I have an '04 MCS with a VGS mod, 15% pulley, ALTA intake and MTH upgrade. I have noticed that I consistenly throw an SES light when cruising on the interstate for 20 minutes or longer at 75 mph or more.

Can't detect any problems - everything still sounds proper and the car still pulls strong. Usually takes 2 to 3 cycles of non-interstate driving, and the SES light resets and won't come on again until I spend some time on the interstate.

I haven't pulled the code yet to see what the problem is, and I know I should. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

I am guessing that the SES light is due to the engine running lean at extended periods of high-speed driving. I am afraid that my stock injectors are having a hard time keeping up with the airflow in these conditions. Anyone agree or have other thoughts?

I am willing to purchase the JCW injectors if I am confident they will rid me of the problem, but don't want to drop the money only to have it continue.

Let me know if you have had similar experiences, and how you handled it.

Thanks all.

NTHUSIAST

 

Stock injectors should be fine? I have the AGS and 16% pully and im still gettin plenty of fuel. Even at highway speeds. But i dont have any ECU tuning.

 

The cruicial data to figuring this out is what the error code is, since that will shed light on the problem. If you get that, maybe we can help you more.

 

Exactly, without knowing the code there is no way to diagnos th eproblem. Who knows you may have a bad sensor somewhere ?

 

You can buy a "reader" at any parts store and find out what the code is.

 

After doing the VGS on my mini every once in a while it would throw a code. I would drive for a little bit longer and it would turn off. It would usually come on right when i was letting off after hard-acceleration. Anyway, could be that...

 

Edit: I knocked something loose installing the pulley. Operator error


I just had the same thing happen. I installed the 15% Sunday, installed the new MTH Monday (no problems w/ previous version). Monday afternoon the "Check Filler Cap" light came on. Later the SES came on. I checked and re-checked the filler cap and it is on properly.

I've had the VGS over a month with no problems.

 

I have not had a code with my combo (running 15%, CAI, + MTH for 3 months). If you need, I have a reader I can help you pull the code. Otherwise a local Autozone will do it for ya for free. Let me know.

 

Took my car in for new brake pads last week (completely free of charge since I only had 35,887 miles on the car when the pad light came on, which was barely under the 36K mile service interval!).

While there, I had them pull the error code and it turns out it was a faulty O2 sensor. New sensor installed and so far, no more SES light.

Just figured it might be worth letting everyone know that it was not an MTH issue at all.

So after about 6 months and 8,000 miles, I couldn't be happier with my MTH upgrade.

NTHUSIAST

 

Great to hear!

 

Nice to hear it wasn't MTH fault!

If you plan on keeping your MINI for a long time, I suggest you invest in an OBD2 reader... It's very useful and can also be used to do oil changes and services at your favorite garage (or yourself) and reset the service interval indicator by yourself.

A very useful tool and it is not too expensive... I got mine for under 200$canadian, shipped to my place.

With today's car, almost all you need is to have an OBD2 reader to get a good hint on a problem....

 

Ok, so unfortunately, I need to give another update. Last we spoke I had said that the dealer replaced the O2 sensor which had been failing. The next two times I drove the interstates (both less than 20 minutes cruising), I did not get an SES light.

Last week I was on the interstate for about an hour, and the dreaded SES light came on again. I went to Autozone and they let me use their reader.
There are two fault codes - "Lean Bank 1" and "Lean Bank 2".

Anyone have any ideas as to what might be causing this? Ideas for ways to solve?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks all,

NTHUSIAST

 

hmmm interesting ! have you actually emailed this to volker for him to comment ?

Lean bank code guide.....

Symptoms

You will more than likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms such as a lack of power, detonation (spark knock), and/or a hesitation/surge on acceleration.

Causes

A lean bank code may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
The MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor is dirty or faulty. Note: The use of "oiled" air filters (K&N, etc.) can cause the MAF to become dirty if the filter is over-oiled
There could be a vacuum leak downstream of the MAF sensor.

Possible Solutions

Possible solutions include:
In the vast majority of cases, simply cleaning the MAF sensor does the trick. Consult your service manual for it's location if you need help. I find it's best to take it off and spray it with electronics cleaner or brake cleaner. Make sure you are careful not to damage the MAF sensor, and make sure it's dry before reinstalling
Inspect all vacuum and PCV hoses, replace if necessary
Check for a dirty fuel filter and proper fuel pressure

possibly check the vacuum pipes first