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2002 2BMXV04.4LEV (745i & 745Li)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 18 other vehicles, including the 2002 BMW Z8, 2002 BMW Z3, 2002 BMW X5, 2002 BMW M5, and 2002 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Catalyst Monitoring General Description -  Catalyst Monitor is based on determining oxygen storage capability. The (nonlinear) correlation between conversion efficiency and storage capability has been shown in various investigations. Catalyst is diagnosed by comparing its storage capability against storage capability of a borderline catalyst. Oxygen storage capability can be determined by one of following 2 methods:
    • Oxygen Reduction After Fuel Cut Off (Passive Test) -  During fuel cut off, oxygen is stored in catalyst. After fuel cut, catalyst is operated with a rich A/F ratio and amount of removed oxygen is determined. If this passive test indicates an oxygen storage capability highly above borderline catalyst, the catalyst is diagnosed without an error. Otherwise monitor will be restarted after next fuel cut off.
    • Oxygen Filling (Active Test) -  First, a mixture with a low A/F ratio is put through catalyst until any oxygen has been removed. Catalyst is then operated with a high A/F ratio. Oxygen Storage Capability (OSC) is calculated out of oxygen mass stored in catalyst. Catalyst is operated in this mode until oxygen stored in catalyst exceeds a calibrated limit or downstream oxygen sensor indicates catalyst is completely saturated with oxygen. Catalyst is then diagnosed by comparing its oxygen storage capability to calibrated threshold of a borderline catalyst. See Fig 1.
      Fig 1: Catalyst Monitoring System Overview
      G00210524Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  2. Monitoring Structure -  According to above described operating principle, following main parts of monitoring structure can be distinguished: See Fig 2.
    • Monitoring amount of removed oxygen after fuel cut off.
    • Check of monitoring conditions for active test.
    • Lambda request (interface to lambda control).
    • Mixture enrichment in order to remove any stored oxygen.
    • Measurement of Oxygen Storage Capacity (OSC) by lean A/F ratio operation.
    • Fault detection.
    Fig 2: Monitor Structure Overview
    G00210525Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  3. Monitoring Cycle -  Monitoring cycle is represented by the following:
    • Oxygen Removal After Fuel Cut Off -  During fuel cut off, catalyst is completely filled with oxygen. If amount of rich gas required to remove this oxygen exceeds a threshold, a good catalyst will be notified.
    • Check Of Monitoring Conditions For Active Test -  Diagnostic principle uses precise measurement of A/F ratio fed into catalyst. This requires verification if engine runs in acceptable operating conditions. If such operating conditions are not present, monitor is terminated and restarted at a later time.
    • Lambda Request -  Requested A/F ratio (rich or lean) is commanded from monitor through mixture control.
    • Mixture Enrichment -  Low A/F ratio is applied in order to remove any stored oxygen from catalyst.
    • Measurement Of Oxygen Storage Capacity (OSC) -  A high A/F ratio is fed into catalyst. Oxygen mass absorbed by catalyst is determined according to signal of upstream lambda sensor. Lean mixture is requested until either downstream lambda sensor indicates catalyst to be completely saturated with oxygen, or stored oxygen mass exceeds threshold OSC of borderline catalyst.
    • Fault Detection -  Monitor finishes without an error if passive test detects a storage capability highly above borderline limit. If passive test does not meet condition for a good catalyst, active test is initiated and OSC is calculated. Catalyst is diagnosed by comparing determined OSC against borderline threshold. Monitoring conditions for active test: .
      • No error on lambda sensors (signal, aging, heater).
      • Canister purge value less than limit.
      • No error on EGR system (if available).
      • Modeled catalyst temperature within range.
      • Misfire rate less than limit.
      • Regular A/F control (no fuel cut-off).
      • Engine air mass flow within range. See Fig 3.
    Fig 3: Catalyst Monitoring System Operation
    G00210526Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.