BMW fault 2E41 - HPFI control unit (line 5) activation
P0274 · P0273 · P0205
Description
2E41 is logged by the DME when the activation circuit for high-pressure fuel injector line 5 reports a fault. The HPFI control unit is the injector driver built into the DME that controls current delivery to the direct fuel injector on each line. This circuit is monitored continuously while the engine runs above 40 rpm.
This code has 3 variants with different causes and fixes. Pick the one your scanner reported.
2E41 / P0274 Overcurrent
The DME measured current above 3.8 A on the injector line 5 activation pin (pin 3-07) while the engine was running above 40 rpm with battery voltage between 9.5 V and 17.9 V. The circuit is drawing more current than the driver expects, pointing to a low-resistance fault.
Symptoms (4)
- MIL illuminated after two drive cycles.
- Rough running and audible misfire.
- Possible reduced-power message.
- Misfire on two cylinders per the DME's protection strategy.
Common Causes (3)
- Shorted injector winding drawing excessive current.
- Activation wire shorted to B+ between the DME and the injector.
- Failed DME injector driver on the line 5 output stage.
Diagnosis Steps (5)
- Read fault memory, noting active vs. stored status and companion faults.
- Disconnect the line 5 injector, clear the code, and start the engine. If the overcurrent code switches to an open-circuit code, the injector is at fault. If overcurrent persists with the injector unplugged, the harness or DME driver is at fault.
- Measure resistance across the disconnected injector terminals. Compare against the other injectors on the same bank: a noticeably lower reading confirms a shorted winding.
- Inspect the line 5 harness branch for chafing or contact with battery-positive sources.
- If both harness and injector test good, the DME driver has failed.
Resolution
Replace a shorted injector and code the new flow-correction value (printed on the injector body) into the DME. For a harness short to B+, repair the damaged wire and eliminate the routing problem that caused the contact. A failed DME driver requires module replacement with programming to the vehicle. Clear codes and rescan after a drive cycle.
2E41 / P0273 Open circuit
The DME measured voltage between 4.4 V and 5.6 V at pin 3-07 while the engine was running. This mid-rail voltage means the pin is floating, with no electrical continuity between the DME and the injector on line 5.
Symptoms (4)
- MIL illuminated after two drive cycles.
- Dead misfire on the affected cylinder with no fuel delivery.
- Power loss and persistent rough idle.
- Misfire on two cylinders per the DME's protection strategy.
Common Causes (4)
- Loose or unseated injector connector after engine bay service.
- Broken activation wire from fatigue or corroded splice joint.
- Open injector winding.
- Bent or backed-out terminal at the DME connector.
Diagnosis Steps (5)
- Read fault memory, noting active vs. stored status and companion faults.
- Inspect and reseat the line 5 injector connector. Clean any corrosion with contact cleaner before re-engaging.
- Run a continuity test from the injector connector to DME pin 3-07. A good wire reads near 0 ohms.
- Measure injector resistance directly. An open winding reads OL. Compare against the manufacturer specification.
- Check the DME connector at pin 3-07 for damaged or backed-out terminals.
Resolution
Reseat a loose connector and verify the latch. Repair a broken wire with a proper splice and heat-shrink, routed clear of flex points. An open injector requires replacement with flow- value coding into the DME. After any repair, clear the fault and rescan after a drive cycle to verify.
2E41 / P0205 Short to ground
The DME measured voltage below 2.1 V at pin 3-07 when battery voltage should be present. The pin is being held low by an external ground path. The OBD-II label for P0205 reads "Cylinder 5 Injector Circuit/Open," but the BMW set condition (sustained low voltage) is consistent with a hard short to ground.
Symptoms (4)
- MIL illuminated after two drive cycles.
- Severe misfire on the affected cylinder.
- Possible engine protection mode.
- Possible blown injector supply fuse.
Common Causes (4)
- Activation wire chafed against engine metalwork or mounting brackets.
- Water or coolant intrusion into the injector or DME connector.
- Internal injector short to body through the cylinder head.
- DME internal fault (rare).
Diagnosis Steps (5)
- Read fault memory, checking for companion injector faults, blown fuses, or DME internal codes.
- Disconnect the line 5 injector, clear the code, and retest. Code clears: injector is shorted. Code returns: harness or DME.
- With both ends disconnected, measure insulation resistance from the activation wire to chassis ground. OL is good. Near 0 ohms is a direct short.
- Inspect both connectors for moisture, corrosion, or coolant residue.
- Walk the harness from DME to the injector, looking for damaged insulation at every metal contact point.
Resolution
Repair the damaged section, protect with loom, and re-route away from the original contact point. If coolant or moisture caused the fault, fix the upstream leak first and replace any contaminated wiring. A shorted injector needs replacement with flow-value coding into the DME. Clear the code and confirm with a drive cycle rescan.