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Subject Newbie's Ssstutttering, Sssstumblin Z...
     
Posted by arrowenterprises on August 05, 2011 at 6:31 PM
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Message Before anyone threatens me with a site ban, I did do the archive research on tt.net and ttxtz.com. At this point I'm asking if anyone has had similar symptoms, their course of action, and whether or not the problem was solved.

Short story long. Had idle fluctuation which continued to get worse. Added highway speed "stumbling" (would liken it to a millisecond loss of power). Happened infrequently at first and then 4-5 time in one trip. Intermittent but mostly at speeds over 20 mph and 1500 rpms. Idle got so bad that one light it would purr, next light it would almost stall out then jump to 1500 rpms, huge smell of raw fuel, and continue to fluctuate up and down.

(On a side note: thinking of changing my screen name. Couldn't come up with anything when I joined. Any downside as far as post history, etc.)

Started with dual MAF's (OEM) and realized I pulled a newbie boner move and after cleaning the JWT dual pops with a K & N cleaning kit, I oiled the filters as instructed.

[pause for laughter and name calling].

Did a little more research and learned the ECU diagnostic mode. Very helpful. Came up with code 12 (MAF Sensor Circuit) and 34 (Knock Sensor)As expected the MAF wires were oily and cleaned with CRC MAF cleaner. Heard this is a 50/50 proposition but gave it a shot. Next morning, test drive 30 minutes. Idles like a cat, no stumbling, figure problem solved. Made sense.

Ironically head to the local tuner shop the next morning to discuss the problem and on the way home, highway and on/off ramp stumbling. Idle still purring. Did research and e-mailed Greg @ Specialty Z and both agree the knock sensor would not affect idle or cause stumbling, especially since the base map was mirrored for the safety map in the event of knock sensor. In any event, no loss of power to suggest the knock sensor fault was making any difference.

Replaced plugs with NGK Iridium BKR7EIX which is what come in the motor when I got the car. Just as a precaution. Went to a local event, with mix of thruway and stop and go driving. No idle issues, no stumbling...as of yet. I know I've read posts where people have gone through the same symptoms with no cause to point to and have the stumbling return intermittently, or disappear forever.

I am going back to the tuner tomorrow to do some basic checking of the car. I will probably have him perform a leakdown test then as I did not have the time to do one myself, which probably should have been my first step, but the dirty MAF's seemed to make the most sense from a detective point of view.

Last paragraph. With a little discussion, research, and learning I found that my ECU was programmed with Specialty Z and had an Apexi AFC installed to accommodate the dual MAF setup with the JWT popchargers. I am told by the previous owner that the AFC only controls idle, and nothing else with respect to the tuning of the engine.

Last last paragraph. I'm asking if anyone can relate to this problem and it's symptoms, and what their experience (good or bad) resulted. I would also welcome any suggestions regarding the removal of the AFC (which is what most people recommend) in lieu of another setup (possibly a Selin translator) which would be a better fit in the long run, or am I good as is.


Mine on the right. Left is another local guy who suffered for years before he got it back on the road a few days previous to the photo.

(P.S.-Thinking of changing my screen name. Couldn't come up with anything catchy when I joined. Any possible downside like loss of post history, etc. I suppose I could join as a new member again. Thoughts?)

     
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