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P0188 BMW Fault Code

Check P0188 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.

P0188 Code Symptoms :

See P0188 in engine

If your P0188 check engine light is illuminated, it's best to take it in for diagnostic testing, which can feel like a hassle. Because while the lights vary in appearance from vehicle to vehicle, all have the same basic meaning: There's a problem with the car's emissions system. The on-board diagnostics system P0188 and engine control unit are in charge of monitoring a bunch of different , and if they get a reading that's a little out of whack, up pops the check engine light.

Diagnosis And Repairing P0188

P0188 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 P0188 code ?

See P0188 repair manual
  • EVAP system hose leaking
  • Faulty front heated oxygen sensor
  • Incorrect Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) hose connection
  • Variable Camshaft Timing solenoid stuck open

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.

BMW Cars that meet P0188 error