LDP Operation

During every engine cold start, the following occurs:

• The LDP solenoid is energized by the ECM
• Engine manifold vacuum enters the upper chamber of the LDP to lift up the spring loaded diaphragm pulling ambient air through the filter and into the lower chamber of the LDP through the one way valve.
  Fig 1: LDP Operation Diagram (1 Of 3)

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• The solenoid is then de-energized, spring pressure closes the vacuum port blocking the engine vacuum and simultaneously opens the vent port to the balance tube which releases the captive vacuum in the upper chamber.
• This allows the compressed spring to push the diaphragm down, starting the "limited down stroke".
• The air that was drawn into the lower chamber of the LDP during the upstroke is forced out of the lower chamber and into the evaporative system.
• This electrically controlled repetitive up/down stroke is cycled repeatedly building up a total pressure of approximately +25mb in the evaporative system.
  Fig 2: LDP Operation Diagram (2 Of 3)

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• After sufficient pressure has built up (LDP and its cycling is calibrated to the vehicle), the leak diagnosis begins and lasts about 100 seconds.
• The upper chamber contains an integrated reed switch that produces a switched high-low voltage signal that is monitored by the ECM. The switch is opened by the magnetic interruption of the metal rod connected to the diaphragm when in the diaphragm is in the top dead center position.
• The repetitive up/down stroke is confirmation to the ECM that the valve is functioning.

The ECM also monitors the length of time it takes for the reed switch to open, which is opposed by pressure under the diaphragm in the lower chamber. The LDP is still cycled, but at a frequency that depends upon the rate of pressure loss in the lower chamber.

• If the pumping frequency is below parameters, there is no leak present.
• If the pumping frequency is above parameters, this indicates sufficient pressure can not build up in the lower chamber and evaporative system, indicating a leak.
  Fig 3: LDP Operation Diagram (3 Of 3)

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

A fault code can be recorded by each ECM indicating an evaporative system leak. Upon test completion, the ECM releases the ground path to the LDP and the internal spring pushes the diaphragm for the "full down stroke".

At bottom dead center, the diaphragm rod opens the canister vent valve. This allows for fresh air intake from the filter for normal purge system operation.

The LDP is diagnosable with the DIS including a service function activation test.

The chart represents the diagnostic leak testing time frame in seconds. When the ignition is switched on, the ECM performs a "static check" of circuit integrity to the LDP pump including the reed switch.

Fig 4: Leak Diagnosis Pressure To Time Graph

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

• On cold engine start up, the pump is activated for the first 27 seconds at approximately 1.6 - 2.0 Hz. This pumping phase is required to pressurize the evaporative components.
• Once pressurized, the build up phase then continues from 27-38 seconds. The ECM monitors the system through the reed switch to verify that pressure has stabilized.
• The measuring phase for leak diagnosis lasts from 38-63 seconds. The pump is activated but due to the pressure build up under the diaphragm, the pump moves slower. If the pump moves quickly, this indicates a lack of pressure or a leak. This registers as a fault in the ECM's.
• From 63-100 seconds the pump is deactivated, allowing full down stroke of the diaphragm and rod. At the extreme bottom of rod travel, the canister vent valve is pushed open relieving pressure and allowing normal purge operation when needed.