C3238 BMW Fault Code

Description:

The issue covered by the bulletin involves a power steering noise/whine or fluid leak from the power steering pump, gear or high pressure side power steering hose during extreme low outdoor temperature operation.

C3238 Code Symptoms :

If your vehicle failed a C3238 test and the C3238 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 C3238 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 C3238

Parts or components should not be replaced with reference to only a C3238 DTC. The vehicle service manual should be consulted for more information on possible causes of the fault, along with required testing.

How to fix C3238 code ?

• Continuous oil flow to the VCT piston chamber
• Erratic camshaft position due to low oil pressure
• Engine Control Module (ECM)
• Incorrect fuel pressure

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.