12 replies to this topic

[Mini_Magic]

My SPi keeps hesitating and jerking under acceleration when first driving it in the freezing cold. It barely gets up to 30mph, once it does it almost feels like it's going to stall. The idle is very high too. Low speeds seem to be fine.

It's the same problem as when the pipe from the fuel trap to the ECU came off. Only this time the pipe is connected.

After about 5 mins or so, once it's warmed up a little, it's fine. Seems to run perfectly after that.

I've recently fitted a new exhaust system, replaced the coolant temperature sensor and changed the water pump. Don't think these are related to the problem.

Edited by Mini_Magic, 08 February 2012 - 08:36 PM.

[xdaylelumsdenx]

mine does the same! had to catch the train to work the last 2 days now...
its so frustrating! x

[Mini_Magic]

I'm not sure if it's as simple as it's just too darn cold outside. It's been minus figures whenever I've driven it recently.

[SimonWicklow]

just turn it on and leave it for 5 minutes to warm up before driving it, mines horrible to drive when cold, the revs go up and down all the time

[Mini_Magic]

But it's an SPi and it's never had this problem before.

Pretty sure it's something I've done to it, but not sure what!

[mini-luke]

You say it was bad when the hose came off, are you sure there are no splits in the elbows as that'd also achieve the same ends.

[Mini_Magic]

Good point, I'll have a check but it's fine after five minutes of driving which suggests it's temperature related.

[SimonWicklow]

Mines an spi as well, if you do find any problems, please post them because mine probably has the same haha!

[Mini_Magic]

Everyone's SPis seem to be having the same problem!

[mini-luke]

Mine is fine (touch wood!)

Have you seen this?

http://www.theminifo...oint-injection/

[Sprocket]

This problem mighlt likely be down to a fault with the PTC heater in the bottom of the manifold.

There should be a single, heavy, brown/ blue wire that attaches to a single spade terminal on heater on the underside of the inlet manifold. Any melting or burning in this connctor or wire likely means the heater is faulty. Check that the wire is infact connected, and also check the inside of the relay pack and the terminals on the large relay pack connector, again melting, burning or scorching there indicates a problem with the heater. Don't replace a damaged relay pack without first checking the heater, as it's usually the heater that causes the relay pack damage.

[Mini_Magic]

Sprocket, on 08 February 2012 - 09:29 PM, said:

This problem mighlt likely be down to a fault with the PTC heater in the bottom of the manifold.

There should be a single, heavy, brown/ blue wire that attaches to a single spade terminal on heater on the underside of the inlet manifold. Any melting or burning in this connctor or wire likely means the heater is faulty. Check that the wire is infact connected, and also check the inside of the relay pack and the terminals on the large relay pack connector, again melting, burning or scorching there indicates a problem with the heater. Don't replace a damaged relay pack without first checking the heater, as it's usually the heater that causes the relay pack damage.

I've just checked the connectors and all appear to be fine. The single wire is plugged into the PTC heater and doesn't appear to be damaged.

Also checked the relay pack and it looks like brand new inside.

[xrocketengineer]

Sprocket, could the Thermac valve and its vacuum pipe affect this condition in cold weather if it is not functioning properly? Vacuum leak causing too fast idle?
I had many GM cars over the years with the Thermac valve. However, I have no feel for what are the symptoms when they misbehave in cold weather since it is never that cold in Florida.

Ivan

Edited by xrocketengineer, 09 February 2012 - 01:41 AM.