🔧 P115F MINI Code: Throttle Actuator Malfunction – Complete Guide
🚨 Common Symptoms
- 🚨 Check Engine Light On.
- 🚗 Limp Mode/Reduced Power: Limited power, restricted RPM.
- 🛑 Erratic Acceleration or delayed response.
- 🔄 Unstable Idle (engine shaking).
⚠️ Possible Causes
- Faulty Throttle Actuator (electric motor or Hall sensors).
- Wiring Issues:
- Damaged harness (short circuit, cut wires).
- Corroded connectors, bent/disconnected pins.
- Poor Electrical Connection between the actuator and the DME (Digital Motor Electronics).
- DME Failure (rare, check after ruling out other causes).
🔧 Repair Steps
🔌 Safety First!
- ⚡ Disconnect the battery before any work to prevent electrical damage.
1. Visual Inspection
- Locate the throttle actuator (on the intake manifold).
- Check the wiring harness: Look for burns, corrosion, or exposed wires.
- Inspect connectors: Clean pins with contact spray.
2. Hall Sensor Testing
- Measure sensor voltage with a multimeter:
- Compare values from both sensors (they should be consistent).
- Abnormal difference → Faulty actuator.
- Use an oscilloscope to analyze the PWM signal (1000 Hz) from the actuator motor.
3. Electrical Circuit Test
- Check power and ground:
- Expected supply voltage: 5V (refer to MINI manual).
- Test continuity between the actuator and the DME.
4. Reset/Recalibration
- After repair, reset the DME with a specialized tool (e.g., BMW/MINI ISTA).
- Recalibrate the actuator via a learning procedure (often required).
📌 Technical Meaning
- Description: “Voltage discrepancy between the two Hall sensors in the throttle actuator”.
- Operation:
- The DME compares signals from both sensors to verify the actual throttle position.
- A persistent disagreement triggers the P115F code and activates limp mode.
🛠️ Common Repairs
- Replace the throttle actuator (integrated unit with sensors).
- Repair wiring (soldering, replacing connectors).
- Clean the throttle body (if clogged with carbon deposits).
- DME software update (if calibration error).
🚨 Key Points to Remember
- Do not force the actuator manually: Risk of damaging internal gears.
- Use OEM parts: Generic actuators may cause compatibility issues.
- Recurring code? Check the DME with a BMW/MINI scanner (e.g., ISTA, INPA).
💡 Technical Tip:
After replacing the actuator, perform an adaptation procedure using a compatible BMW/MINI tool to avoid residual errors.
🚗 Need Help? Share your exact MINI model and year for specific advice!🔧