Has anyone figured out what this CEL error means? I just got another CEL come up a few days ago. The only mods I have on my car are the Alta CAI and Inlet Tube. I got the code checked and it was P2188.... I'm just wondering what could have caused it. Thanks

 

System Too Rich at Idle is the definition of it.

Did it come on after putting the mods on the car? if so that could possibly be. Maybe extra oil from the intake messing up the maf's signal.

Anyways, I hope someone more mechanically inclined can chime in.

 

I've had the CAI for prob 1000+ miles on. I figured something like that so I cleaned out the tube b/w the intake and MAF and cleaned the MAF with MAF cleaner spray. Not sure what else it could be

 

crazy idea but have you called Alta tech support?

if you've cleaned the foam filter and MAF, and also checked to be sure the turbo inlet hose isn't able to 'pinch' right behind the Y joint near the turbo, then I'd suggest swapping back to stock for long enough to narrow down whether the problem is with the aftermarket parts or elsewhere on your car.

 

I'm getting this on my stock 2007 MCS 6-spd auto. It happened after a brief sprint in 'Sport' mode when I switched back to 'normal'. Just wanted to confirm that it was indeed the 'too rich at idle'.

 

Clean the MAF... it should solve the problem...

 

I have been fighting this code as well. I had oil on the MAF. Cleaned it off and the filter and the code still came back. Had it to service but they sent it back because they couldn't find the problem and I had the ALTA on.

I returned the intake to stock and have run it for 2 weeks and the light has not come on yet. It usually took about a week to return before.

BTW I had the ALTA on for 15k before the problem appeared.

I would love to know if anyone has any other ideas. Everyone tells me this is an odd code. Does it only happen to autos?

When the car was at the dealer they also pulled code 2786 'Mixture too lean'.

I don't use the sport mode too much but will try that combination to see if it triggers the light.

I would really like to resolve this soon as I am inching ever so close to 36k.

metro62 - Does your light only come on when you are idling?

 

Nope...we have one in the shop this very minute with the mixture too lean code and the MAF is clean as a whistle. It is also an automatic.

 

Hey JP - Hi - thanks for jumping in here!

So I compared some notes with another member who had the problem and so far we have the following in common:

2007 MCSa builds week 27 and 32
ALTA CAI purchased somewhere around June, 2008

Black roof and xenon lights

Any similarities with your current issue?

Apparently mine had both the 2188 (too rich) and 2786 (too lean) codes.

I am approaching 3 weeks after returning to stock with no light. (but I really want to hear her breathe again!)

 

The one we have here was built October 07 , no xenons, and only the 2786 code. Not sure on when the CAI was purchased. I have heard that the Automatic ECU is a bit more sensitive than the manual cars. I have had a CAI on my clubbie since 1000 miles and now he's at 12000 with no issues....but only time will tell!!

 

Do you both have black tops? that must be the cause

 

No doubt... at least two of us do.

My hubby used to work in parts for Ford/Dodge/GM and he had to ask some pretty strange questions to get them right.

It wouldn't be so bad but the CEL puts her in limp mode which means no turbo and that's no so fun or safe on my two lane country road commute.

BTW Jarid - congrats on the Cubby... do you loan that one out? Or are you loaning the GP yet? I might need to drive up for service ...

 

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahhhhhhha aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahahahahhaa hahaha

 

Thats a no?

Well - it never hurts to ask... It's probably for the best anyway - as my hubby would probably have another order in before we returned it.

... and we couldn't have that... could we...

 

Anybody ever figure this one out? My wifes 07 6spd just flagged the same two codes while backing into a parking space. I cleared them, but have yet to drive it. K&N filter and Borla cat back only 2 mods. Thanks...

 

2007 R56 here with ALTA CAI and Invidia Q300 catback getting the same rich/lean codes. Nobody seems to know what is causing this CEL. BMW even covered the carbon cleaning job at the dealership but I still got the same CEL. Just tried to clean the MAF sensor and now waiting to see if the light will go off. The MAF didn't look too dirty though. Next step would be to go back to the stock airbox. Any additional information regarding this issue would be very useful. I would enjoy this vehicle much more without having to look at that little yellow light.

 

its a cracked cylinder head cover.

 

Thanks for the response chakraj. I had the cylinder head cover replaced at the dealership when this issue first started. The light did stay off for a couple weeks but came back.

 

oh, sorry, it is early and I thought the code was P1497 (oops my bad)

Hmm the old P2188, I had that once. Do you have a tune?

 

Just about a week ago I took my 07 MCS in for a repair. Was getting the same codes and would get what I thought was some type of misfire in the 4000 to 6000 rpm range. After a day of waiting patiently at the dealer, it was discovered that it was the beginnings of the timing chain tensioner going bad. It was allowing there to be just enough slack in the chain that it was causing the cam timing to be off. In turn this was effecting engine vaccum and throwing the codes. Hope this may help.

 

I had this after swapping from aftermarket to stock intake, I didn't reset the battery and/or ecu so it may have been a drastic change. Light came on a few days later, reflashed my ecu with my tune again and all was fine. Try disconnecting your battery and pressing on the brake pedal to get all t he juice out of the car, then reattach battery. See if it does anything, as it'll reset ecu and have it relearn your driving and parameters it sees.

 

I posted up a few days ago about the same issue...2007 MCS with intermittent P2188 cel. Really bugging the crap outta me...if you guys find a fix, please post it up!

 

Removed post, posted in wrong section.

 

Has anyone found more definitive causes for the P2188? I have just finished searching all the other related threads and the responses are all over the board, with some being very unlikely causes, IMO.

I used to get this very sporadically (about once a year) after spirited driving, but now it is a regular occurrence. I have tried Techron, new gas from a reliable source, cleaning the MAF but it still happens. I am also getting a bit of stumbling on acceleration, mostly in 1st gear at the 1600-1900 RPM range.

2007 MCS, auto, 31K miles, stock intake.

 

Sadly I don't think so. My wife's car is just finished from it's 3rd trip to the dealer for this issue.

1st Trip they replaced the Fuel Pump and Lines
2nd Trip they replaced the timing chain/guides
3rd Trip they replaced an 02 sensor and upper intake

I get it back tomorrow, so we'll see what happens. It's becoming bothersome and my wife is getting frustrated on having to take the car in ever couple of weeks. :-(