Stage 2 LPFP and EKPM3-DE Module Issues

Snelson3003

Sergeant
Nov 7, 2016
325
199
0
Denver
www.nelsonracingwheel.com
Ride
2010 BMW 135i
Hey Guys,

Some of you may know this already or this maybe the first you have heard: Using a Fuel-It! Stage 2 Pump requests a larger amount of draw from the PWM system to modulate fuel flow in tank to pressurize the HPFP. This is the EKP module that does this based upon PWM, load and RPM.

The issues i've seen pop up now that the Stage 2 pumps (doesn't seem to affect stage 3 pumps) is that the EKP overheats due to the added draw of a Walbro 450 pump. Causing many driving issues like a crashing LPFP which takes out the HPFP and causes a misfire. The only fix is to replace the EKP module with a new one (virgin module $250) or buy a used one off eBay ($50).

I did this recently and was told i would need to reprogram the EKP module or the car wont start. I installed mine and it started just fine! LPFP reading used to be 67 and now rests at 72-76 sometimes. Great!

BUT now I have over-fueling issue upon throttle tip in at WOT, which causes the AFR's to run super rich then super lean as the HPFP dives then stabilizes. . URGH!

DOES ANYBODY KNOW HOW TO REPROGRAM THE EKP MODULE? OR HAVE ANY INSIGHT? I attached a log as well to show the lean spike and HPFP crash but recovers.

Thanks for you help in advance!
 

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AzNdevil

Lieutenant
Staff member
Nov 4, 2016
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Hong Kong
Coding the EKP module for your car is not hard. However, you will need to get the appropriate packages for installation and a K/D Can Cable. Getting everything working together might take sometime if you are not used to it.
 
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Snelson3003

Sergeant
Nov 7, 2016
325
199
0
Denver
www.nelsonracingwheel.com
Ride
2010 BMW 135i
I was trying to use BMW tools NCX etc etc but loading that onto windows 10 is a frikken nightmare. But my mechanic said his setup can code the EKP module which will happen on Wednesday. Costs me 50 but that lean spike keeps happening ill be out 10k for a new motor haha.

Anyways thanks for the help so far guys!
 

AzNdevil

Lieutenant
Staff member
Nov 4, 2016
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Hong Kong
Go goggle "DIY: How to setup BMW Standard Tools 2.12 w/Windows 10 x64 (64-bit)"

It will get you half way there. Then find yourself a set of datens and you will be good to go.

After everything is configured, it's as simple as open NCSExpert, Select profile, Read FA and VO from CAS, select EKP ECU, read coding, write coding. Done.
 

brecken

Specialist
Nov 3, 2016
56
21
0
Orlando
Does anyone have a good explanation for why this happens with the stage 2 pump? My fuel pressure has slowly been dropping since I installed it. Just today it got to an all time low of 58 psi while idling but it comes up to good pressure when I go WOT.

I have also noticed that my trims are starting to trend higher during the first part of a WOT pull. They use to stay at 25-30 through the entire pull now they go to 45 at the beginning and decline to 25 through the pull.
 

User Name

700 HP Club
Nov 5, 2016
10
4
25
Dallas, Texas
I don't think this is an issue with your EKP or LPFP, the LPFP pressure is fine in your log. The HPFP drops down to 6 it doesn't look like it can keep up initially but recovers, I would lean towards the HPFP being the issue. Have you tried resetting the fuel/octane adaptations?
 
Last edited:

Snelson3003

Sergeant
Nov 7, 2016
325
199
0
Denver
www.nelsonracingwheel.com
Ride
2010 BMW 135i
Alright i had the EKPM module reprogrammed. It used to read 76 and now reads the normal 72.

Also my throttle tip in now is MUCH better and the AFR's seem smoother. Also my post shift timing drops across multiple CYL seems to have gone away. Now its only CYL 5 that dips but recovers.

Overall feels much smoother and more responsive! So now we know, a new EKP(virgin) module needs to be programmed, and a used one can work BUT still needs to be coded or else issues start to crop up. :)
 

lil_bro

Lurker
Nov 7, 2016
19
4
0
houston
Alright i had the EKPM module reprogrammed. It used to read 76 and now reads the normal 72.

Also my throttle tip in now is MUCH better and the AFR's seem smoother. Also my post shift timing drops across multiple CYL seems to have gone away. Now its only CYL 5 that dips but recovers.

Overall feels much smoother and more responsive! So now we know, a new EKP(virgin) module needs to be programmed, and a used one can work BUT still needs to be coded or else issues start to crop up. :)
Hey I think I'm having the same problem mine lpfp is at 75-76 at idle. So should a new and used ekp module will both the coded the same way or are they different if you get new one vs an used one?
 

Bigdaddyaaron

Corporal
Nov 5, 2016
145
110
0
USA
What exact lines are you modifying inside EKP trace file for stage 2 pump?
To me it seems like you would read the ekp trace (old) install the new one, then write the ekp trace onto the new module. That's just a guess though, I'm not sure.

Edit: the guy a few posts up said to rewrite the vo. So read the vo from cas then rewrite to ekp
 

DaZuc

Private
Nov 7, 2016
35
5
0
Rockland, NY
To me it seems like you would read the ekp trace (old) install the new one, then write the ekp trace onto the new module. That's just a guess though, I'm not sure.

Edit: the guy a few posts up said to rewrite the vo. So read the vo from cas then rewrite to ekp
Oh you're talking about replacing the module with another one.

I thought the earlier post said you can code your existing EKP to give it more voltage or not heat up as much.

Yes if you're trying to code a new one, code a blank fsw.man to the module.
 

frontside0815

Corporal
Nov 9, 2016
126
48
0
Germany
Hi,

i am also having issues with my LPFP: Sometimes in low load my LPFP Pressure is on the usual 72PSI, then sometimes it does not goes under 80PSI and then again sometimes it is around 60PSI.
Also when doing WOT the LPFP and HPFP are dropping randomly and then i am seeing a very low lpfp pressure.

Do you think a new (used from ebay) EKP will solve this? And is there a DIY for coding it?
 

frontside0815

Corporal
Nov 9, 2016
126
48
0
Germany
Hmm, after researching about Problems with the sensor all the People had codes when the sensor went bad?

It´s really odd, if i start the car on one day three times the LPFP Pressure while in low load usually will be different each time.

I changed Injectors (also cause i had small misfires while idling when cold) and the HPFP, i would really like to solve the Problem :-/
 

Snelson3003

Sergeant
Nov 7, 2016
325
199
0
Denver
www.nelsonracingwheel.com
Ride
2010 BMW 135i
You could also have a clogged fuel filter too. But my guess would be sensor related and luckily that's a cheap easy fix. The FPR however is a more involved repair and isn't as easy.

But I would try with a LPFP sensor or you can reach out to Steve @fuel-it since he's the most knowledgeable fueling person on the platform.