Valve 3 on roof pump

davejbadly · Post by **davejbadly** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 12:19 am

Hi

I am new to the forum and have always looked at the site for valuable information. I have the dreaded problem of the red light on the dash where my roof will not go down on my 2009 E89 Z4. I have had a fault code come up stating fault code A69C. This states valve 3 for retractable hard top. I have checked all the sensors on diagnostic tool and all appear as they should, I have replaced both salmon relays as they look original, have had the motor off the pump unit and put a temporary power supply to it off the battery and it wizzed around. So I am hoping it is the solenoid to valve 3 which I have ordered. I am awaiting for it to arrive but was wondering if anybody knows which it is as they do not appear identified in any way. I assume it is one on either end. I have a 3 valve version for the 2009 E89.

Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

RobbiZ4 · Post by **RobbiZ4** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 6:27 am

On the E89 hydraulic pump, the valves count from rear to front.

However, this varies from model to model and from car manufacturer to manufacturer!

Tip:
As these valves / solenoids hardly ever fail, you can take these parts from used hydraulic pumps offered on i.e. eBay without any risk.

davejbadly · Post by **davejbadly** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:07 am

Thanks for the prompt reply. I have bought secondhand tested and 12m guaranteed part so keeping fingers crossed. They seem easy enough to change over but didn’t want to play around with them more than I have to. On that basis it appears I should try the solenoid closest to the seats first. Many thanks and I will let you know how I get on.

RobbiZ4 · Post by **RobbiZ4** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 9:32 am

This is the first damaged solenoid I've seen some weeks ago. It "died" due to overheating in the coil, where it burned a small hole into it's housing.

: 2023_E89_damaged_solenoid.jpg (90.42 KiB) Viewed 514 times

Inbetween BMW charges about 250€ for this simple solenoid. Unbeleivable!
https://www.leebmann24.de/magnetventil- ... 53599.html

davejbadly · Post by **davejbadly** » Fri Aug 04, 2023 10:27 am

Wow, I will take a close look at mine when it is removed. Thanks for the great information provided.

davejbadly · Post by **davejbadly** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 4:16 pm

Hi, update on the replacement solenoid. I replaced the valve 3 solenoid and when I pressed the button for the roof to go down the same message came up. I have attached image of message below. Checked all micro switches and appear in the correct format for a roof in the correct position of roof being up. I am starting to wonder if it could be a wiring issue. Don’t know if anybody had any thoughts? Is there an easy way to carry out a test I assume on the yellow and brown wire which goes to the solenoid?

Any help would be appreciated.

RobbiZ4 · Post by **RobbiZ4** » Sat Aug 05, 2023 6:11 pm

OMG.
Well,
Check the wiring between the green plug on the CTM and the 3 plugs on each solenoid. Is there a short, a broken wire or a contact against mass?
You can test each solenoid with a 9V block battery: does it click?

This fault is absolutely unusual and I've seen a defective solenoid only once.

flybobbie · Post by **flybobbie** » Mon Aug 07, 2023 9:14 am

Would have thought only way it knows it's faulty, either wrong resistance as it checks current or open circuit, thus broken coil or wire.
I would trace wires back to control unit and check.

Z4-forum.com

Z4-forum.com