xc90 P2188 code

Post by **stone36** » 06 May 2009, 21:36

So I finished my 45K mile tune up (pics and write up forthcoming) and today 4 days later my check engine light came on.

Went to autozone and got P2188 (Fuel system too rich at idle), but it is not listed as a volvo code, they found it under mazda/ford. Symptoms are occasional hesitation accelerating and surging at idle.

My Theory:
To get at the spark plugs I removed the front connection of the turbo hose that runs front to back on top of the engine. I only undid the front connector and then turned it out of the way to get the torx bolts off of the plug cover. I think that I have an air leak in that turbo line from not re-connecting it tight/secure enough, maybe even in the back connector since I didn't tighten or loosen that one. I am going to spray some carb cleaner on those connections tomorrow and see if it surges.

Any other thoughts/theories???

Does that code come up in anyones system???

Thanks

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 May 2009, 14:46

you are on the right track...more air, and the car will supply more gas to compensate, thus a rich burn... Good luck with this- wish I knew more about your car to help.

Post by **stone36** » 12 May 2009, 22:25

OK so I need some more opinions here. I checked and could not find a vacuum leak at any of the points I messed with. The only things I did related to fuel burning rich was the fuel filter and spark plugs. I gapped the plugs to .28 as recommended by autozone. Is that the correct gap? is there anything with the plugs that could cause the "rich" reading. I just did about an 850 mile road trip over 3 days the check engine light went on the first day, off the second and back on the third...

Thanks

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 May 2009, 19:33

I know you said .28 but it's actually 0.028 (inches). Make sure you have it right.

Post by **stone36** » 13 May 2009, 20:16

Yes, sorry I did .028.

Still can't figure it out though. I have once before had a bag plug, but at $45 a set, I don't want to just start guessing...

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 13 May 2009, 20:27

stone36 wrote:
Any other thoughts/theories???

I think the rich mixture could be caused by an intermittent misfire, which could be caused by a bad spark plug, coil pack not seated correctly, or wiring plug not seated correctly in the coil pack.

Also, I'd tighten the rear clamp on the turbo hose.

searay440 · Post by **searay440** » 10 Feb 2014, 00:24

I am going to check this, the plug wiring and such. I recently did my timing belt and pulled the number 1 plug to check that it was near TDC. I put it all back together and it ran like a top for about 30 miles than the engine light came on with a P0101 and P2188. I didn't touch any of the air stuff except the pipe going across the top of the engine to get to the plugs and I have readjusted the clamps and I can't believe there is an air leak there now. I also find it highly unlikely the MAF sensor went out 'coincidentally' after the timing belt change.

Post by **stone36** » 10 Feb 2014, 06:36

A funny thing happened to me, I was driving across the country last summer and got the 2188 code. So I got on my phone and goggled it was reading through this thread before I realized it was mine from a few years ago. I had just done a plug change before the drive and to "save time" I loosened the back clamp of the air hose rather than remove completely. Well ultimately that was my problem though it did take me 3-4 weeks and probably 3 code resets (I finally just bought my own code reader so I could reset them each time). I think due to the high miles in a short period, the engine had "learned" to adapt to the off air flow and had to be re-taught.

So long story short, I am 2 for 2 on messing with the turbo hose and setting off the 2188, so I think these cars are super sensitive to any air flow variance. And it seems that getting the hose set in place must be done just right. From my experience, I would reset the code and remove/replace the air hose again, just my .02

searay440 · Post by **searay440** » 11 Feb 2014, 23:17

I just started a new thread tonight explaining what I had done, ie. timing belt and such. Last night I pulled it all back apart and cleaned the hose ends and pipe ends, disconnected the battery to reset the codes and about 20 miles later the CEL came back on.

Thanks,

Loosing more hair!!!!

Who knew a CEL could cause hair loss?

bruno12 · Post by **bruno12** » 21 Feb 2014, 23:12

Same here! I'll be checking back to see if you learn anything. I have a 2005 T5 XC90, and it's been dying on idle, jolting on hills and during accel, and even dying right as I start it.
I plan to get into it and check hoses and connections. I've had a bit of an oil leak around the oil cap, causing smoke under the hood, I've suspected it could be fouling up the MAF. I've cleaned it with MAF cleaner, and it improved, but still jolting on acceleration, especially hills. Probably should clean or change the airfilter first, then go from there.
I'll post if I have any success.

Stone36 - are you saying I may have a rough idle or acceleration even after I've found and solved my problem? Will my car learn to live with the problem, and by removing the problem, it will need to learn to live with NO problem?