2001 Mercedes Benz C280 P1128 P1130 P2016 P2085 P2086

This was an easy fix – BUT I wanted to share how an aftermarket scan tool can improperly display Mercedes Benz fuel trim faults and values. We will look at it using a Snap On MODIS (same scanner software as all their models) using generic and Mercedes Specific software.

The following fault codes were stored.

Generic
generica

Mercedes Specific
eurofaults

Scan data

Generic
genercidata

Mercedes Specific
eurodata

As you can see the values are flip flopped depending on which version of the scan tool I was using. What’s important is to check when the fault codes set and specific fault code definitions.
Additive or idle load will likely be vacuum leak.

Multiplicative or part load will likely be fuel delivery issues. ie. MAF, fuel pump.

Oh, you wanted to know the fix. After the MAF sensor mounted to the intake duct to throttle body there is a rubber hose. It is very common for this hose to crack and swell from oil contamination.
P9170103a

2000 Ford Windstar 3.8 P0171 P0174

Vehicle had fault codes for lean fuel system, both banks.
codesa

This indicates a problem affecting the entire engine.

With fuel trim faults, freeze frame data is a great starting point. Freeze frame data indicates fault codes set at idle.
freeze.framea

Monitoring fuel trim during a test drive confirmed the vehicle was lean at idle. Note the graphs below indicate lean at idle. Once the engine RPM is raised from idle to 2500 rpm (in PARK) the fuel system is no longer lean. A vacuum leak can be detected this was. As the amount of unmetered air is larger (or comparable) compared to metered air. Once the RPM is raised the metered air amount becomes greater than the unmetered amount (vacuum leak).
idlea
2500a

After this I spoke to the mechanic who was working on the Windstar. He stated the same fault codes were present last month. He found a leaking intake manifold and a TSB. Therefore he replaced the front valve cover and intake manifold profile gaskets.

DSCN2259a

I quickly checked over his work. Everything looked in place. The only spot that propane could influence fuel control was at the intake manifold runner control bushing. I found this to be normal as all 3.8 intakes will have some level of leak here. New lower intake manifold does not remedy the leak.
DSCN2258a

I looked over the TSB and asked if he performed a needed PCM updated. They had not.
DSCN2260a

Next up I reprogrammed the PCM.
DSCN2263a
DSCN2264a

After the PCM software update I test drove the vehicle and confirmed it was now in proper fuel control. A second test drive confirmed the same result with no fault codes.

The shop was half way there. They performed almost all the needed repairs. A simple software update and they were done. With computers controlling almmost every function on late model vehicles it is always smart to check if software levels are up to date when performing repairs.