BMW fault code 003A

Base module

In the base module, code 003A means different things depending on the version of the module in the car. Find your car below; the app shows the right one for yours.

GM IV: Relay sticking signal MFBA to ground

Module version: Base module (ZKE4)

In: 3 Series (E36) 1990–2000

GM: Wiper: relay, pump or lead for headlight washers

Module version: Base module 5 (ZKE5)

In: 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006, X3 (E83) 2003–2010, Z4 (E85) 2002–2008, Z4 (E86) 2006–2008, Z8 (E52) 2000–2003

GM: Relay pump or wire for headlight washers

Module version: Base module 5 (ZKE5_S12)

Which BMWs have this version depends on the engine and equipment, so we don't list them here; AutoLingo for BMW reads which version your car has.

Reading and clearing it

Fault code 003A is a BMW code, stored in the car's base module, not a generic OBD2 code (P0xxx): a generic OBD2 reader only reaches the engine's emissions faults, so it won't show it. AutoLingo for BMW reads it with BMW's own diagnostic protocols, in plain English, with the details the module stored about it, and clears it after a repair. If a fault comes right back after it's cleared, the problem is still there.

The base module is on: 3 Series (E36), Z3 (E36/7), 3 Series (E46), Z8 (E52), X3 (E83), Z4 (E85), Z4 (E86)

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