Tech Tip: VW's Check Engine Light Is On With Trouble Code P2187

Tech Tip: VW’s Check Engine Light Is On With Trouble Code P2187

The check engine light is on, with trouble code P2187, too lean off idle bank 1. Potential causes to consider include: a defective mass air flow (MAF) sensor; leaking engine vacuum; and N80 canister purge solenoid.

Vehicle: 2004 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 2.0L, L4, MFI, SOHC
 
Customer Concern: The check engine light is on, with trouble code P2187, too lean off idle bank 1.
 
Potential Causes: 
– Defective Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
– Leaking Engine Vacuum
– N80 Canister Purge Solenoid
 
Tests:
1. Check and verify that there are no vacuum leaks or ­un-metered air leaks.
 
2. Check the MAF sensor grams/second readings as ­follows:
  a. Idle (about 830 rpm) 3.5 grams/sec. or more (4 to 4.5 grams/sec. preferred).
  b. 2,500 rpm no load, 9 to 15 grams/sec. (11 to 12 grams/sec. preferred).
  c. Wide open throttle road (WOT) load (drive vehicle at 45 mph in third gear and perform a WOT acceleration, observe maximum indicated grams/sec. readings on the MAF); 90 or more grams/sec. preferred.
  d. A MAF that exhibits ­consistently lower than normal grams/sec. readings can cause a P0102 code to set.
 
3. Check for a leaking N80 Canister Control Valve. This can cause a vacuum leak and a lean idle condition.
Confirmed Fix: Replaced the MAF sensor.
 

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