I have a
2007 Cayman S
with a Borla exhaust. I currently have about 13,000 miles on the car. I have the
DME
flash from FVD. When I flashed back to the original file in order to pass inspection I get multiple codes.
P0421, P0421pd, 2097, 2097 pd, 2196. So, I can't pass the state inspection. These codes, and the subsequent CEL, come on very quicly - after 10-15 miles.
I found references to these codes in the forums. They appear to be related to the catalyst not being efficient. I assume that is because of the aftermarket cat. I tried the modification described in the forums: use spark plug non-foulers as spacers for the after-cat O2 sensor. That has not worked. I still get codes P2196, P2198pd, P2196pd, ...
Any suggestions? I did see some people talking about moving the mounting spot for the rear O2 sensor farther back in the exhast stream. Are there any other - easier tricks that work? Using the spark plug non-fouler - does it need to be open to the exhaust stream at all? What is the range of acceptable oxygen readings for the before and after-cat O2 sensors?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ken
First off, I'm not a certified mechanic. However, my somewhat educated guess would be the flash. I also have a catless catback exhaust.
I have Softronic flash and have seen 2097 before. From what I can tell, 2097 indicates a rich fuel mix (which would make sense w/flash, right?).
I can clear the code with Durametric diagnostic software, but it usually comes back. The only way I can get rid of it seems to be re-flashing my
DME
/ECU. Not sure if your flash vendor allows you to flash your own back to stock, just to pass emissions if nothing else.
Don't know why it works, just know that it works.
Actually, I have no codes and everything is fine when I use the tuned flash. It's the stock flash that is the problem. With the tuned flash some of the sensor as delayed/shut off so I can't pass inspection that way. So, I flashed back to stock and that's when the codes appear.
I have a 2007 CS with a Borla exhaust, never flashed it and have never had a code. Are you sure you are getting a good flash back to stock?
+1. Since the exhaust is after the 02 sensors (which are likely the messengers of the rich fuel error), my money is still on the flash.
I think you should try some other spark plug that fits to it. Some spark plug is not fit to the 2007 Cayman S. That's my suggestion.
The cat back exhaust should really not influence any error codes, because it is after the sensors, unless it has a blockage of some sort.
I have a flash and borla and never had any codes.
Have you tried passing inspection with the flash still on? maybe you might pass??
After the codes came up have you driven the car any significant distances? Maybe you need to give the ECU and the standard parameters time to adjust and simply drive around for a while and let the air/fuel mixture adjust.
In order to troubleshoot and keep crossing possible causes off your list, might I suggest a good cleaning of your Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF).
There's a fantastic article on cleaning your MAF in the articles section of Planet-9
Disclaimer: I may have co-authored said MAF article above!
What does the inspection consist of? Here in Washington state, they simply plug into the OBD connector and look for codes - as long as you don't have any, you pass. I would suggest that you flash to the one that does not throw codes and go get it inspected.
Marek
