[V8] TPS & Not-so-smooth Engine

[Samuel Mrowka]

The car is able to be driven normally...I use it every day and the problems
largely disappear when the engine is *fully *warmed up. But
when in the driver's seat, you can definitely tell there's something wrong
when stepping on the pedal.

The bulk of these symptoms appeared after I removed the engine to install a
new RMS. The car has never been completely smooth, as there has always been
noticeable power surging on acceleration. But, after removing/installing the
engine it became much more defined and worrisome, and brought with it that
list of problems I mentioned earlier. So, it could be normal degeneration
which needs maintenance, but is more likely something of my own doing.

When the engine was out, I cleaned entire back side. The connectors for the
engine speed sensor, ignition reference sensor, and oxygen sensor were
cleaned of corrosion...so I'm confident at least these connections are
alright. The oxygen sensor is "new" as of May '08, and the only code that
blinks from the ECU is 2123 - throttle position sensor.

Ron visited me with a new interior over Christmas and drove the car,
noticing the engine was down on power. So, it looks like I'll be going
through the sensors one by one and checking them over with a multimeter. I
haven't checked for any vaccuum leaks yet. My next step will be to take the
intake and injectors off and get a peek under there at both knock sensors,
the entire throttle body, and the condition of the injectors themselves.

Sam

On Wed, Feb 18, 2009 at 3:55 PM, Ed Kellock <ekellock at gmail.com> wrote:

> These symptoms sound very familiar.  My 5spd is currently exhibiting very
> similar issues.  I have chased vacuum leaks, disconnected the OXS with no
> definitive improvement.  I do also have some issues with the instrument
> cluster.  When I turn the key off the oil psi gauge pegs to the right.
>  When
> running, the temp & gas gauges are often inop.  I can usually rouse them
> with a stout whack on the top of the dash.  When I do so, the seatbelt
> warning light comes on briefly.
>
> I'd like to compare notes as we go.  I have had some occasional issues in
> the past with one of the reference sensors.  A couple of years ago, it
> would
> not start when it was really hot.  I poured water down behind the driver's
> side distributor to resolve that.  I haven't done anything about that
> because I don't drive the car often.
>
> It's been kind of a part time pursuit for me because I usually don't drive
> it much, but I would very much like to get it resolved.
>
> Ed
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: v8-bounces at audifans.com
> > [mailto:v8-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of Samuel Mrowka
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:05 AM
> > To: v8 at audifans.com
> > Subject: [V8] TPS & Not-so-smooth Engine
> >
> >
> > Where can you buy a new throttle position sensor? Are they
> > only sold at the dealer?
> >
> > Also, what other components should I check for a PT engine with these
> > symptoms:
> >
> > 1. Greatly increased fuel consumption (only 200 miles a
> > tank). 2. Hesitation, in the 1000 - 2500 RPM range (most
> > noticeable on gear changes), unless the throttle is greatly
> > increased. 3. Stuttering, in the same RPM range, unless the
> > throttle is greatly increased. 4. Often frozen trip
> > computer/MPG indicator. 5. Sometimes, complete power loss
> > unless the throttle is increased slightly. Then, a huge, and
> > sudden, jolt of power when the throttle is increased. This
> > problem often disappears with a restart
> >
> > The full-throttle power is there. The car has no issues with
> > starting and also the idle is completely normal.
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Sam
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