R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 2096 - next steps?

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Old Jan 24, 2024 | 05:57 AM
  #1  
uneze's Avatar
uneze
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2096 - next steps?

2004 base Model, man trans.

i've read through at least the last 6 most recent threads about this p2096 code (bank 1 Running Lean) and I can't seem to kill it.
I see that a special scanner is required to clear it permanently but I don't want pay to have it done if I haven't actually beaten the code since it will come on again.
or side question? what the cheapest scanner/app I can buy this will clear this?

Recent Repairs So Far:
Replaced fuel injectors, exhaust-manifold gasket and bank #1 O2 Sensor (NTK)-
After the first couple repairs the light came on immediately but after the o2 sensor replacement the light will actually stay off completely until i start the car again.
Does this part hold any clues into what I should do next?

What i gather so far from reading on here is i need check exhaust for leaks before and after the cat and check for vac leaks. which i will do asap. not really in the mood to buy a whole new cat/exhaust system, as some people have claimed worked.

What would you do next?
 
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Old Jan 24, 2024 | 11:34 AM
  #2  
cooper48's Avatar
cooper48
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Smoke test to ID the vac leak source.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2024 | 12:40 PM
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adriancl
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Originally Posted by uneze
2004 base Model, man trans.

i've read through at least the last 6 most recent threads about this p2096 code (bank 1 Running Lean) and I can't seem to kill it.
I see that a special scanner is required to clear it permanently but I don't want pay to have it done if I haven't actually beaten the code since it will come on again.
or side question? what the cheapest scanner/app I can buy this will clear this?

Recent Repairs So Far:
Replaced fuel injectors, exhaust-manifold gasket and bank #1 O2 Sensor (NTK)-
After the first couple repairs the light came on immediately but after the o2 sensor replacement the light will actually stay off completely until i start the car again.
Does this part hold any clues into what I should do next?

What i gather so far from reading on here is i need check exhaust for leaks before and after the cat and check for vac leaks. which i will do asap. not really in the mood to buy a whole new cat/exhaust system, as some people have claimed worked.

What would you do next?
Best and cheap scanner in INPA K DCAN cable, can buy for 30$, but need a Microsoft laptop.I can help you by remote to install INPA software free charge.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2024 | 01:55 PM
  #4  
uneze's Avatar
uneze
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From: Austin, TX
ooooph. no window machines here. every time i try to use one i come within inches of smashing. switched to mac about 15 years ago. But if this saves me a ton of $ then I may have to bury my hatred and give it a go...
 
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Old Jan 30, 2024 | 10:37 AM
  #5  
ssoliman's Avatar
ssoliman
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Dual boot ur Mac to windows. Thats what i did. See my thread named “inpa”. All details there
 
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Old Feb 4, 2024 | 10:56 AM
  #6  
uneze's Avatar
uneze
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I finally did the smoke test and the only place any air seems to be escaping is from under the oil filler cap on top of the valve cover. could this be what's triggering it?
and thanks for the windows tipI will look into it if this problem persists.

 
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Old Feb 4, 2024 | 11:31 AM
  #7  
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adriancl
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I advice you to reset adaptive with INPA , and than do a new drive test.Also must check if your catalyst is not clogged.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2024 | 12:11 PM
  #8  
uneze's Avatar
uneze
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From: Austin, TX
I'm trying to work my way through that thread and it's make my head spin... this stuff is NOT my strong suit...

In the meantime, how do i tell if my Cat is 'clogged' without removing it? something is up and the car is still fumey smelling esp when I start it up and I just redid the exhaust manifold gasket.
Also never heard back about the oil fill cap. Should i worry about that being a place for air to escape?
 
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Old Feb 7, 2024 | 08:41 AM
  #9  
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uneze
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Wondering once I get this software up and running what will i be able to do with it? is it just for shutting off the CE light ?
 
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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 01:20 PM
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Jefferson Riff
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Yes/No - it depends

The PCV valve connects from the valve cover to the intake manifold which is after the sensors. If the Oil fill cap is leaking and the PCV valve is old / worn or not working properly, you will have a open vacuum leak downstream of the MAF/MAP sensors.

Exhaust manifold gasket is upstream of the O2 sensors. Escaping exhaust upstream of the O2 sensor is one of the things that cause a lean code. Put some smoke around the exhaust manifold while the engine is idling and see if there is a leak. If there is re-do the gasket. ( I think those bolts are only 25 lb ft of torque so don't over tighten)

If you have fixed both the downstream intake leak and the upstream exhaust leak and if you still get the code. I would run a bottle of catalytic converter cleaner though a tank of fuel. IF you get the code again then you may want to look at the catalytic converter at that point.

Just my free advice which is worth exactly what you paid for it.

Jeff
 
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Old Feb 23, 2024 | 10:56 AM
  #11  
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SupeR53
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From: Nederland, CO
Another way to diagnose a plugged cat is to loosen (or completely remove) the bolts at the cat inlet, clear the code and drive it a bit (be careful to ensure that you don't lose the bolts or washers in the process) and see if :1) your power increases and 2) the code stays off. Yes, it'll be loud and raspy, but you won't need to drive it long to see if the code reappears.
HTH,
 
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Old Feb 24, 2024 | 03:58 AM
  #12  
uneze's Avatar
uneze
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From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by Jefferson Riff
The PCV valve connects from the valve cover to the intake manifold which is after the sensors. If the Oil fill cap is leaking and the PCV valve is old / worn or not working properly, you will have a open vacuum leak downstream of the MAF/MAP sensors.

Exhaust manifold gasket is upstream of the O2 sensors. Escaping exhaust upstream of the O2 sensor is one of the things that cause a lean code. Put some smoke around the exhaust manifold while the engine is idling and see if there is a leak. If there is re-do the gasket. ( I think those bolts are only 25 lb ft of torque so don't over tighten)

If you have fixed both the downstream intake leak and the upstream exhaust leak and if you still get the code. I would run a bottle of catalytic converter cleaner though a tank of fuel. IF you get the code again then you may want to look at the catalytic converter at that point.

Just my free advice which is worth exactly what you paid for it.

Jeff
thanks for this - some good suggestions here. I did recently redo the ExMan gasket but hadn't thought to smoke test for leaks. will def try that - as i think i mentioned above the oil cap was the only thing that smoke was escaping from when i smoked tested the lines. pretty sure it's a fairly new cap. still thinking i'll go buy a an OEM from the stealership. Def will do the Cat-Con cleaner. great idea.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2024 | 04:01 AM
  #13  
uneze's Avatar
uneze
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From: Austin, TX
Originally Posted by SupeR53
Another way to diagnose a plugged cat is to loosen (or completely remove) the bolts at the cat inlet, clear the code and drive it a bit (be careful to ensure that you don't lose the bolts or washers in the process) and see if :1) your power increases and 2) the code stays off. Yes, it'll be loud and raspy, but you won't need to drive it long to see if the code reappears.
HTH,
this is great. will give it a try! thx
 
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