem. The fault is most likely to be caused by the systems that the sensor is monitoring, but might even be caused by the wiring to the sensor itself.

How to fix P1CA3 code ?

• Damaged VCT phaser
• Air fuel ratio (A/F) Sensor 1 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
• Faulty Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) position solenoid
• Exhaust gas leaks

As long as the throttle plate remains closed, the idling speed and quality is controlled by the PCM via the idle control valve, and as can be seen from the above it should be clear that idle control on a gasoline engine is a complex affair.

For instance, if the engine is started in sub-zero temperatures, the PCM will command the idling control valve to allow less air to enter the engine to enrich the air/fuel mixture to create a condition which is roughly analogous to how chokes worked on carburetted engines to control idling in cold weather.