The code can be cleared with a scan tool. If the repair shop is close, take it back to the repair shop to clear the code because it should only take a minute to clear the code.

I think you may be able to disconnect the battery to remove the codes. I am not sure how long it must be disconnected. I would try 10 minutes.

Maybe the code is on because the problem was not fixed.

I am not sure what year is your Mini, but through 2006 there is a recent warranty extension to 10 years/100,000 miles for the Ox Sensor because of problems. You should be able to get Mini to reimburse you for the repair cost.

 

I'm trying to save $$. The shop did a scan for free, said it was the O2 sensor. I replaced the sensor, now they want $40 to scan again and clear the codes. Good shop, but they are really busy. I did try to leave the battery disconnected for about 20 min, and had the +cable shorted to GND during that time (disconnected from the battery of course) but no luck.

I replaced with a direct replacement walker O2 sensor. Price was right, so I hope I didn't just waste $100+ on this. My wife is killing me on this, now wants to sell the car.....

I was looking for a way to just cheeply reset all the codes.

Ric.

 

I believe that the P0031 code is a generic (not BMW specific) code that you should be able to clear with any generic ODB-II code reader. You can purchase a generic reader for around $50 or maybe you have a friend with a code reader that can clear the code for you. However, I have a cheap $40 reader that does not always read/clear the codes on all cars and I have never used it on the Mini. I have a Mini specific scan/reset tool (Peake R5/EMX) that works great on the Mini but it is $120.

Where do you live? Maybe you can post a request on NAM for a local Mini person to help you clear the code. Many people on NAM have a code scan/reset tool. It is a couple minute job. I would be glad to clear the code if you happen to live near Santa Maria, CA.

 

I really appreciate the offer, but I live in Austin Tx. I think I am going to bite the bullet and have the shop read/reset the code in the morning. I hate to think I may have wasted my efforts so far on the Walker sensor.

You knkow i'm not convinced the sensor I removed was original. I have an '04 with 106K miles. I have had the ESE light on for the better part of a year. I have noticed a drom in gas milage and a litter pooror performance in teh past several months. After I put the new one in I do notice petter performance, and better overall response. The sensor I took out was not very tight. It was an NTK 0872674/L-FLO.

I had hoped there was a back door method in resetting like shorting out 2 or 3 specific contacts in the connector for the diag computer. Some old GM cars had this feature before most shops had the diag computers.

Thanks,

Ric.

 

Yea, the old OBD-I systems (1995 and prior) could be shorted.
Sorry you have to spend more money to reset the code.
You could try to borrow a reader from a local auto parts store to read the code and then reset the code. You will probably need to provide a deposit to borrow the scan tool.

 

a reader can't set codes... only reads the OBDII codes.

You can get the code to set yourself but you really need a reader to know when the codes show "ready". Readers can be found for <$100 or borrowed.

Disconnecting battery ususally sets all OBDII codes to "not ready".

More on the OBDII drive cycle required to have all of the OBDII codes set here: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1285660
This is a "BMW" Drive Cycle but most all OBD II cars are very similar. Or you can just drive... an the monitors should all go "ready".

Older (pre-1996) OBD-I cars don't have to worry about any of this.

 

THanks to all who replied. I scraped up the cash and had the shop reset the code. THere were a bunch of secondary things that I wanted the code definitions as well. Like I said, I really trust this shop, the guys are really good. I was able to pass the state inspection, YEA!

Just to let you guys know the O2 sensor I used was a Walker from OxygenSensors.com. This replacement was all wired up with the proper connector, and price at $112.58 was a real deal.

I think I will invest in a reader that can also reset the codes as well.

Thanks,

Ric.

 

Good deal, congrats!

An OBDII code reader cannot set Readiness Codes to "Ready".
It can reset (clear) various codes that pop up.

 

Bavarian Technics has a piece of software for a PC and a cable you can use to reset any code on the MINI. It costs about $287 for the kit but you only have to buy it once. It's that or go to the dealer and get them to reset it. http://www.bavariantechnic.com/ . I have 2 MINI's and had an issue with the O2 sensors on one about 10 months ago. They were very helpful making sure the software did every thing I needed.