[uclabiker]

Hi,

Engine light for 2008 451 has been on for close to two years (code P2188). The smog test guy was able to pass it last time but the light is back and now he's saying it won't pass and that I have to fix the problem. From what I've read it can be a expensive rabbit hole for a mechanic to fix. Anyone know a good mechanic beside dealer? (I live in west San Fernando Valley). I've also read here that someone permanently cleared the code by changing the transmission oil. Anyone me have any success w/ this problem or have any recommendations?

 

[the big e]

Clean the mass air flow sensor.
It could also be the 02 sensor.(or connection)
Rarely it can be the ecu.
That code means it’s not getting enough air then what’s needed.
Here’s the code definition
P2188 System Too Rich Off Idle Bank 1

Read more at: P2188 System Too Rich Off Idle Bank 1
Copyright OBD-Codes.com

 

[uclabiker]

Yes ok thanks for your insight. I know the code means too rich at idle and I’ve pretty much read up on it. I know if I go to a mechanic its gonna be expensive unless he happens to find the problem right away. This could end up costing $1K or more. I might sell the car. Will update. Somebody here wrote that they fixed the problem by changing the transmission fluid so might give that a go.

 

[Shalmaneser64]

Buy some cans of intake components cleaners to start with. How do the plugs look? Carboned up?

 

[Igor Barbaros]

Clean the mass air flow sensor.
It could also be the 02 sensor.(or connection)
Rarely it can be the ecu.
That code means it’s not getting enough air then what’s needed.
Here’s the code definition
P2188 System Too Rich Off Idle Bank 1

Read more at: P2188 System Too Rich Off Idle Bank 1
Copyright OBD-Codes.com

The 451 doesn't have a maf

 

[Igor Barbaros]

Yes ok thanks for your insight. I know the code means too rich at idle and I’ve pretty much read up on it. I know if I go to a mechanic its gonna be expensive unless he happens to find the problem right away. This could end up costing $1K or more. I might sell the car. Will update. Somebody here wrote that they fixed the problem by changing the transmission fluid so might give that a go.

How's the air filter?
Exhaust leak can meet with o2 sensors. Wouldn't hurt to unplug the o2 sensor clean the connection.
Maybe clean the cat
Clean the throttle body
Leaking injector maybe.
Spark plugs, clean, gap, maybe replace
These are the things that come to mind of the top of my head and require little to no resources.

 

[uclabiker]

The plugs look good although I guess when I changed them I didn't tighten one enough and it broke off into the cylinder but I lucked out and there was no damage. Was delivering food and would leave the car idling when I would go in to pick up the food and perhaps the temperature got too hot for the loose spark plug bc of the ”too rich at idle” P2188. Air filter and broken spark were recently replaced by a mechanic and he didn't mention anything about the plugs and they looked light brown not black at all.

 

[Igor Barbaros]

The plugs look good although I guess when I changed them I didn't tighten one enough and it broke off into the cylinder but I lucked out and there was no damage. Was delivering food and would leave the car idling when I would go in to pick up the food and perhaps the temperature got too hot for the loose spark plug bc of the ”too rich at idle” P2188. Air filter and broken spark were recently replaced by a mechanic and he didn't mention anything about the plugs and they looked light brown not black at all.

Tried running seafoam or marvel? It wouldn't hurt to do a heat soak

 

[the big e]

Igor I would just posting what was shown as a possible culprit when I pulled up the code(that was what was shown on the site)
I know it doesn’t have one(maybe I should’ve left that out but oh well)

 

[uclabiker]

Tried running seafoam or marvel? It wouldn't hurt to do a heat soak

Don't know what a heat soak is is but I have put techron in the fuel tank and it has not resolved the issue. Also tried some seafoam. The spark plugs which were recently replaced seem fine. New air filter is spot on nice and tight.

Replaced the fuel pump a while back bc the nipple of the fuel pump broke and am wondering if a loose fuel hose connection to the tank can be the culprit. (fuel pump was a tough job to do without a lift and I would not do it again) If a fuel line or full connection to the tank is loose though won't that lean things out bc of the air leak this would cause? The code says too rich at idle not to lean. ATTACH type="full" alt="64999"]64999[/ATTACH]

The smog tech put a Snap On Scanner on and said that whatever is off is off by such a small amount that I can run the car until it gets worst and that way he can pin point the problem more easily. However I need to pass the smog test to get registration. Will probably be changing the transmission fluid bc somebody said it fixed the problem permanently and it's easy enough. Will update

 

[the big e]

Yes loose connection or bad pump will make it run lean not rich.

 

[Bob Ricewasser]

Hi,

Engine light for 2008 451 has been on for close to two years (code P2188). The smog test guy was able to pass it last time but the light is back and now he's saying it won't pass and that I have to fix the problem. From what I've read it can be a expensive rabbit hole for a mechanic to fix. Anyone know a good mechanic beside dealer? (I live in west San Fernando Valley). I've also read here that some one permanently cleared the code by changing the transmission oil. Anyone me have any success w/ this problem or have any recommendations?

Try Boulevard Auto Repair, (818) 989-6028. Their address is: 14857 Burbank Blvd., Van Nuys, CA. Also, if you are not already a member, I would suggest that you join the So Cal Smarties at: www.meetup.com/socalsmarties. Membership is free.

 

[uclabiker]

Try Boulevard Auto Repair, (818) 989-6028. Their address is: 14857 Burbank Blvd., Van Nuys, CA. Also, if you are not already a member, I would suggest that you join the So Cal Smarties at: www.meetup.com/socalsmarties. Membership is free.

Pretty sure I joined a whileback but need to retrieve my meetup password perhaps.

 

[AlMar]

I replaced spark plugs, engine oil and filter, air filter, cleaned intake air duct including Air Mass Sensor. I completely removed AMS sensor and thoroughly cleaned with Engine Cleaner. Paid $500 to Certified SMART mechanic that did not know source nor solve P2188 problem. On 6/13/2018, changed Transmission/Transaxle Oil for preventive maintenance, not to solved P2188 and to my surprise completely got rid of P2188. Please, change the Transaxle oil filter. It is easy to do and not expensive if you do it yourself. If it works for your SMART, like it did for my, great. If it does not solve P2188, you have at least prolonged the life of your Transaxle. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF IT WORK OR NOT.

 

[jwight]

I replaced spark plugs, engine oil and filter, air filter, cleaned intake air duct including Air Mass Sensor. I completely removed AMS sensor and thoroughly cleaned with Engine Cleaner. Paid $500 to Certified SMART mechanic that did not know source nor solve P2188 problem. On 6/13/2018, changed Transmission/Transaxle Oil for preventive maintenance, not to solved P2188 and to my surprise completely got rid of P2188. Please, change the Transaxle oil filter. It is easy to do and not expensive if you do it yourself. If it works for your SMART, like it did for my, great. If it does not solve P2188, you have at least prolonged the life of your Transaxle. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF IT WORK OR NOT.

Where is the transaxle oil filter located exactly?

 

[the big e]

That makes two of us wondering?

 

[1983JZR3W]

Where is the transaxle oil filter located exactly?

Right next to his power steering fluid reservoir.....

 

[the big e]

^ lol
You would be looking for a long time to find that.

 

[smark]

I changed my trans axle oil. I was having issues, with rear window wiper. It was in the same close vicinity. Some reason it didn’t work.

If i paid $500 dollars to a smart car specialist. The individual, didn’t fix my P2188 code issue. I will be back on his doorstep, to go at it again. Or he could just return my 500 bucks.

Here the causes of a P2188 code....

1. Replacement of a faulty EVAP system purge valve.
2. Repair of a vacuum leak(s)
3. Repair of a leaking air intake.
4. Replacement of a faulty gas cap seal.
5. Repair or replacement of leaking exhaust system components.
6. Replacement of faulty crankcase ventilation valve and grommet.

 

[uclabiker]

*UPDATE

Sooooo I changed the transmission fluid (the squirt packaging is the best way to go). Then disconnected or loosened one of the battery terminals and reconnected (to get rid of the engine light). Drove well over 100miles and no light so I gave it a go and took it to get smog tested. Smog test guy hooked it up to his scanner and said there’s still a pending code BUT it passed! AND day later the light came back on.

NOTE: I did not change the transmission filter bc could not locate one and fromwhat I understood there is no transmission oil filter but if there is I will definitely change it! Is there actually transmission oil filter on this car??