My MCS is throwing an EML and SES lights around 4-5K in 2nd gear. There may also be other conditions that cause the EML/SES.

Let me describe my morning:
I woke up with intentions of changing my oil and installing a new coil pack and wires.

I jacked up the car from the center jack point. I took off my oil fill cap. I tried to loosen my oil drain plug, but couldn't. I ended up breaking my 1/2" and 13mm sockets. These sockets as part of an $8 set, so they are very cheap quality. Also, the cold weather may have weaken the socket. My last oil change was from the factory, so I'm guessing the tech torqued the drain plug to 70+ ft.lbs. I gave up and put the oil cap back on.

My next operation (in less detail): I installed my new Screamin Deamon coil pack from outmotoring.com. Along with it, I installed Kingsborne 9MM plug wires. After installing, I drove down the street and experienced the EML, SES for the first time. I check all the wires and found 1 or 2 of them to be loose, so I pushed until they clicked. Still EML/SES. I placed a call to my local tech guru (thanks Baron), who said double-check the connections, do a software reset. Done, still EML/SES. Then, I changed the coil pack back to stock and did another reset, still EML/SES. Then I changed the wires back to stock and did another reset, still EMS/SES. I've checked, double-checked, and then checked the firing order again . The cylinders go 1-2-3-4 from passenger to driver and the coil pack go counter-clockwise 1-2-3-4 starting with the front passenger (bottom left facing).

I gave up and bought an OBDII reader. The code is displaying as P1688, which according to site 1 and 2, P1688 is "Metering Oil Pump Stepping Motor Circuit Malfunction".

Either of my operations this morning could theoretically cause this. During the failed oil change, something could have gone wrong with the "oil pump". During the coil pack/wires install and un-install, something could have gone wrong with the "circuit".

Any advice?

 

OK, apparently I'm having the bypass valve issue. I did a search on P1688 and found a ton of stuff. I previously did a search on "1688", but not "P1688". I'll try messing with the bypass valve when I get home.

Why does the other sites say P1688 is something other than "DME Fault P1688 - Electronic Throttle Monitoring - Air Mass Fault"

 

Generic OBD-II readers sometimes give ... well ... generic descriptions. Manufacturers like MINI have some fault code definitions that are unique. Only a factory scan tool or one that uses the same diagnostic protocols would give you the actual codes.

 

I think the generic span a certain range of number, and the custom are extended range number. Not sure...

But this fault wouldn't indicate a bypass fault, this would be telling you that the position sensors (there are two in our throttle bodies) aren't saying what they should.

Matt

 

The same P code can have completely different meanings, depending on what vehicle has the code. The EPA mandated a common standard for generic OBD-II, so the big 3 auto manufacturers each came up with their own completely different hardware requirements and software languages, plus each manufacturer came up with their own fault code definitions. Nice commonality, eh?

 

Uh, gee... that sorta sucks. I guess it should not surprise. Got any recommendations for a MINI-specific OBD-II tol for reading and resetting codes>

 

According to the Bentley Manual (which we know doesn't cover our '05 models), that code is: "Electronic Throttle Control Monitor Level 2/3 Mass Air Flow Calculation". I looked at every page in the manual by model and type and this is the same definition for P1688 regardless of model/year. Code breaks down to P=Power train, 1=Mini, 6=ECM input/output, 88=individual circuit/component (BMW scanner knows this part).

Unless something else failed (coincidently), I would double check to make sure you didn't cause some other wiring to come loose, fall off or break while installing the coil pack and plug wires. Did you disconnect the battery before installing the coil pack? Just asking because nearly all the instructions for installing any part that is electrically connected, usually suggests that first. I'm assuming to prevent just such occurence caused by damage to electrical components or ECM. Just my 2cents.

 

Yes, I disconnected the battery.

New developments: After the EML fault, the bypass valve is stuck in an open position (the boot is pushed inside the housing), even when the car is then turned off. I can gently push the boot and it springs back to it's fully closed position.

Sounds like a sticky BPV to me. Car is in the shop.

 

That would correspond to the Mass Air flow issue....Chalk it up to another bypass valve....

 

My SA told me that they replaced the bypass valve and reporgrammed the DME. I don't have the car back yet, but I'll let you know my findings.

So was it something I did with the coilpack?

 

Sounds unlikely given the fault code and symptoms.

 

As posted here post #154

Got mine all fixed!

The tech confirmed that the bypass valve, or "shut-off valve" as they are called by BMW, was sticking open. It was replaced with the new bypass valve according to the part number. I also got the new ECU version the tech said was v44. He said it took about 15 minutes, which is longer than normal. Either v44 is big, or I had an older than normal version. Note with the new version, when I turn the key to the off position, the dome light doesn't come on. It will only come on when I open the door.

My sheet says the following:
CONCERN 51: CUST STATES EML LIGHT ON
CAUSE: FAULTY
CORRECTION: CHECKED CODES ON DME FOUND CODE P1688 FOR BYPASS VALVE.
COMMENT: CHECKED FOR VACUUM LEAKS. NONE PRESENT. FOUND BULLETIN PERTAINING TO CODE BULLETIN #M12 200 04 REPLACED SUPERCHARGER BYPASS VAVLE.
TECH NOTES: REPROGRAMMED DME WITH CURRENT SOFTWARE. ALIGNED EWS AND CODE MOTRONIC.
CLEARED DAULTS (should be faults) FROM DME. RESET ADAPTATIONS. TEST DRIVE O.K. AT THIS TIME.
PART NUMBER: BMW 11 61 1 501 973
DESCRIPTION: VALVE
SELL: 37.05

 

What is V.44 supposed to fix?

They usually don't update ECU software unless you complain of a problem that the update addresses. Or you whine enough...

 

Are you calling me a whiner? I am, but I didn't whine for that... The tech didn't say what it fixed. He said he *thinks* the version is 44.