12 13... Further fault patterns with evaluation
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 15 other vehicles, including the 2005 BMW 325xi, 2005 BMW 325i, 2005 BMW 325Ci, 2004 BMW 325xi, and 2004 BMW 325i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Evaluation of sparking period and ignition voltage peaks at idling speed.
- Normal combustion period.
- Normal ignition voltage peak.
Ignition system is OK.
Long sparking period (1) with low ignition voltage peak (2). Indicates low compression.
Fluctuating sparking period: Indicates contamination on spark plug (shunt).
Short sparking period (1) with high ignition voltage peak.
Constant but short sparking period: indicates defective ignition lead.
NOTE:
The sparking-voltage line could sometimes be missing completely and the ignition voltage peak could rise very high.
IGNITION VOLTAGE TOO HIGH:
| Electrode Gap | Large |
| Compression | High |
| Fuel Air Mixture | Lean |
| Electrode Temperature | Low |
| Electrode Condition | Burnt |
| Ignition Lead | Interrupted |
IGNITION VOLTAGE TOO LOW:
| Electrode Gap | Small |
| Compression | Low |
| Fuel Air Mixture | Correct |
| Electrode Temperature | High |
| Electrode Condition | New |