MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: andyhull on August 21, 2013, 18:58

Title: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on August 21, 2013, 18:58
Hi guys n gals
Great forum btw
ok, I have a roadster 2000 plate, recently purchased. I have an issue with the the throttle, that when I hit the accelorator the revs drop off, and will increase if i ease off the gas and accelorate slower.
It smells as if its running rich too so not 100% sure as to what the reason could be. I have seen similar things on the forum, but these were idleing / tick over issues, which this is not.
The same thing happens when I change gear, again it dies a bit until i ease off and slowly accelorate
It is now becoming dangerous, because if I dont have the revs up enough at a junction the car will stall.
The ecu has shown several faults, from pre / post cat sensors to maf, and had them all reset. They have not come back as of yet, but not done many miles.
It did have a misfire one, but that was when i first bought it, and since reset it has not occured again.

DONE UP TO NOW
checked for air leaks = none
checked plugs sparking = ok
ran injection cleaner through
checked oil filter = ok
Cleaned maf sensor
I did notice though, that the air intake elbow that connects to the bodywork one, was not fitted inside correctly, so I managed to fit my fat hands inside the bay and tuck it in, but its not sealed in any way.
I also unplugged the maf sensor and then tried the revs, and the holding back it was doing before vanished and it reved up lovely. However at the top end of the revs it started acting up, making a weird woo woo woo sound as the revs were kept on ( hope you can grasp that bit )

I have an obd2 reader coming in the nxt cpl of days ( cheap as chips now  :-) :-) :-)  ) and can then list the full codes as and when they pop up.
Again, I have limited knowledge round car engines, so plz plz be patient with me.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Andy
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: redarrow on August 21, 2013, 19:55
Where all waiting for the code reader first.

I hope you doing every think from
The how to  when cleaning the maf  and ect.

Have you cleaned the ivac and throttle properly
While waiting for the code reader.

What you said can be a lot of symtoms

Example only

Sticky throttle
Maf broke gone
Iac needs cleaning ( this hangs of the throttle
Any pipe holes
Are the side insert pipes ok
Is the air filter ok
Is the accretion cord ok
Ignigton leeds , coil packs , sparks ok

All i can say and you cheek

Regard john

The code reader will help a lot but also
You cleaning the bits you no about and do it properly
And replace properly will encrease your chances get it done
If you need help on things there youtube on the net
Anythink that gone to far to get working
There the scrap yard and ebay to replace them.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on August 21, 2013, 20:21
Thanks for your reply mate, but as I said I am very new to this and not very good around engines lol
I will have a go at all those things, but can you point me in the direction of the ivac and throttle plz, any links for pics etc would be great
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: spit on August 21, 2013, 21:23
Hi Andy. Welcome to the ROC   s8) 8) s8)  

I'll fish out some pics from other threads for you in a moment and post them here.

It  looks like you're working through stuff in a sensible fashion, so don't underplay your ability around engines   s:D :D s:D  Most of us are learning by sticking our heads in and getting grubby! And making plenty of mistakes along the way   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

Like you, I'd also be suspicious towards MAF and vacuum leaks as a first port of call. From your brief desription it certainly seems to be pointing towards a fuel/air mix drama.

The IVAC on our '2 has a habit of gumming up which can affect idle fuel/air control and lead to a slight stumble when you open the throttle, although it sounds like you're experiencing something a little more harsh?

The throttle position sensor is something else to add to your look-list. Fuelling will take the throttle position into account and the TPS is a fairly simple potentiometer that provides this info in the form of a reference voltage to the ECU. A dirty pot track can cause this voltage to spike a bit, particularly at the low throttle end where all the crud tends to get dragged over to. The result can be portions of throttle where the ECU is misinformed or rendered clueless.

I'd also be inclined to look at O2 sensors and injectors again as they're instrumental in getting the car at the optimum tune for smooth pick up. For info (if your misfire ever returns), funky injectors can bring about a misfire code as well as the obvious coil pack/spark system.

Thats most of the small stuff covered. Bigger stuff could include cruddy air filter, exhaust blockages/leaks and some other nasties that you'll hopefully not have to get into   s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: spit on August 21, 2013, 21:43
Here y'go, stolen from an unrelated thread so ignore the labels!

(http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/5295/car362ed.jpg)

Follow the intake pipe from the MAF round to the back of the engine and you'll see the throttle body. With pipe and battery out its easy to get to,

TPS connection is at 3 o'clock in the picture, IAC connection at 7 o'clock.

You can play around with this stuff on the car. If you opt to remove the Throttle body (2 12mm bolts + 2 12mm nuts - 3 of which are visible here), you'll need to clamp off the two small hoses (at 5 o'clock) as they're coolant feed and return for the unit. Throttle cable is attached at 10 o'clock via the bracket (12mm open spanner) and wheel (release the cable nipple!).

To get to the IAC spindle you'll need a very rare 5-point torx to remove the plastic cover. If you can't find one and need to borrow, give me a shout.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on August 21, 2013, 22:01
WOW thanks spit, awesome job mate
I gotta say I was laughing my head off reading all of that lol cos I truly am clueless !! The picture and instructions are a god send mate, and much appreciated.
I read in some previous post that the IAC and throttle body can be cleaned using carb cleaner !!! Can you confirm this  and whats the best way to start a clean with it all in situe ( if possible that is )
Love my MR2, wanted one for many a year, went shopping with wife for some new curtains and saw it advertised lmao,,, had to have it. Sod the curtains lmao.  Just hope I have not bought a bag of bones  s:-( :-( s:-(
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: spit on August 21, 2013, 22:31
There's no official method for using carb cleaner on the TB. Chances are we all do it differently! Others may have their own tips and will probably be along shortly to chip in......

I'd opt to take the IAC apart and clean it out separately - working on the car there's no assurance that you've nailed it or got the cleaner to penetrate the rather delicate valve. That said, carb cleaner in situ can go a long way towards cleaning stuff up. Depends on how OCD you want to be with it.

If you go for stripping the IAC, be warned that the rubber seal that separates the coolant and air channels is a diabolical fit and needs to be reassembled with great care and/or lateral thinking!

Introducing cleaner while the engine is idling is also do-able, although you'll need to grab the throttle lever and play the revs or it'll stall. Breather pipe (labelled in that pic) is a reasonable place to introduce the spray as you can retain a decent seal on the system and avoid upsetting MAF readings. Don't do this while standing near the exhaust if you value clean trousers   s:D :D s:D

Of course this may not be your issue, and components like the throttle sensor will still need to be given some individual TLC.... but hopefully it'll prove handy as you work through and cross things off your list.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on August 21, 2013, 23:34
Thanks for that mate, I will start first thing in the morning, but I also want to see the codes for myself. I have serious doubt about some garages giving the whole truth etc, so once my little device arrives i can see for myself.
Slightly off topic, the bloody 3rd brake light isnt working now lol, changed all bulbs and nothing. Any tips on using a mega ?
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on August 22, 2013, 14:40
Hi guys
I have another question  s:-( :-( s:-(  
ok when i unplug the MAF the cars intial problem of holding back on first throttle seems to go away, and revs nicely up to 3000. When it reaches 3000 it wont go any further and starts its up and down motion of revs.
The question is, if the MAF is unplugged on other roadsters, does the same thing happen ? and also ( if it is standard ) could it mean the MAF is the cause of the holding back on revs ? or is it just not that easy.
I appear to have no air leaks and all pipes look ok. The fault reader will be here tomorrow but will show MAF due to me unplugging it etc. I will run the car for a bit and then see what comes up on the diagnostics.
I tried to get the air filter top off to check the filter ( allegedly has been done by garage, but who knows ) but can i hell figure out how those clips come off !!! They are the ones that face you when looking in the engine bay ?
thanks guys, and plz be patient with me lol
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: spit on August 23, 2013, 12:58
Looks like its just you and me Andy   s:D :D s:D  

Quote from: "andyhull"The question is, if the MAF is unplugged on other roadsters, does the same thing happen ? and also ( if it is standard ) could it mean the MAF is the cause of the holding back on revs ? or is it just not that easy.

Temporarily unplugging sensors and getting a different response from the engine (or no change at all) can be a handy diagnostic trick. Its not always an absolute confirmation of the problem but it adds to the jigsaw.

In your case, I'm afraid I just don't know. My experience with (otherwise OK) 2's is that they're lumpy as hell with an unreliable airflow reading or with the MAF unplugged. That said, I've got an old Mazda with absolutely identical symptoms to your '2 and I get the same smoother low rev with the MAF unplugged, even though the MAF is apparently doing its thing and reading fine. Pretty stumped with it   s:? :? s:?  Next port of call is the O2 sensor followed by the scrap yard   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  

Several members have spare MAFs they'd be willing to loan for a temporary swap-out - thats a quick and cheap way of knowing for sure whether yours is a lemon. Its probably the route I'd take - ROC members are generally a friendly and helpful bunch!

Let us know what codes are appearing on your new reader and we can continue to build up the picture from there.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on August 23, 2013, 14:27
Thanks for that spit
Ok the codes before reset were :-
P0100 ( expected because i unplugged the MAF )
P0110
P0141
After reset all have cleared, I even took the car for a short spin , but the slugish pick up on aceleration is still there ?
I will test it again later today, after a longer run
Bloody thing is doing my head in lol   I even had a tour round the area looking for MR2,s parked up etc to see if i could try their MAF lol  but found none
If anyone is willing to borrow me one for a test, I would be extremely greatful. I am in east yorks, hull area
thanks
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: Anonymous on August 23, 2013, 15:44
Hey Andy!

It looks like we have a very similiar problem, although I am not getting a check engine light.  Also my shifting problems are only noticable when going into 1st gear from a stop and accelerating quickly.  I posted a very similiar issue on spyderchat.com the same day you did and I also have a newly purchased 2000 spyder!  Here's the link: http://spyderchat.com/forums/showthread.php?57853-Throttle-Lag

I will keep watching this forum incase you have any success diagnosing the problem.  When I get some time in the next week or two I will be pulling the throttle body.  I am also very new to engine work so it should be interesting!  I plan to clean the TB and the IACV, although I'm hesitant to completely dissect the IACV.  This process is shown in detail here:  http://www.mr2spyder.net/spyderweb/index.php?/topic/2951-cleaning-the-iac-valve/  I will also do some tests on the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) to see if it is functioning correctly.

I'm hoping that you can get your hands on a MAF Sensor to see if that's the problem as I do not have access to an extra one either.  I hope we figure this out soon!

Andrew
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on August 23, 2013, 16:00
I read on your post that you dont have throttle lag when in neutral ? is this right ?  I have the problem even in neutral, step on the gas and it holds back,, ease off the gas and it will pick up. Its a pain in the rear when coming to junctions etc as I dare not try to nip out in a que of traffic in case it stalls
When i'm running through the gears it does a similar thing if I try and accelerate to fast ( foot down ) but if i ease onto the gas gently it runs fine.
I have had it suggested that the post cat sensor COULD be causing an issue with the ecu, so I am going to remove this and try to clean it, just to see if anything changes
Its gonna be trial and error, but the TB sounds a good place to try too. Thing is I am useless with stuff like this, and its a tight squeeze lol. Plus once its off I would probably  scock cock scock  it all up trying to get it together again  s:-( :-( s:-(
I will keep posting any efforts in here, and if anyone else has any suggestions that would be great

Just remembered that when I cleaned the MAF sensor, I did not reset the ECU. Should I have done this ? and if so can this still be the cause ?  questions questions eh, sorry guys
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: Anonymous on August 23, 2013, 18:27
I agree, you are experiencing the problem to a more severe extent.  I only notice it when I slam on the gas going from a stop.  It might happen for me if I slammed on the gas in neutral but I will spare the car of this torture.  Between gears I'm not noticing a problem, but again maybe I would if I drove more aggressively...  

I too am concerned about removing the throttle body and IACV.  I have never done it before on any car and I've been learning a lot as I go.  I will almost certainly screw something up, but I will learn from my mistakes and hopefully they will not be too costly...  Thankfully, there is a ton of useful information on sites like this!  I will need to take it slow and put aside a large block of time for the project.  Hopefully next week!

From what I've read, you should reset the ECU after cleaning the MAF.  I disconnected the battery, but if you're concerned about your radio presets you can pull the ECU fuse.  This will give the ECU an oportunity to relearn based on the cleaner sensor.  Hopefully cleaning the post-cat sensor will help.  Thanks for posting all the details of your problem and what you are trying!  It is still possible we have a problem in the same part of the car.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on August 23, 2013, 19:38
Ohhh without a doubt its related, but we will get there
Today I did the following :-
Cleaned air filter ( not needed really but did it )
Checked for air leaks using a smoker
Sprayed carb cleaner in the breather pipe while on idle ( the crap that came out lol )
Changed all spark plugs
Reset ECU , removed batt for 20 mins
Still having the issue but I am not sure the carb cleaner has cleaned the sensors, so my next job is to tackle the TB and IACV. Like you said, I guess we will learn the hard way  :-) :-) :-)
I have a sneaky feeling its the IACV but what do I know lol  Only way is to go through it all bit by bit, and a dam good clean and service of all these bits will go along way anyway.
If all else fails I am going to bite the bullet and order a new MAF and o2 sensor, and if it still persists I can at least re sell them both as new ( ish )
Ohh well, back to the grind stone tomorrow, even though footy is on  s:-( :-( s:-(   Hey I,m learning slowly, proud of my work today lmao
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on August 29, 2013, 15:35
I am happy to report that I have now resolved the issue of Throttle holding back from idle and through the gears.
After much research through this brill forum, and speaking to a few fantastic members, I eventually opted to replace the MAF.
Well bugger me, a cheap £35 ebay MAF has stopped the lot   s:D :D s:D   It now revs as it should and has no holding back at all.

I went for the MAF exchange due to the P0171 / 174 codes both coming on together, as the likely hood of both going together is remote. I had checked all the usual suspects, air filter, air intake, throttle body, plugs, and fuel pressure, which all seemed ok.
So it just shows what codes this MAF can throw up when it fails, and what it does to the car running !!!

Thanks guys its much apreciated   s:D :D s:D    s:D :D s:D    I now have to change the post cat sensor only, as this was being thrown up all the time, and still is.
Rockclimber, I know you have very similar problems mate, bite the bullet for £35 and try the MAF   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: spit on August 29, 2013, 20:43
Good work Andy   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:  Now that you've taken the plunge with fettling, you're on your way to having some great fun with the '2.

Once you've got those tyres sorted out, let's get you along to a meet.

Go well.
Ste
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: redarrow on September 1, 2013, 18:28
Andy did you get a cheap maf from ebay but new?
Regards john
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on September 2, 2013, 08:36
Yes mate, it was new and cost £35
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: redarrow on September 2, 2013, 08:47
Can i have a link to the ppl you used as you got a good batch cheers mate.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on September 2, 2013, 08:56
I was going to post the link before but thought it may not have been allowed. It was £37.99 not £35
Here is the link
 m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151022141473? ... 1439.l2649 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151022141473?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) m
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 4, 2013, 06:22
Hi. I've now got the same problem, but when the throttle stalls the heat gauge goes down to zero for a few seconds and then rights itself and the stalling goes away. Did 8 miles this morning and it did it 4 times. Engine seemed really hot when I stopped. even the coolant was hot. I have cleaned MAF and carburettor.  Oil and water ok.  Anyone any ideas?  :-) :-) :-)
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: Jon_G on September 4, 2013, 07:12
Quote from: "mrivett"Hi. I've now got the same problem, but when the throttle stalls the heat gauge goes down to zero for a few seconds and then rights itself and the stalling goes away. Did 8 miles this morning and it did it 4 times. Engine seemed really hot when I stopped. even the coolant was hot. I have cleaned MAF and carburettor.  Oil and water ok.  Anyone any ideas?  :-) :-) :-)
The heat gauge dropping like you describe suggests an electrical problem. Check fuses and connections.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 4, 2013, 14:49
Think I might have solved the problem. There was an unplugged pipe  :-) :-) :-)

Before:

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/04/a9u6esyb.jpg)

And after:

(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/04/pugebe9e.jpg)

I'll give it a test run later when I go to work and let you know.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on September 4, 2013, 17:52
Thats weird, because when I first started diagnosing my fault, I also found the same pipe off !! It was not the cure for mine, but I rekon it could be for yours   s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 4, 2013, 21:44
Well it wasn't the pipe.  s:-( :-( s:-( . It seems to be once it gets warm and you accelerate the thermometer drops to cold and the engine becomes lumpy. It's also really hot when I stopped after 8 miles this evening. Even the water bottle was hot. Surely this isn't normal after 8 miles?
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: spit on September 4, 2013, 21:50
As mentioned above, that is something that sounds very electrical. I'd start with the connection to the water temp sensor (on the side of the engine block under that loose pipe). It may be dodgy or the wiring may have picked up a fracture. If the ECU sees a cold engine it will want to fuel in a different way.

That said, a wider fault in the wiring could be sending the ECU into a stumble mode so check everything over as best you can. Perhaps re-trace your steps if you've recently been working in any particular part of the engine bay.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 4, 2013, 21:55
Thanks ill have a proper look tomorrow. Might be the case that a professional will have to look at it. I'm not particularly mechanically minded  :-) :-) :-)
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on September 5, 2013, 00:03
That wiring that spit is talking about ( from the pics ) looks dodgy already !! I am deffo no mechanic but those look taped up with lecky tape !
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 5, 2013, 00:21
Yes I've only just noticed that. I'll take the tape off tomorrow and have a look  :-) :-) :-)
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 5, 2013, 18:49
I've just had a look at the wiring to the water temp sensor. The wires where covered with heat shrink protector, not tape,  but I have cut the covered bit out and re-spliced them using automotive connectors.  I have also cleaned all the plugs/connectors that where available including the plug to the water temp sensor.

I ran it up for 10 minutes and it seemed ok but ill take it for a proper run later. The only thing I noticed was the pipe from the expansion bottle got hot in the 10 minutes i was running it and the water in the expansion bottle got warm. Is this normal?  :-) :-) :-)
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: Wabbitkilla on September 5, 2013, 19:38
Well it should get warm, can't say I've measured how long it takes.
I'd recommend you take it for a drive and monitor carefully, also check the radiator is getting hot.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on September 5, 2013, 19:49
I can tell you from all my trials and trivulations that the water gets warm from a 10 min idle. I also was worried at first but has been fine. Also dont worry too much about fluctuating coolant levels, because they do change when warm to cold etc. As long as you have a good amount of fluid in the bottle its fine, but keep an eye on it. Check it cold, and then warm   s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 5, 2013, 20:25
Thanks guys. I have never noticed the temperature of the water before. Ill report back later on how the wire splicing/connector cleaning has impacted on the engine stuttering.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 5, 2013, 21:50
Hmmmm kind of partial success. Ran much better and was less lumpy. Still had 2 drops in there premature gauge over the 8 mile journey. Expansion bottle hot and connecting pipe hot. Radiator warm.  Not sure where to turn now  s:-( :-( s:-(
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 5, 2013, 21:51
Sorry that was supposed to say temperature gauge lol
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: andyhull on September 5, 2013, 23:08
is the MIL light on ? and what temp does it max out at ?
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrzwei on September 5, 2013, 23:34
Can you get a code reader on it? This seems to follow on from a repaired fault. If I've missed it then my apologies.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 6, 2013, 00:35
The thermometer rises normally and doesn't go above half way which is also normal. Occasionally the needle drops to zero for a few seconds resulting in loss of power. The fault just occurred and was not the result of any 'fiddling'  :-) :-) :-)  

The light us on so ill guess ill have to dig the code reader out and report back. Should have done this first I guess. Doh.  :-) :-) :-)
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: Anonymous on September 6, 2013, 07:23
Water temp gauge is supplied from the ecu. If your loosing power at the same time I would be looking more towards the ecu.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: Wabbitkilla on September 6, 2013, 07:36
Sounds like it could be power or earth to the ecu. The ecu needs to be bolted down to earth or it stops working (found this out recently by accident).

But I would expect other items to stop if it were power/earth. I think your next port of call is checking the plugs are all seated on the ecu, is there any damage to the wiring at the ecu? And check it's bolted down.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 13, 2013, 10:12
Morning all. I have an update on my stuttering problem. Since cutting and reconnecting the wires I have not had any power flutters or any temperature gauge needle falling to zero, since the initial journey after re-splicing.

I am now turing to the Eml. My code reader came this morning and the codes are as follows:

P0135 - O2 sensor
P0141 -O2 sensor
P0155 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 1)

I am ok on the first 2 but can anyone shed any light on the last one. Is it connected to the temperature sensor as mentioned before?

Thanks for all your help so far guys. I would have been lost without your help

Mart
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 13, 2013, 12:35
Doh!  Just searched for p0155 and that's O2 sensor too. Looks like an expensive week although I'm Going to do the resistor mod that will save some ££££'s  :-) :-) :-)
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: spit on September 13, 2013, 14:18
Looks like you've lost all heater circuits on the O2 sensors. They are fragile and prone to fail, but all 3?   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  

How long has your light been on? If its been a while, then its possible you've lost heater circuits over time - so its just the sign of poor maintenance! Or perhaps you've made whopping changes to manifold and exhaust system and the sensors have been removed and re-installed recently? Hassling them can cause them to break too.

If the light is more recent - and given your wiring joys - I'd be suspicious that your wiring has shorted out on the heater feeds. If you've got a test meter, try the following and report back:

- Unplug each sensor and measure the resistance across the BLACK wires to the sensor. If you're getting around 14-16 ohms, the heater circuit for that sensor is most probably OK. If they are open circuit, they're dead.
- Where sensors plug into the car's wiring harness, measure DC voltage at the socket pins that correspond to those black wires (with ignition on!). Let us know what you're reading there.

Depending on what you come back with, it may be that throwing new sensors in will make no difference or - worse - they'll go the same way   s:( :( s:(  So, best to do some checking before spending.

I've never looked through the wiring diagram to see if there's a blown fuse that could explain 3x heater circuits going   s:oops: :oops: s:oops:  Has anybody else done this? If not, I'll have a butchers.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 13, 2013, 18:22
The light has been on for a while. I had a problem with the blownnfuse in the EVAP sensor, which I replaced and the 3 O2 sensor codes flagged shortly afterwards.  2 of the O2 sensors where changed about 6 months ago but i suspect the cowboys that replaced them (long story) only put generic ones in.

Ill do the tests you suggest and if all is well ill get some denso sensors from sparkplugs.co.uk. If I fit the resistor mod that should cause at least one of the code to disappear yesno?

Ill report back once I have tested everything
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: spit on September 13, 2013, 20:29
Quote from: "mrivett"Ill do the tests you suggest and if all is well ill get some denso sensors from sparkplugs.co.uk. If I fit the resistor mod that should cause at least one of the code to disappear yesno?

If its the sensors at fault, yes......but lets see what's what first, eh?
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 17, 2013, 10:38
I have just been checking the wiring as suggested. I get 14v across the pins where the black wires on all 3 sensors so that seems ok. I only get about 5 ohms across the black wires on the sensors themselves which maybe suggests I need new sensorsI look forward to any advice you guys can give  :-) :-) :-)
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: spit on September 17, 2013, 14:45
Its good news that you've got a healthy voltage feed to the sensors.

5 ohms on the sensors themselves fits with your theory that your mechanics have fitted the wrong ones (unless your meter is wrong   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  ). Why are all three reading 5 ohms though? You mention 2 being replaced but not the third one   s:? :? s:?  

There are some cheap generics out there with low resistance heater circuits. They may work in other cars but our ECU rejects them as broken.  s:( :( s:(  

You may need to replace these with the correct sensors.

Substituting for an appropriate resistor across the black wires is a much cheaper option, particularly for sorting out the post-cat sensor which is neither here nor there when it comes to sorting out your fuelling. Just make sure you strap/hang the resistor somewhere safe and get a good insulation wrap on the terminals so that it doesn't short against anything or melt something - it will get hot!

Some would suggest that manifold sensors should have working heaters rather than being fudged with resistors. That would be sensible but if you're on a budget you could always give it a try.....we've been known to get away with it as a long-term temp fix(!), and the sensors you currently have are effectively scrap anyway. Just be mindful that fuelling could be a little off until the sensors are up to temperature. You can always swap them out for genuines later on when funds allow.
Title: Re: NEWBIE needs help, throttle holds back
Post by: mrivett on September 17, 2013, 16:47
I have no idea why they all read 5ohm. The meter is new so it's probably not that.  :-) :-) :-)  the bill from The cowboys bill says 2 sensors so i guess they don't know about the third lol.

I'll put a resistor on the post cat sensor (already ordered) and ill get 2 new denso sensors for the other two. Hopefully that will solve the problems once and for all  

Thank you all for your help. I could not have fixed it without you guys and specially for the wiring testing stuff. I wouldn't have known where to start  :-) :-) :-)