P2096 Post Catalytic Fuel Trim Bank 1 System Too Lean

[smackboy1]

The CEL came on yesterday 10 minutes after startup. This is the code

P2096 Post Catalytic Fuel Trim Bank 1 System Too Lean

What is that and what should I do about it? Is that something to do with the O2 sensor on bank 1? Car's feels like it's running fine. I have an extended warranty that covers the emissions system but I have a $200 deductible.

Thanks for any help.

[Loren]

P2096 Signal Delay Time for Oxygen Sensor Ageing - Above Limit

Possible fault cause

- Oxygen sensor

I would clear the code and see if it comes back.

If it does replace the sensor.

[smackboy1]

If it does replace the sensor.

Thanks Loren. Is replacing an O2 sensor a difficult job? Where is the aft O2 sensor, is there a DIY w/ photos? Or should I just take the car to the dealer/indy?

[Loren]

Not too hard with the right O2 sensor socket.

1 - Oxygen sensor ahead of catalytic converter

2 - Oxygen sensor after catalytic converter

[smackboy1]

Not too hard with the right O2 sensor socket.

1 - Oxygen sensor ahead of catalytic converter

2 - Oxygen sensor after catalytic converter

Thanks Loren. Bank 1 are the driver's side (car's left) cylinders, correct? Which wire is attached to the #2 sensor, black sheathing or blue sheathing? It's really tight in there, what is the best way to gain access to the sensor and wire? Do I have to take off the bumper cover?

[Loren]

I have not done this on a 3.6 yet but I doubt the bumper cover will need to come off.

[smackboy1]

P2096 Signal Delay Time for Oxygen Sensor Ageing - Above Limit

Possible fault cause

- Oxygen sensor

I would clear the code and see if it comes back.

If it does replace the sensor.

OK, the CEL just came back on and threw the same P2096 code. It took 8 months/5,000 miles to come back. Is this a sign that the sensor is bad or could it be bad gasoline. I use almost exclusively Shell. Then yesterday I filled the tank with Lukoil (the only time I've used Lukoil for this car) and 240 miles later, the CEL comes on.

[RFM]

Does what Loren suggest, if the fault comes back replace the sensor. Bank 2 runs on the same Lukoil after all.

[slbates]

You can access the o2 wires easily if you remove the airbox. This is easy to do. The o2 socket may not remove the sensor if it has been in there a long time. I had to replace 3 of the 4 sensors due to aging at 90k miles or so. The socket just rounded the corners on one of the sensors, but I was able to remove it with a 6" pipe wrench (don't laugh) with ease.

Edited September 6, 2008 by slbates

[smackboy1]

I found a TSB from 2004 relating to P2096 in my model year car

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?a...load&id=607

I guess there was an software error in DME control module which can trigger a CEL even if the O2 sensor is fully operational.

So based on this information I'm thinking I should

1) Go to the dealer and get the updated DME software installed.

2) Wait and see if the P2096 code returns and if

a. if the code does not return, do nothing.

b. if the code returns, change out the O2 sensor.

Make sense?

[Loren]

I found a TSB from 2004 relating to P2096 in my model year car

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?a...load&id=607

I guess there was an software error in DME control module which can trigger a CEL even if the O2 sensor is fully operational.

So based on this information I'm thinking I should

1) Go to the dealer and get the updated DME software installed.

2) Wait and see if the P2096 code returns and if

a. if the code does not return, do nothing.

b. if the code returns, change out the O2 sensor.

Make sense?

2a

[smackboy1]

The saga continues...

Took the car to the dealer to get the TSB DME update. The DME software would not allow the DME to be updated. The upshot is that the dealer is ordering a new DME and replacing the old one under the emissions warranty.

The tech asked me if the DME had ever been flashed using 3rd party software. I've never done it but I'm the 2nd owner so anything is possible. Is there any way to know if the DME has ever been modded? Apart from the DME being defective, is there another reason why the software would reject an update?

[Loren]

The saga continues...

Took the car to the dealer to get the TSB DME update. The DME software would not allow the DME to be updated. The upshot is that the dealer is ordering a new DME and replacing the old one under the emissions warranty.

The tech asked me if the DME had ever been flashed using 3rd party software. I've never done it but I'm the 2nd owner so anything is possible. Is there any way to know if the DME has ever been modded? Apart from the DME being defective, is there another reason why the software would reject an update?

On 2002 and newer cars the dealer can run a test with their PST2 or PIWIS and it will tell them if the DME has been changed.

We've seen a number of cars that you can not program - but because the model type was never entered in the DME section.

They might want to double check that before they order a DME.

[atmorris]

I have a 2003 2.7L 986 with 70k miles that this just started happening on. Exact same symptoms.  If I cancel the code with my reader it doesn't come back for months. We checked the sensor and it tested (twice) as working properly.  

 

I assume all this shop time would be on my dime if I took it to the dealer to have the DME issue checked out at this point?   

[JFP in PA]

I have a 2003 2.7L 986 with 70k miles that this just started happening on. Exact same symptoms.  If I cancel the code with my reader it doesn't come back for months. We checked the sensor and it tested (twice) as working properly.  

 

I assume all this shop time would be on my dime if I took it to the dealer to have the DME issue checked out at this point?   

 

Yes.