P31BD – BMW DTC

BMW DTC P31BD – Throttle Actuator ‘A’ Control Motor Circuit Shorted

DTC P31BD meaning on BMW

DTC P31BD on a BMW indicates a fault with the Throttle Actuator ‘A’ Control Motor Circuit being shorted. This means that there is an electrical issue in the circuit that controls the throttle actuator motor, which can affect the performance of the vehicle.

BMW DTC P31BD symptoms

Symptoms of DTC P31BD on a BMW may include:

  • Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Reduced engine power
  • Throttle response issues
  • Vehicle going into limp mode

BMW DTC P31BD causes

Common causes of DTC P31BD on a BMW include:

  • Short circuit in the throttle actuator control motor circuit
  • Faulty throttle actuator control motor
  • Wiring issues or damaged connectors

BMW DTC P31BD seriousness

DTC P31BD is a serious issue as it can affect the drivability of the vehicle and may lead to potential safety hazards. It is important to address this fault promptly to avoid further damage to the vehicle.

How to diagnose DTC P31BD on BMW

To diagnose DTC P31BD on a BMW, a mechanic would typically perform the following steps:

  1. Use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the fault codes
  2. Inspect the throttle actuator control motor circuit for any visible damage
  3. Test the throttle actuator control motor for proper operation
  4. Check the wiring and connectors for any signs of wear or corrosion

How to fix DTC P31BD on BMW

To fix DTC P31BD on a BMW, the following steps may be taken:

  1. Repair any damaged wiring or connectors in the throttle actuator control motor circuit
  2. Replace the throttle actuator control motor if it is found to be faulty
  3. Clear the fault codes and perform a test drive to ensure the issue is resolved

How to erase DTC P31BD on BMW

To erase DTC P31BD on a BMW, a diagnostic scanner can be used to clear the fault codes stored in the vehicle’s computer system. Once the codes are cleared, the Check Engine Light should turn off. It is important to ensure that the underlying issue causing the fault code has been addressed before clearing the code.

Recommended tools & DTC Scanners for BMW

Best Diagnostic App for modern BMWs: BimmerLink

Recommended Bluetooth adapter for Bimmerlink: OBDLink CX

Cable adapter for Bimmerlink: Enet Cable USB Type C

For older BMWs we recommend: Autel AutoLink AL319 (2024 version)

Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter

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