Error code P1637

[zachendricks]

I own a 2000 740iL

I'm just curious as to whether a faulty Alternator could throw this code?

I've been through 3 batteries in the last three years. I was told by someone that I should put cardboard under the battery to help it not "drain". This I did.

The current symptoms are: The car starts, but doesn't idle smoothly. I can floor the accelerator and the car will idle a little fast.

I tried locating the throttle body to replace it (following the error logic). I was prepared to test the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor), but I've read some posts that suggest that the problem might be something else. And I do seem to remember reading a post that this could happen because of a faulty Alternator

Frustrating.
Zac

[IcemanBHE]

P1637 130 Throttle Valve Position Control, Control Deviation

I dont hardly know how it could be related to an alternator....but I guess Ive seen stranger things.

[Timm]

Came across the same fault recently - the problem was that coolant had wicked up the loom that runs from the thermostat housing to the ECU. It looked like this (thanks to Alan for the picture):



Surprisingly, a quick clean of the ECU pins and the connector got it all going again nicely! The long-term fix is to replace the thermostat housing as the heater connection leaks.

[zachendricks]

Thanks for responding Iceman.

Thanks Timm, I'll trace my ECU down and see if I can clean things up.
I'm on it!

And I'll let you know the results.

Zac

[meteck]

[zachendricks]

I own a 2000 740iL

I'm just curious as to whether a faulty Alternator could throw this code?

I've been through 3 batteries in the last three years. I was told by someone that I should put cardboard under the battery to help it not "drain". This I did.

The current symptoms are: The car starts, but doesn't idle smoothly. I can floor the accelerator and the car will idle a little fast.

I tried locating the throttle body to replace it (following the error logic). I was prepared to test the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor), but I've read some posts that suggest that the problem might be something else. And I do seem to remember reading a post that this could happen because of a faulty Alternator

Frustrating.
Zac

I recently had my ABS unit rebuilt by Module Master. What a great job.

I located the Throttle, but stories about the Torx bolts breaking off have brought me to my knees, I'm hoping that I don't have to go there.

I did have a question. The ABS module is different than the ECU right? (Yeah I know.... I should know that). On my car I'm not sure where that's located.

[zachendricks]

I took Timm's advice and checked the ECU in the fuse box. It turned out to be a blown 30 amp fuse. Replace the fuse, cleared the error codes and Viola! Obviously I need to figure out why the fuse blew, but man! It's sure good to hear her hum again.

I had to change my battery about 3 times, could've happened during that perhaps.

Thanks for the help Timm and everyone else.

Zac

[Timm]

My pleasure - but you haven't finished yet! The cause of the blown fuse is a faulty heater (or wiring) in the thermostat. And that is usually accompanied by coolant getting into the loom (which is where we started)!

[zachendricks]

When you say "thermostat" you're referring to the thermostat for the heater, or the thermostat for the motor?

When you say "thermostat" you're referring to the thermostat for the heater, or the thermostat for the motor?

I'm guessing you're talking about the heater, just wanted to be sure.

[kimokk]

Can someone confirm this?

[Edwin NL]

What?

[kimokk]

What?

Confirm if it was heater or engine thermostat.

[Mayorchuck]

Engine thermostat. Coolant leaks thru the sensor on the thermostat. Shorts the sensor and coolant follows the wiring to the ECU in the fuse box.