Did you see the comment that I did not put the vacuum hose from the valve cover to the intake assembly on correctly, and would that cause the code? It looks, from your description as if it would.
My car had the timing chain recall done before 20,000 miles. Do you think it would be loose at this mileage (45,000)?
Finally, the OBD reader that I used would not clear the codes. In fact, I tried two different ones, neither Mini. Do I need a different reader, or do I need an incatation and a witch doctor?
Thanks

 

No, did not. If that hose in not on correctly, that is probably it.

In most cases once fixed, after three duty cycles of the engine ( three trips ) some codes will clear themselves but are still stored. I don't see why this wouldn't be the case.

 

3?

You mean 80... 80 warm up cycles..

 

80?

The hose which is probably causing the code is an emission related component.

Usually 2-3 duty or "drive cycles".....complete warm up / cool downs.

 

Yes, 80. You'll never clear a code with just three.

Codes *set* with three. Not erase.

(This is for most A/F / Ignition related faults)

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/rep...96b43f80cb1aef

(See the part Intermittent MIL -On- Conditions:.. and yes I know its showing data for a Pontiac.. but this is federal mandated logic for OBDII..)

 

80 is just not my past experience with a MINI.

DME sees/reads proper VAC/AF and after 2-3 cycles eventually clearing itself, but will maintain the history longer. Of the 180+ thousand miles I have driven so far, if a code didn't eventually clear themselves the Scanguage II did it for me.

 

What you are saying, both of you , I think is right....
Thinking the light will go out after 3 starts without the issue....
And the code will be STORED for the 80.......
But without the code "active" the light will be out....

 

In my case, the light went out after 4 starts, but the codes were still in there after about 20. As far as I know, they are still there. I could not clear them with two OBD tools, and I do not have a Scanguage.