Low Boost and check engine Light

[aceblaster]

I took my car out the other day on some back roads to see what kind of boost I was getting and my max PSI Boost was only around 12.1 , I don't know what is causing such a low boost so I figured I would ask on here.

My mods- MS CAI, PG TIP, TurboSmart Bov/BPV, PG FMIC.

I'm also getting an engine light that says I'm running lean... I've checked for leaks and can't find any, I've cleaned the MAF sensor, I've bought the air straightener for the CAI, Ran My BPV at different settings and Nothing has turned the light off.

I'm wondering if buying a Cobb AP and changing the map would help?

Any ideas?

 

[meicalnissyen]

I took my car out the other day on some back roads to see what kind of boost I was getting and my max PSI Boost was only around 12.1 , I don't know what is causing such a low boost so I figured I would ask on here.

My mods- MS CAI, PG TIP, TurboSmart Bov/BPV, PG FMIC.

I'm also getting an engine light that says I'm running lean... I've checked for leaks and can't find any, I've cleaned the MAF sensor, I've bought the air straightener for the CAI, Ran My BPV at different settings and Nothing has turned the light off.

I'm wondering if buying a Cobb AP and changing the map would help?

Any ideas?

just phrasing, mebbe, but did you reset the ecu with a codereader tool? the light stays on even after the trouble is fixed

 

[aceblaster]

just phrasing, mebbe, but did you reset the ecu with a codereader tool? the light stays on even after the trouble is fixed

I've reset the code by resetting the ECU completely and by resetting it with my OBDII reader.

Both will turn the light off but it comes back within 10-20 minutes of driving, it doesn't matter if I drive hard or baby the car either.

Just an idea but could I have a o2 sensor out? I don't know what else to try, and that would explain the CEL (running lean) but not the low boost...

 

[joelgas]

Have you checked the PG TIP to make sure that everything is secured down all the way?

 

[joelgas]

Have you checked the PG TIP to make sure that everything is secured down all the way? It sounds to me like you have an intake leak somewhere.

 

[SallySpeed3]

Have you checked the PG TIP to make sure that everything is secured down all the way? It sounds to me like you have an intake leak somewhere.

+1 on that. Has to be a leak

 

[aceblaster]

Have you checked the PG TIP to make sure that everything is secured down all the way? It sounds to me like you have an intake leak somewhere.

I have done this, I even took out all my piping, TIP and CAI and checked for pin holes, and made sure I put everything back together nice and tight... I'm kind of out of ideas atm, beside doing it all over again...

 

[joelgas]

I have done this, I even took out all my piping, TIP and CAI and checked for pin holes, and made sure I put everything back together nice and tight... I'm kind of out of ideas atm, beside doing it all over again...

What is the code that you are throwing? The other thing that I thought it may be is your air temp sens, which could make it run poor and lean. Had that happen to me on another vehicle before.

 

[Darth Vader]

Check the TIP-to-boost solenoid vac hose. Sounds like you're on WG spring pressure only. That'd add unmetered air and throw a lean code if the nipple's cracked or broken or the hose is leaky.

Also check the bigger hose from the comp scroll to the WGA. You'll have to get under the car for this.

 

[aceblaster]

Check the TIP-to-boost solenoid vac hose. Sounds like you're on WG spring pressure only. That'd add unmetered air and throw a lean code if the nipple's cracked or broken or the hose is leaky.

Also check the bigger hose from the comp scroll to the WGA. You'll have to get under the car for this.

I will go check this right now, Not sure where the hose from the comp scroll to the VGA is but I will try to locate it.

What is the code that you are throwing? The other thing that I thought it may be is your air temp sens, which could make it run poor and lean. Had that happen to me on another vehicle before.

The code it is throwing is (P2177) System too lean off idle

 

[oaklandopen]

DTC P2177[LF, L3]
id0102a3812300
DTC P2177
Fuel system too lean at off idle
DETECTION CONDITION
• The PCM monitors short term fuel trim (SHRTFT), long term fuel trim (LONGFT) during closed loop fuel control at off-idle. If the LONGFT and the sum total of these fuel trims exceed preprogrammed criteria. PCM determines that fuel system is too lean at off-idle. Diagnostic support note • This is a continuous monitor (Fuel system). • The MIL illuminates if PCM detects the above malfunctioning condition in two consecutive drive cycles or in one drive cycle while the DTC for the same malfunction has been stored in the PCM. • PENDING CODE is available if PCM detects the above malfunction conditions during first drive cycle. • FREEZE FRAME DATA is available. • DTC is stored in the PCM memory.

• Misfire • Front H02S deterioration • Front H02S heater malfunction • MAF sensor malfunction • Pressure regulator (built-in fuel injection pump) malfunction • Fuel pump malfunction • Fuel filter clogged or restricted • Fuel leakage on fuel line from fuel delivery pipe and fuel pump • Leakage exhaust system • Purge solenoid valve improper operation • Purge solenoid valve malfunction (stuck open) • Purge solenoid hoses improper connection • Air suction in intake-air system • Insufficient engine compression • Variable valve timing control system improper operation. • PCM malfunction

 

[zinger002]

how did you check the stuff for pinhole leaks? if you gotta smoke machine you could use that. or if you actually smoke you could take the recirc tube off and blow through it and see if you have a leak somewhere

and, actually, even though you might not get any leaks sitting still doing diag there might be something loose enough to make a big gap whilst boosting. like a bad clamp or something

maybe you could also spray soapy water over the plumbing components, crank her up, and check for bubbles while someone else revs it

leaks on the pressured side of the turbo would cause a rich condition, or am i wrong.

 

[oaklandopen]

leaks on the pressured side of the turbo would cause a rich condition, or am i wrong.

fixed

guess i thought since the boost was so low it was losing some in the positive pressure side of the compressor

 

[aceblaster]

DTC P2177[LF, L3]
id0102a3812300
DTC P2177
Fuel system too lean at off idle
DETECTION CONDITION
• The PCM monitors short term fuel trim (SHRTFT), long term fuel trim (LONGFT) during closed loop fuel control at off-idle. If the LONGFT and the sum total of these fuel trims exceed preprogrammed criteria. PCM determines that fuel system is too lean at off-idle. Diagnostic support note • This is a continuous monitor (Fuel system). • The MIL illuminates if PCM detects the above malfunctioning condition in two consecutive drive cycles or in one drive cycle while the DTC for the same malfunction has been stored in the PCM. • PENDING CODE is available if PCM detects the above malfunction conditions during first drive cycle. • FREEZE FRAME DATA is available. • DTC is stored in the PCM memory.

• Misfire • Front H02S deterioration • Front H02S heater malfunction • MAF sensor malfunction • Pressure regulator (built-in fuel injection pump) malfunction • Fuel pump malfunction • Fuel filter clogged or restricted • Fuel leakage on fuel line from fuel delivery pipe and fuel pump • Leakage exhaust system • Purge solenoid valve improper operation • Purge solenoid valve malfunction (stuck open) • Purge solenoid hoses improper connection • Air suction in intake-air system • Insufficient engine compression • Variable valve timing control system improper operation. • PCM malfunction

I have already checked some of the listed causes and have came up with nothing so far...

I have a question about the turbo though, When my TIP was off I tried turning the turbine inside the turbo and it had a lot of resistance and if I stopped turning it with my finger it automatically stopped. No free spin what so ever. Are the stock turbos suppose to spin freely or have that much resistance? There is no grinding or anything and the turbo still spools up and kicks in. I don't know if that could cause me to lose the boost and/or the CEL.

Also I installed a K&N air filter on my CAI and noticed that it puts off a lot of oil that lined the inside of my Intake pipe. I cleaned my MAF for that reason and it was quite dirty but didn't fix the CEL. Any input on if that could be the culprit?

 

[aceblaster]

If anyone has a suggestion on how to check for leaks I'm up for suggestions too. All I did was take a can of carb. cleaner and spray pretty much every inch of every pipe/hose I could see that Would possibly cause the CEL.

 

[joelgas]

Also I installed a K&N air filter on my CAI and noticed that it puts off a lot of oil that lined the inside of my Intake pipe. I cleaned my MAF for that reason and it was quite dirty but didn't fix the CEL. Any input on if that could be the culprit?

There is a possibility that if you used carb cleaner on the MAF, it may have damaged the filament. I have no experience with this but I have heard to use rubbing alcohol to clean the MAF to prevent any damage.

 

[Darth Vader]

No turbo with oil in the centre is going to "free spin". As long as it isn't contacting the housing *either side* or having busted or bent fins, it's as ok as this POS turbo is going to be.

 

[aceblaster]

There is a possibility that if you used carb cleaner on the MAF, it may have damaged the filament. I have no experience with this but I have heard to use rubbing alcohol to clean the MAF to prevent any damage.

No i cleaned the MAF correctly, I used to carb cleaner to spray the outsides of the pipes and hoses. If carb cleaner leaks into the engine will rev up...

No turbo with oil in the centre is going to "free spin". As long as it isn't contacting the housing *either side* or having busted or bent fins, it's as ok as this POS turbo is going to be.

Alright, This is my first turbo'ed car so wasn't sure on that one, I'll cross that off the list of possible causes.

 

[oaklandopen]

Can the obd reader you have give you real time sensor readings? You could always use that to see how your injectors are doing or your fuel pressures

 

[aceblaster]

Can the obd reader you have give you real time sensor readings? You could always use that to see how your injectors are doing or your fuel pressures

Yes it can, I have already checked fuel pressure at idle and WOT and it seems to fine. As far as injectors go what would I check for that and what range should the reading be in?