Active Air Flap Fault Diagnosis Hints (SI B17 06 18)

Publication date: 2019-03-01
Reference number: SI B17 06 18

ACTIVE AIR FLAP FAULT DIAGNOSIS HINTS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): SI B17 06 18, Date of Issue: March 01, 2019

BMW:	MY17 G12 (7 Series including Alpina); MY17 G30 (5 Series); MY18 G30 PHEV (5 series)
GROUP:	Cooling Systems

MODEL

SITUATION

A check engine light or check control message is present, and one or more of the following faults may be stored for the active air flaps behind the kidney grills:

13820D - Active cooling-air-flap control (AKKS), above: Driver, malfunction
138204 - Active cooling-air-flap control (AKKS), below: Deviation at all ambient temperatures
138203 - Active cooling-air-flap control (AKKS), below: Deviation in warm ambient temperature
21B043 - Active cooling-air-flap control (AKKS), above: Blockade in all ambient temperature
138207 - Active cooling-air-flap control (AKKS), above: Blockade in warm ambient temperature
138206 - Active cooling-air-flap control (AKKS), below: Blockade in warm ambient temperature
21B042 - Active cooling-air-flap control (AKKS), below: Blockade in all ambient temperature

NOTE: This bulletin only serves to outline certain vehicles that require replacement of both active air flaps at the same time in case of a fault with one.

These faults may occur on vehicles outside of the production dates and models listed in this bulletin, in which case diagnostic test plans within ISTA should be followed. Vehicle models and production dates not outlined in this bulletin may not require both active air flaps.

CAUSE

The potential causes of these faults are:

Mechanical damage to the linkage of the upper or lower active air flap.
An internal short circuit of the adjustment motor.

CORRECTION

Replace one or both of the affected active air flaps, depending on vehicle I-Level.

PROCEDURE

Perform a vehicle test. Are faults present for either the upper or lower active air flaps?
Yes: Continue to step 2.

No: Continue troubleshooting, this bulletin does not apply.
Determine the vehicles current I-Level using ISTA, AIR or the vehicle key read information.
Is the vehicle I-Level S15A-16-07-5xx or higher?

Yes: Replace ONLY the active air flap that has a fault stored. If faults are stored for both active air flaps, replace both active air flaps. Follow ISTA test plan recommendations.

No: If one flap is found to be faulty, replace BOTH the upper and lower active air flaps together.

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Number	Description	Quantity
Refer to ETK	Air flaps, top	1
And/or:
Refer to ETK	Air duct, bottom	1

WARRANTY INFORMATION

This service information bulletin provides technical, diagnostic and/or repair-related information.

Eligible and Covered Work/Repairs

When used to repair a verified defect in materials or workmanship, the repair procedure information provided in this bulletin is covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks.

To submit a claim, please following the applicable warranty policy and procedures (Labor/Part/Sublet - bulk materials) that apply to the repair being performed.

Refer to AIR/KSD2 for the corresponding defect code, flat rate labor operations (including diagnosis) and flat rate unit (FRU) allowances.

Work time (WT) labor operation codes require individual punch times and explanations on the repair order and in the claim comments section.