I have been getting a p2096 error code for the last couple months. Not sure yet why. DP? Intake? Anyways, I got it erased twice. It came on again a few days ago, but then yesterday I started up my car and the CEL didn't come on. Anyone know if this normally can happen and if it means anything? Damn CEL's!!

 

I received this same CEL constantly with my Alta DP when I put two O2 sensor extensions (spark plug non-fowlers) between the sensor and the DP. The O2 sensor was (apparently) too far out of the exhaust stream to measure what the computer predicted it should be seeing. I reset it a few times and it went away itself a few times on start-up. Using a single extension eliminated this code being triggered.

 

Mine threw the same code. I reset it twice. My wife said it went off a few months ago and it hasn't come back

 

They come and go. I take it the MINI ECu is like most newer cars in the fact that it learns off your driving style and it will get used to it being that way then all of a sudden the code disappears. But don't be suprised if in a couple of days, weeks, or months that it comes back.

 

Just because a CEL is not in your dash. Does not mean it isn't there. What happens is you get a pending code first. Once this pending code has been seen 3 times it illuminates the dash. If you hook up an obd2 tool to your car and clear the code. It will go away for a period of time, and then reappear once the drive cycles have been reached. Sometimes the CEL may go away but it will re appear in the future until the problem is fixed.

Sometimes codes that are related to MAF etc...can work themselves out.

 

So, if my CEL did automatically turn off by itself, will it show up on the OBD2 now or is it completely gone?

 

Hook up the OBD2 and scan it. There may be a pending code that hasn't hit the dash yet. If its not there its gone.

Now to elaborate on that. BMW has what's called shadow codes. These are stored codes that don't show up on an OBD2 Tool. You need to use a BT Scanner or the dealer scanner to read/delete these.

 

sneaky bastards :P does your O2 sim get rid of said codes (for DP i mean... obviously not MAF)

 

What's a BT scanner? I've received this same code 2 other times and they showed up on the OBD2 Tool. The light came on this time (and I assumed it was the same code) and then suddenly turned off a week later without being cleared. I thought once a CEL was tripped, the only way to remove it was through a OBD2 tool by a "professional" so the issue was addressed. Apparently the ECU adapted?? It will be interesting to see if the code shows up still on the OBD2 tool or if it's gone completely. I'll get that done and keep you posted....

 

Just re-read this thread and this is exactly what mine did. Reset twice and then went off by itself. We both have the same DP. Coincedence!

 

Yea they are hahaha!

There are several different codes. Our 02 SIM will remove any code caused by running an aftermarket downpipe both catted + catless.

 

BT Scanner is a much cheaper tool similar to tool the dealer uses. It allows you to read/clear shadow codes. It's more detailed than and 0BD2 tool. It hooks up to your lap tap with current software on your particular car. You can get a home version for 300ish, and it will allow you to use 3 VINs for that scanner. Or you can get the PRO for 600ish, and its unlimited.

Cars can adapt out of CEL as well. This car in particular is very tricky. To be honest talking about it gets my blood boiling with everything we had to deal with on making the 02 SIM. Your car may of never adapted. You need to put your OBD2 tool in and make sure the light goes green that all 3 monitors are adapted. If they are not your tool should read yellow as your monitors are still reading. Every tool is different sometimes they show the monitors blinking and solid is fully adapted.

Normal drive cycle should take about 50 - 100 miles to adapt.

We have seen it take several hundred miles when having aftermarket parts on. Some of our N54s took a couple thousand miles.

 

So I had my OBD read and there in fact was the p2096 error code after the light had turned off a few weeks ago. Maybe it just needed to be cleared. SO now I will wait to see if it comes back. In the meantime I need to have my car smogged in the next 2 weeks. Hopefully with all these error codes, I can still pass SMOG!!

 

My CEL likes to come on randomly for days at a time, and then turn off again after maybe a week. It will stay off for a day or 3, it seems to depend whether I drive it on Sport mode or not that triggers it coming back on more quickly.

 

Good news. Even though I have been throwing a CEL for my catalytic converter reading too lean, I still passed smog with ease through the OBD port (no tailpipe reader). Not sure what it means as far as why I am getting it, but at least I'm good with the government for 1 more year.

 

BT Scanner for those interested: http://www.bavariantechnic.com/buy.aspx

 

Have not had a cel yet with my catless downpipe.

 

I'm bettin' it's a comin' !