How Do I Check For Air Leaks?

[elsenorfon]

I have been throwing o2 sensor codes and even after changing the o2 sensor twice (passenger side pre cat FYI) I was still getting the error codes.

From the research I've tried to do this could be indicative of an air leak in the intake lines. I have no idea how to check for leaks. It makes a kind of "woosh" sound when I rev the engine and the engine bay is open, but that's all I know.

Any advice on this? I have changed the throttle body (techno torque) so maybe the seal isn't as good now?

Thank you in advance,

Kyle

[Loren]

What error codes?

You need to tell all the fault codes you have.

[elsenorfon]

P1115 : "Oxygen Sensor Heating 1 Ahead of Catalytic Converter - Below

Lower Limit"

and

P0134 - 02 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank

I Sensor 1

The trick is I'm getting no CEL anymore since flashing my ECU with Softronic update. I'm guessing the tuned version doesn't check o2 sensors or something because this was impossible to get rid of before. So I'm worried I still have an air leak in there that I need to find :(

[Loren]

P0134 Oxygen Sensor Ahead of TWC, Bank 1 – Interruption of Signal

Possible causes:

– Wiring harness

– Oxygen sensor

– DME control module

P1115 Oxygen Sensor Heating Ahead of TWC, Bank 1 – Above Limit

P1115 Oxygen Sensor Heating Ahead of TWC, Bank 1 – Below Limit

P1115 Oxygen Sensor Heating Ahead of TWC, Bank 1 – Open Circuit

P1115 Oxygen Sensor Heating Ahead of TWC, Bank 1 – Signal Implausible

Possible causes:

– Heating resistance too low

– Short to B+

– Short to ground

– Corrosion in connector

– Break in wiring except for a few small wires

– Break in wiring

– Heating resistance too great

– Open circuit in sensor line

– Oxygen sensor

If this started with the Softronic flash - then I would reverse that clear the codes and see if they come back.

[JFP in PA]

The classic method of locating a hard to find air (vacuum) leak is by using a canister of combustible gas (propane or butane will do). In a well ventilated area, attach a short hose to the canister and turn it on low (you just want a small bleed of gas, not a torrent). With the car running, run the hose end around the vacuum connections one by one; when you find a "leaker" the idle will suddenly jump as the result of sucking in more fuel……………..

[flyingpenguin]

The classic method of locating a hard to find air (vacuum) leak is by using a canister of combustible gas (propane or butane will do). In a well ventilated area, attach a short hose to the canister and turn it on low (you just want a small bleed of gas, not a torrent). With the car running, run the hose end around the vacuum connections one by one; when you find a "leaker" the idle will suddenly jump as the result of sucking in more fuel……………..

Sounds pretty f*&^$ng ingenious!

I am getting a P1130, which indicates a possible vacuum leak on bank 2 (Cyl 4-6) only. If I recall correctly, on a 996, that is the passenger side, right?

Would be handy to knwo for sure before I get out my propane torch and start blowing gas around in the engine bay.

JP

Edited April 21, 2010 by flyingpenguin

[JFP in PA]

The classic method of locating a hard to find air (vacuum) leak is by using a canister of combustible gas (propane or butane will do). In a well ventilated area, attach a short hose to the canister and turn it on low (you just want a small bleed of gas, not a torrent). With the car running, run the hose end around the vacuum connections one by one; when you find a "leaker" the idle will suddenly jump as the result of sucking in more fuel……………..

Sounds pretty f*&^$ng ingenious!

I am getting a P1130, which indicates a possible vacuum leak on bank 2 (Cyl 4-6) only. If I recall correctly, on a 996, that is the passenger side, right?

Would be handy to knwo for sure before I get out my propane torch and start blowing gas around in the engine bay.

JP

On a 996, it would be the passenger's side. Just be careful, if you can, do this test outside and without any smokers about......I don't want to hear about any unexpected “barbecues”................ This does work, just imagine trying to find a small vacuum leak on a 12 cylinder Ferrari with intake runners and hoses all over the place; pinpointed and fixed two small vacuum leaks in about 10 min. using this technique.

Edited April 21, 2010 by JFP in PA

[elsenorfon]

The problem didn't START with the flash, it STOPPED with the softronic tuned flash. I was worried that it was only masking the problem though.

Great idea with the butane! thank you very much for the help