113026

What This Code Means

113026 logs a short to ground in the electrical system. On BMW N20 engines, this short causes the DME to cut power to the fuel injectors and ignition coils — the control unit protects its own output stages from damage this way.

In the case described, the source of the short was a failed ignition coil that burned out a transistor in the DME. So the problem is twofold: there's a primary fault in the ignition circuit and secondary damage to the control unit itself.

Symptoms

• The engine stalls while running.
• The engine won't start.
• Warning lights are on in the instrument cluster.
• Several fault codes are stored in DME memory at once.

Diagnosis and Repair

Step 1. Read the Fault Codes

Run diagnostics with ISTA or an equivalent tool. Confirm 113026 is present and record the full list of related faults.

Step 2. Find the Source of the Short

Check the ignition coils and fuel injectors for a short to ground. The diagnostic logic: the DME didn't cut power to these circuits on its own — it did so in response to a short, so you need to find the failed component first. Otherwise a new or rebuilt DME will get damaged again.

Step 3. Replace the Failed Components

Replace the failed ignition coil (part number 12138616153) and its companion spark plug.

Step 4. Check the DME

If the short burned out a transistor in the DME, the unit needs replacement or cloning — in the original case the procedure was done with a Thinktool Euro Master. Output-stage damage can't be repaired by clearing fault codes.

Step 5. Finish Up

Once the short is fixed and the DME is repaired, clear the fault codes and take a test drive, then re-read memory.

Secondary Damage

• Continuing to drive with an active short causes further DME damage, up to needing an ECU replacement.
• The short can damage the power distribution module and other electrical components.

Don't put off the repair: every drive with a failed coil raises the risk of burning out the transistor again in an already-repaired unit.