P0491 BMW Fault Code

Description:

Intake Manifold Runner Control Malfunction (Stuck Open) The IMRC system is monitored for failure during continuous, key ON engine OFF or key ON engine running self-test. The test fails when the signal on the monitor pin is less than an expected calibrated range at closed throttle. IMRC monitor signal circuit shorted to BMW PWR GND or SIG RTN Damaged IMRC actuator Damaged PCM An IMRCM PID reading approximately near 1 volt at closed throttle may indicate a fault.

P0491 Code Symptoms :

The P0491 Check Engine lamp is perhaps the most troubling of lights because it could mean so many different things, from you didn't screw the gas cap on tightly enough to look out for pistons flying through the hood and into the stratosphere. The easiest way to find out what this light is telling you is to hook your vehicle up to a scan tool. P0491 diagnostic tool looks a little like an oversized calculator and plugs into a communication port inside the car. After you instruct it to perform the scan, it speaks with your car's computers to find out exactly what's prompting the light to turn on.

Diagnosis And Repairing P0491

Parts or components should not be replaced with reference to only a P0491 DTC. The vehicle service manual should be consulted for more information on possible causes of the fault, along with required testing.

How to fix P0491 code ?

• EVAP canister or fuel tank leaks
• Damaged VCT phaser
• Damaged camshaft position (CMP) sensor
• Open circuits caused by corrosion of electrical connectors.

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.