Logo

U281F BMW Fault Code

Check U281F OBD Fault Code Reason
Description:

The Camshaft Position sensor will signal the Engine Control Module when the #1 cylinder is ready for the spark plug to fire (top-dead-center on compression stroke).

The ECM uses the information from this sensor to help calculate fuel delivery and spark timing.

U281F Code Symptoms :

See U281F in engine

If your vehicle failed a U281F test and the U281F Check Engine Light is NOT on, chances are you have a problem with the OBDII system, a burned out MIL lamp, or a faulty catalytic converter. The converter is essentially an afterburner that cleans up the exhaust after it exits the engine. The OBDII system uses U281F a ownstream oxygen sensor to monitor the efficiency of the converter, and it should detect a drop in converter efficiency if the converter has been contaminated or is failing (ignition misfiring, leaky exhaust valves, and oil burning can all damage the converter). What you want to look : Any conditions that might cause ignition misfire, an overly rich or lean fuel condition, or loss of compression.

Diagnosis And Repairing U281F

Parts or components should not be replaced with reference to only a U281F DTC. The vehicle service manual should be consulted for more information on possible causes of the fault, along with required testing.

How to fix U281F code ?

  • Exhaust gas leaks
  • Erratic camshaft position due to low oil pressure
  • Fuel injector leaks
  • Faulty oil control valve (OCV)

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.

BMW Cars that meet U281F error