Hi guys,

I've been fighting with my damned mini for months now. First, found a hole in the cat, likely caused by an awful cobblestone street in Seattle. New cat in, code went away for a month or so then returned.

Exhaust guy looked it over very carefully and couldn't find any exhaust leaks or cracks. Resonator was dead (JCW car - catback exhaust) he replaced the O2 sensors (up and down) and deleted the resonator - no resolution. The code can be cleared and stays cleared the first time the car is run, but the instant it's turned off and on, code returns.

Resonator was dead, he just deleted it - so far downstream this can't mess with emissions.

He warrantied the cat and replaced it again. issue persists. Replaced both O2 sensors again. Same. He searched up and down for vacuum leaks, cracks, everything. Nothing has worked. The only thing he can think of is the TMAP sensor, but there are no guides online for how to test it. Is there a procedure for bench testing the upstream TMAP sensor, and could it be causing this code? What about the lower MAP sensor? I called the dealer to see if they could offer any advice - they won't return voicemails.

I did somewhat recently upgrade the JCW blower to a 15% pulley from the stock works pulley, is the increased airflow somehow possibly causing the ECU problems? My only experience with screwing more boost from cars is pre-OBD1

No other codes are thrown, the car runs great, no loss of power, surging, fuel economy is fine. Just that damn code.

 

Moving you to the Stock Problems/Issues.

 

Thanks, was debating between that sub and this.

 

Should get more views here

 

P2096 has a TSB out that declares not to replace oxygen sensors, and that you need to find an air leak. When we run into this code that is recurring we will smoke test the exhaust system, and usually it comes down to a crack somewhere else in the header you can't see or the gasket between the header and the exhaust.

It is also required that you clear the codes and reset the adaptations when you are doing any sort of repair that relates to fuel trim, air monitoring, etc.

 

Just cannot beat having vendors that own and service MINIs.

Put folks like Detroit Tuned with over 85,000 Gen1 threads and there is not too much on a MINI that cannot be figured out here.

 

I feel your pain. I just cleared that same P2096 code on my 2004 MCS after a month of wrestling with it. That code requires a Vendor grade diagnostic machine to clear it. I had WayMotorWorks clear mine for $75. Ensure that the root problem is corrected by checking the post O2 sensor and the short and long term trim readings before getting it reset. On your OB2 diagnostic tool you will see a Pending P2096 code that never goes away until it is reset by the vendor.