Engine Management Light - Help!!!

[JackZ4]

I'm looking for some advice please.

Earlier this month the engine management light appeared on the dash, the car began hunting between 600 - 1000rpms when in traffic and lacked power when accelerating, but only on a few occasions since the EML appeared.

After calling the RAC, the following codes were shown:

2A82 Vanos Inlet, actual position (Intermittent)
29F4 Catalytic Converter Conversion (Permanent)
29F5 Catalytic Converter Conversion Bank 2 (Permanent)

The mechanic did a smoke test and used a camera to check the internals of the exhaust, no issues found on this front, so took the plunge and got the pre/post O2 sensors and vanos solenoids replaced, however, the dreaded engine management light has reappeared. Car is still hunting in traffic, but isn't lacking power when accelerating anymore.

Any ideas on what the cause could be?

Anyone know if this is a good code reader https://www.amazon.co.uk/Creator-C310-System-Engine-Diagnostic/dp/B00VSYZ2NC?th=1

Thank You!

 

[Zedebee]

I don’t know the cause of your EML, but I can recommend the C310+ and a cost effective diagnostic and reset tool. Many members on here use them, although there are other options (Carly, Autophix, INPA etc).

 

[JackZ4]

I don’t know the cause of your EML, but I can recommend the C310+ and a cost effective diagnostic and reset tool. Many members on here use them, although there are other options (Carly, Autophix, INPA etc).

Thanks Zedebee, I've taken the plunge and gone for the C310+. I'll post an update and let you know what errors come up tomorrow when it arrives

To add to this, the O2 Sensors and Vanos Solenoids that were replaced, we used Bosch and Pierburg, so should be alright brands, and the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced not long before this.

Seen on the forum in another thread that someone recommended holding the accelerator down for 20 seconds or more so the car can register this, have no idea why, but I'll try it, and that maybe the PCV or DISA could be a another possible solution. I haven't heard of the PCV before, however, I do know the DISA was replaced 5-6 years ago.

Also, apologies, noticed I've put this thread in the wrong forum area :headbang:

 

[Zedebee]

Causes of hunting can also be a split in your inlet piping, or a dodgy MAF sensor. PCV is more trouble on the M54 engine, particularly in the cold weather doing short journeys. It is integrated into the valve cover in the N52 and less susceptible to clogging up, but there is a membrane that can deteriorate.

The “procedure” you describe could be intended to reset the throttle adaptations, however Robertltd2 describes it differently: “Turn ignition on for ten seconds, turn off for ten seconds, turn on again for ten seconds again and start the engine (no foot on the accelerator).”

If that doesn’t work, you should be able to reset throttle adaptation with Creator 310+ when you get it.

 

[JackZ4]

Well, here's a little update, the Creator C310+ is a wonderful little device, even idiots like me can use it

When using the C310+, the same codes did reappeared:
2A82 DME: Vanos Intake
29F4 DME: Catalytic Converter Conversion
29F5 DME: Catalytic Converter Conversion

These codes have now been cleared, so will see when I drive to football later this evening whether the EML pings backup on the dash.

Whilst going through the menus, did check and the O2 Sensors are working properly according to this device, and the running values for all cylinders/vanos' seem to be within the required parameters, did also reset the throttle adaptions.

I guess this could point towards what you said Zedebee, split in the inlet piping, a dodgy MAF sensor or membrane, however, will keep the PCV and DISA on the backburner as a possible cause...

Although, I did do my first proper long drive for a while, as I normally do a 8 mile journey to work and back everyday, but this time been to Birmingham and noticed a hefty fume smell coming into the car, so gets me thinking whether the exhaust has a leak :x

 

[enuff_zed]

Well, here's a little update, the Creator C310+ is a wonderful little device, even idiots like me can use it

When using the C310+, the same codes did reappeared:
2A82 DME: Vanos Intake
29F4 DME: Catalytic Converter Conversion
29F5 DME: Catalytic Converter Conversion

These codes have now been cleared, so will see when I drive to football later this evening whether the EML pings backup on the dash.

Whilst going through the menus, did check and the O2 Sensors are working properly according to this device, and the running values for all cylinders/vanos' seem to be within the required parameters, did also reset the throttle adaptions.

I guess this could point towards what you said Zedebee, split in the inlet piping, a dodgy MAF sensor or membrane, however, will keep the PCV and DISA on the backburner as a possible cause...

Although, I did do my first proper long drive for a while, as I normally do a 8 mile journey to work and back everyday, but this time been to Birmingham and noticed a hefty fume smell coming into the car, so gets me thinking whether the exhaust has a leak :x

That depend on what the fumes are?
Could be the much more common top cover gasket leak, letting oil onto the exhaust?
This can in fact cause running issues too, as it is designed to be a sealed system and if oil can get out then air can get in.
Hopefully not adding too much confusion to your issues?

 

[JackZ4]

That depend on what the fumes are?
Could be the much more common top cover gasket leak, letting oil onto the exhaust?
This can in fact cause running issues too, as it is designed to be a sealed system and if oil can get out then air can get in.
Hopefully not adding too much confusion to your issues?

Thanks enuff_zed, didn't cause any confusion at all, but are you refering to the gasket on the oil filter housing? As I'd rather know of things that may eradicate the problem potentially and take them off the list by replacing them outright.

Did see the mechanic today and supposedly a lot of gaskets were replaced last year in July when the whole exhaust and a few other things had an overhaul, rocker cover, sump, high temp gaskets, etc...

However, I have decided to bite the bullet as I know the last time the DISA was replaced was in April 2018, and to my knowledge the CCV has never been swapped, so ordered the following to play it safe:

DISA:
Adjustor 1 - 11617579114 (FEBI 109562)
Adjustor 2 - 11617560538 (FEBI 109591)

CCV:
Oil Separator - 11617531423
Vent Hose - 11617559530
Vent Pipe - 11157522931
Return Pipe - 11157567801

CCV parts come as a package under FEBI 170592

 

[JackZ4]

Little update, after replacing the parts mentioned above and the oil filter housing cap/cage, the car is running smooth once again, no hunting, acceleration on point, no idling issues, as if the car has no more problems, however, the pesky engine/emission light is like a troll that won't leave me alone.

Current codes:
29F4 Catalytic Converter Conversion (Permanent)
29F5 Catalytic Converter Conversion Bank 2 (Permanent)

Meaning the Vanos error code has finally gone, but I’ve noticed a tiny amount of blue smoke comes out on start-up and that's it, could this be oil residue left in the system that remains, that needs to be burnt off, or could it be something else?

Thanks for the help