Error code P2096

[freakazoid]

Anybody received this error code before, P2096 - Post Catalyst Fuel Trim System Too Lean Bank 1. No CEL displayed.

Since this weekend I have been noticing that if I do a spirited run then the car has a nasty rotten egg smell. One evening it was so bad that the family could smell it inside the house. I thought maybe my drains were blocked as the smell was nauseating.

Last night I had the smell again and this morning decided to read the codes. The only one present is P2096.

The past couple of mornings have been really cold in Cape Town and the car had a noticeable misfire like it wants to die when reversing but rev counter did not dip with the misfire. The misfire goes away after about 500m - 1km. I have also noticed that sometimes the car idles higher than normal - 800rpm instead of 600rpm.

The car was also parked for two weeks before this started happening. Funny thing is it is performing very well through the gears.

This is on a N54 335i.

 

[freakazoid]

In case anyone gets this error. Plugs were changed and the error disappeared

 

[QikNish]

Rotten egg smell usually means the catalytic convertors need replacing.... And can contribute to poor running, misfires etc etc

 

[freakazoid]

Rotten egg smell usually means the catalytic convertors need replacing.... And can contribute to poor running, misfires etc etc

I thought so as well and was preparing to remove the cat and downpipes if that was the case.

From my non-technical understanding this error can be caused by plugs, injectors, coils, sensors or cat. If the upstream items are faulty the sensor tries to over compensate and then you either get over or under fueling and results in the smell coming from the cat. Left to long it can cause the cat to go faulty.

Don't quote me but something along this line was explained to my son. I've been in the UK since beginning of July and my nephew and son took the car in for me. I had him scan the car afterwards and he said no errors popping up and he can't pick up the smell.

I'm just happy that it cost me R2500 with an oil service.

 

[Woodies]

"I have also noticed that sometimes the car idles higher than normal - 800rpm instead of 600rpm."

I also had this with my 335. Normally its a sign of battery power running low (and seeing as it stood for 2 weeks, maybe why). The car registers a lower battery charge/power and basically just idles higher for more charge to be generated by the alternator.