VAG-COM 00561 error

[MacBain]

My 1996 1.8 A4 gives me the "00561 Mixture Adaptation: Adaptation Limit (Add) Not Reached" when I check fault codes with my vag-com.

Can't notice anything wrong with the car, but it still gives me this code.
If I delete it, it comes back after a little while.

This is the possible cause and solutions according to the ross-tech wiki:

Possible Symptoms


Engine Jolting
Increased Fuel Consumption
Poor Idling/Jolting
Reduced Boost Pressure
Possible Causes


Mass Air Flow Sensor (G70) faulty
Fuel Pressure too Low
Leaks in Intake Air System and/or Exhaust System
Injector(s) faulty (i.e. coked)
Possible Solutions


Refuel Vehicle
Check Fuel System Pressure
Check Mass Air Flow Sensor (G70)
Check Intake Air System and Exhaust System for Leaks
Check Injection Quantity
Check Injector(s)
Anyone in here that's had this fault code and fixed it?
If so what was the cause?
Is there a way I could find out exactly what's wrong using the "measuring blocks" with the vag-com or ?

[olds_kool]

cant help, but ive got the same fault code on my 1.8t, clear it, its back again in a few days
first showed up after using injector cleaner additive, but the only symptom is occasionally it starts, cuts out then takes a few seconds to start up again
love to know how to fix it

[MacBain]

I've also had the engine cutting out right after starting it, but this was caused by the immobilizer.
Changing the wires to the ignition coil fixed it.

[MacBain]

Added som STP Complete system cleaner today and now the code comes back instantly.
Checked thru the vagcom measuring blocks and discovered under group 08 (learned lambda values) that the "learned mix. form (add) shows a value of -11.7% while normal values are supposed to be between -10 and +10%.

So maybe there's something wrong with the lambda sensor?

[ecmbuster]

No, there is a vacuum leak and the ECM is trying to control it via adaptation.
Use a smoke machine and test ALL connections including the PCV. Test the vacuum at the dip stick. It should be very low. If it is high, there's an internal leak that a smoke machine will never find.

MAF sensors that read lower that normal will cause this.

Check altitude correction at
01 engine
08 data blocks
006 field 4
a low minus number indicates close to sea level. A high minus number close to sea level indicates a barometric pressure sensor error.

[MacBain]

When I did my readings I was a bit above sea level, but I'm going to decend down to the sea tomorrow to do a new reading :).

By the way after I filled up the tank with regular fuel after using up the STP mixed fuel the fault code doesn't come back instantly.
I'l have to drive a few minutes to make it come back.

Regarding the possible vacum leak, I don't have a smoke machine, but maybe using some "start" spray would give similar results, causing the rpm to increase if there's a leak.
Any tips on wich vacum pipes to look for?, at least all the ones I can se visually appears to be intact.

By the way where is the barometric pressure sensor located?

[ecmbuster]

If your model has a barometric pressure sensor, it's located in the ECM. Viewing the posted data blocks will indicate if it is built in. Using spray is not really safe, there is a fire hazard. Oil leaks are a sign of a leak. Brake boosters have internal leaks. Look at the PCV valve (internal damage) . Providing the engine is sound (good and equal compression)(timing belt perfect), the exhaust is clear, test the MAF. You need perfect values to match to your values. I use a simple test in the shop at:
Idle
1500 rpm
2000 rpm
2500 rpm
3000 rpm
3500 rpm
4000 rpm

And capture the data in block relating in the posted example. If that test proves good. Test fuel pressure and flow.

Drivability testing should also include a fuel test. Read the fuel test in the added pdf.