So I was driving home today just enjoying the turbo sound of my MINI and BAM - CEL!!!!!!

At first I thought here we go another CEL due to a turbo-back exhaust. I have had mine on for over 3 weeks and no issues. Then I remembered that I just cleaned and re-oiled my K&N filter and it has only been 2 days since then. Well, I checked my filter and rubbed my fingers on it. Oil, oil, oil. I thought I only put a little on it but my fingers were covered in oil. I took the MAF off and it looked nice and dry. I blew it clean with my compressor and wiped it the best I could.

If the filter is causing the CEL (which I believe it is) is this fixable by recleaning the filter and keeping my fingers crossed??

P.S. - I have been using K&N for years but I have never had an issue. I have read about others having this issue, but none for me.

 

its the exhaust...it will go away and come back like 5 times and then itll stay on pernamently :( im dealing with it now too

 

Perhaps it is the exhaust but the filter is your most recent mod.

Notice in my sig how I have the Alta CAI and I replaced the oil/foam filter with a dry type.

The oil from the filter got on my MAF and two more sensors that come after the intercooler.

One sensor is on the passenger side on the air tube running front to back and the other is under your CAI area. Pull both those out and blast them with contact cleaner (do the MAF also). Then get rid of the oil filter and get something dry.

If you find no oil anywhere I'd still get rid of the oil type filter.

 

The MAF might have looked dry but the element could be dirty of coated in oil. Your local auto parts store should have a can of MAF cleaner spray for around six or seven bucks.

 

I didn't know about the other sensors. When I get the code I assume it will tell me if one of the sensors is jacked.

I really think it is the filter. I couldn't believe how much oil was on it. I thought that I barely had enough!!

 

i hope it isnt ur turboback, i got mine installed 3 weeks ago. and im getting a new one to replace the one the dealership %#^ed up.

if they are giving cells right and left, il probably ditch the turboback i didnt like the drone on it..

 

Thanks. I will get some of that and get the code to see what is going on.

 

Hopefully it's just the filter.

CELs and downpipes go hand in hand, especially with the '09 models. Time to invest in a OBDII code reader!

 

While any CEL is crappy to get, having the code # is critical! While the narrative would certainly suggest that the intake is the problem, (and it is good that he checked, excessive oil in there isn't good) it could be something like a loose gas cap.

OP get back to us with the info so we can all help you further!

Good luck!

 

OK. I took it to my buddy's shop and before I could write down the code, he cleared it! So, now I don't have a CEL. If it comes back I will make sure that he doesn't clear it before I get a chance to write it down.

There is probably a way to get find the stored code but that didn't happen

 

Its a common problem for K&N filters to screw up the MAF sensor. The oil gets on the sensor and causes it to read incorrectly. It happens mainly to the newer maf sensors. Its a well known problem that K&N started making a oil-less filters.

To clean your filter, take a bucket of water with tide etc and slosh it up and down , side to side etc then set it out to dry. Dont put the oil back on it.

How the sensor works is by putting a certain amount of current through the sensor and it tries to maintain a certain value. As the sensor cools down from extra air flow extra current is added to maintain that certain value. If its coated then it will not cool off correctly. Its a little more detailed than how i explained it but it should be simple enough for you to understand.

 

I took off all of the oil. Hopefully, the CEL won't come back on.

 

I thought the oil was a necessary component of an oiled filter? Aren't oiless filters different in their construction?

I'm getting two CELs since the turboback from ALTA. The P0xxx and a U3FFF. The U3FFF is apparently an unknown code that can only be deciphered by a full-blown scan tool. Yargh! Hopefully a good tune can block those codes.

 

You can remove the oil if you choose on the ALTA filter. The OP is using a K&n which uses a lighter oil that tends to get wicked away and onto the MAF sensor. The ALTA uses a heavier oil for Foam Filters and isn't as likely. (HOWEVER: You should ALWAYS remove the excess oil on the filter from the manufacturing process. A very light amount is all that is needed.)

On your CEL's you need a CAN Based OBDII scanner (most local auto shops have already updated to those) and then the full code will be shown. There are lists here on NAMA and other places that will decipher the codes. It is important that you Pm me the CEL#'s so we can check to see if the TBE is a problem here.

THANK YOU for your post and of course for the business!

 

I called DDM Works and they told me that I needed a little oil on the filter. I put a very small amount on and the CEL hasn't returned. If it does, I will be sure to get the code before my bud clears it from the computer.

 

I have an 07 MCS and over the past several months, have been experiencing "driveability" problems. Was going to bring to dealer for service. Since new I have used both UNI and lately. Alta panel filter. Both very similar oiled, foam design. With my driveability problem I did check the MAF sensor, it appeared very clean. On oxybluecoops rec. , I used the CRC MAF cleaner several days ago. Problem resolved. Lesson learned. I will continue to use Alta's panel filter, very lightly oiled, and use the cleaner periodically. Thanks Oxybluecoop.

 

My CEL came on again last night. This time I was able to get the code:

P2096
Post catalyst fuel trim system too lean Bank 1


When I installed the DP I had a problem with the O2 sensor below the cat. It didn't go in all the way and the threads ended up stripping. I took it out and put it in as far as I could. Could this be the issue?

 

Perhaps instead of guessing on what the CEL could be fork out the money and go get a OBD reader (you can get one on ebay for 60 bux) and find out what it is. If you guess you could possibly do more damage than good.

 

but he does know what it means. Just not the exact cause.

 

That's what I thought. I borrowed my friend's $400 scanner (he owns a custom shop). I am not sure if it could be anymore specific. It is either the cat on the DP or the 02 sensor. I am assuming that it is the 2nd O2 sensor that is causing this, but I am not 100% positive. Does the car run any different when this CEL activates?

 

Yes it certainly could. The relationship of how far the O2 sensor extends into the exhaust pipe as well as how far from the catalyst makes a difference. So assuming you have it sticking out a bit too far, it would read lean.

 

That's what I figured. I will just deal with it for now. I am heading out for the next 12 months, so I will look for a perm. solution when I get back. Thanks

 

Crap! 12 months? A whole year's deployment?

Stay safe, and we'll be thinking of you!

 

Second that! Stay safe and thank you for your service!!!!

 

I will. Thanks!