From dale_at_unofficialbmw.com Mon Aug 11 16:15:32 1997
From: Dale Beuning <dale_at_unofficialbmw.com>
Subject: Re: Idle Fluctuations
To: dkeller_at_smtp.enpointe.com (Dan Keller)
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 1997 16:15:13 -0700 (PDT)

Hi Dan
If you just pulled the box out, pulled the cable, then reassembled. Now the idle is bad. I would say you broke a soldier joint in the connector.

I would bet if you reflow the soldier connections to the external connector, the idle will work again.

If this doesn't work, mail-order a used box from one of the salvage yards listed on my bmw_parts page. www.unofficialbmw.com/parts.html You should be able to get one for around $150 - $200.

Dale

>      Hello, and may the saga continue with my 88 325is.  I was getting the 

>      numbers off of my Motronics box for Mesa Performance (Jim Conforti 
>      chip), and I was showing my buddy how the Motronics disconnects (kinda 
>      neat!).  I made sure that the ignition was off and I pulled the lever 
>      and unplugged normally. I plugged it back in and started the engine.
>      Now comes the horrible part!!!  The engine would not idle! The RPMs 
>      drop and rise... drop and rise... drop so low that the engine dies.
>      Uh, oh...  okay, first things first.  All temp sensors and junk with 
>      two poles I tested and they were fine and I disconnected them while 
>      the engine was running and it did the same thing. When I unplug the 
>      bypass valve (3-pole) the idle is stable and somewhat normal.  
>      Naturally, I think the valve/solenoid is at fault.  WRONG!  I had a 
>      local shop install a new one and it did the same thing.  Luckily, they 
>      were cool about their return policy!!! Now there are only two 
>      variables right?  A bad throttle position switch/sender under the 
>      throttle body, or the... GULP... Motronics 1.1.  I was just wondering 
>      if there could by any chance be anything else.  Temporarily, I have 
>      the solenoid plugged in but with the idle kicked up enough to where 
>      the idle switch remains open and the valve gets no power.  Thank you 
>      so much for your time, your posted articles help me out so much with 
>      my car and I hope this helps others in need of the BMW Gospel.
>      
>      Dan Keller
>      White 88'BMW 325is (A wee bit sick)
>      84' 325e (Sold)

>

--

                       |            Dale Beuning           |
                       |       email: dale_at_unofficialbmw.com     |
                       | web: http://www.unofficialbmw.com |
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