First day and already have a problem.... - LotusTalk

marathaslaw · 08-19-2009, 09:33 PM

I was the proud owner of a 2003 Lotus Esprit...bought it new and sold it with 1500 miles on it and swore I would never buy another Lotus....well i just picked up a used 05 Elise with 6000 miles on it. While driving home it started running rough and eventually cuts out. Its starts back up again and runs fine for 10 seconds and then goes rough again...could it be bad gas? The last owner had it parked for weeks. Its strange as it starts ok and then runs really rough after a few seconds...any ideas ? THX

Cardinal · 08-19-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marathaslaw

I was the proud owner of a 2003 Lotus Esprit...bought it new and sold it with 1500 miles on it and swore I would never buy another Lotus....well i just picked up a used 05 Elise with 6000 miles on it. While driving home it started running rough and eventually cuts out. Its starts back up again and runs fine for 10 seconds and then goes rough again...could it be bad gas? The last owner had it parked for weeks. Its strange as it starts ok and then runs really rough after a few seconds...any ideas ? THX

The gas could be old. I had bad gas in my car before, and it acted like you describe. I'm not saying that's what it is for sure, but it's a good lead. Good luck.

jhnmdahl · 08-19-2009, 10:01 PM

Try fresh gas, make sure the MAF sensor wire is clean, and make sure it has the latest flash update for the ECU (it fixed a couple rough idle problems). If you still have troubles, you might post a little more info, e.g. any modifications to the car, or stock?

John

the1sen · 08-20-2009, 12:37 AM

No offense to the mighty and beautiful Esprit...

or their patient owners...

However, I don't think you can even REMOTELY compare reliability of an Elise/Exige to the maintenance nightmare of the Esprit.

EVER.

Good luck.

marathaslaw · 08-22-2009, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the help...interestingly enough, I put some fresh gas in and all was well for 35 miles, now the car did it again and the check engine light came on....is there a way to reset? I cant get this car to dealer for a few days and I need a car to drive!!!

Car is running fine with engine light on...i saw a thread about how to do a reset and now I cant find it.....thx guys.

tommyc · 08-22-2009, 03:05 PM

trust me go to your local autoparts store and pick up a $50 obd2 code reader you will always have a use for it. Once you get the code post it and all will give you better guidance on how to rectify it and then clear the code. Good luck and you will love the car!

bigDog · 08-22-2009, 03:27 PM

Autozone will also read the code for you for free

Bavarian Motorist · 08-22-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigDog

Autozone will also read the code for you for free

Not where I live they won't. I think people began stealing the OBD-II readers.

Cardinal · 08-22-2009, 07:23 PM

I'm no mechanic, but I think you're OK. Get the code scanned, post it here, and we'll see what's going on just in case. My money is on things being fine.

Dragon · 08-22-2009, 08:08 PM

More than likely its a idle to low or too lean code or something along that line from running the bad fuel and the stumbling idle, but it's best to buy and OBD-II reader regardless. More than likely you'll be able to use it on any other cars you have as well.

marathaslaw · 08-25-2009, 03:23 PM

titleist1 · 08-25-2009, 04:11 PM

Ignition coils and spark plugs????

marathaslaw · 08-25-2009, 08:28 PM

Could those be bad with 6k miles on the car?

DWebb · 08-25-2009, 09:16 PM

Surge is generally caused by a lean condition.

I would run the crap out of it for a few hours.
I mean really dog it.
sure would like to see what it does with a datalogger.

Is it doing this with a/c off?

Can't believe they let you leave that way.

6000 miles.

Did you add any seafoam fuel system cleaner or Justice Brothers fuel system cleaner? If not, do.

Take some pictures of engine compartment I'll get back to you.

Cardinal · 08-25-2009, 09:27 PM

From what you're describing, I think the tech would have found the problem the first go around if he were any good. Something sounds strange.

marathaslaw · 09-11-2009, 09:46 PM

Lotus Dealer has replaced the following and still no luck with correcting the hunting problem and rough idle with this car:

1. Mass Airflow Sensor
2. Cat Convert.
3. Coils
4. Ecu
5. O2 sensor
6. Re-flash ECU (three times)
7. Check fuel pressure

Lotus Factory is scratching thier heads...seems that I found the only Elise on the planet that even the Lotus techs cant fix....what a joke. Dealer is waiting for the factory to tell them what to do next....

the1sen · 09-12-2009, 12:12 AM

Sorry to hear it.

This is definitely NOT the norm. I wish you had access to Andy, my Lotus tech, because he is no slouch.

Did they check for possible vacuum leaks?

marathaslaw · 09-13-2009, 10:54 PM

I have access to Andy...I live in Scottsdale and this is the only dealer in town. Hes a nice guy and trying to help, but I don't understand why Lotus lets a customer sit without a car for two weeks to fix a simple hunting idle problem. Andy is now waiting for instructions and in the mean time, I wait for Lotus to "email" the tech on what to try next. I believe Andy knows his craft and he is trying to keep the price down for me, but if I had to do it over again I would not have bought this dam car.

We have tried everything....I think Im screwed or going to be forced to pay a huge bill for the dealer to "troubleshoot".......

Parramint · 09-14-2009, 12:31 AM

Hi

I have just emailed the workshop manager at Lotus with your last posting to see if he can throw any light on your troubles....can't promise, but he is a good chap.

Regards
Richard

maz · 09-14-2009, 06:22 AM

check the connections to the ecu. wiggle them. they might just be loose.

08-19-2009, 09:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
marathaslaw Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 7	First day and already have a problem.... I was the proud owner of a 2003 Lotus Esprit...bought it new and sold it with 1500 miles on it and swore I would never buy another Lotus....well i just picked up a used 05 Elise with 6000 miles on it. While driving home it started running rough and eventually cuts out. Its starts back up again and runs fine for 10 seconds and then goes rough again...could it be bad gas? The last owner had it parked for weeks. Its strange as it starts ok and then runs really rough after a few seconds...any ideas ? THX

08-20-2009, 12:37 AM	#4 (permalink)
the1sen The Azteks are coming! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: In The Ghetto... Ghetto of Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,566	No offense to the mighty and beautiful Esprit... or their patient owners... However, I don't think you can even REMOTELY compare reliability of an Elise/Exige to the maintenance nightmare of the Esprit. EVER. Good luck. __________________ The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. F The System - ChuforiaGraffix.com SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

08-22-2009, 03:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
tommyc Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: wellington, Fl Posts: 115	trust me go to your local autoparts store and pick up a $50 obd2 code reader you will always have a use for it. Once you get the code post it and all will give you better guidance on how to rectify it and then clear the code. Good luck and you will love the car! __________________ 05 elise graphite sport touring BWR s/c Charliex tune 90 eclipse gsx 420 whp sold 04 civic si

08-22-2009, 07:23 PM	#9 (permalink)
Cardinal Ex and future Lotus owner Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metro North Boston Posts: 4,036 Images: 8	I'm no mechanic, but I think you're OK. Get the code scanned, post it here, and we'll see what's going on just in case. My money is on things being fine. __________________ the1sen: why move forward with design when you can recreate a monstrosity from the past?

08-22-2009, 08:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
Dragon Hydrocarbons Rule Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Okinawa Japan Posts: 1,747 Images: 2	More than likely its a idle to low or too lean code or something along that line from running the bad fuel and the stumbling idle, but it's best to buy and OBD-II reader regardless. More than likely you'll be able to use it on any other cars you have as well. __________________ 2006 Exige; BWR Supercharger, Adj Sway Bar, Ohlins Suspension, BSK Oil Catch Can, Moroso Oil Pan, ORC Clutch, Custom Exhaust, Black Volk Racing CE28N's w/ Toyo R1R's, 2 piece rotors, Pagid Blue Pads, BSK Wet Carbon (Side Skirts, Front Lip Spoiler, Gas Cap Cover, Center Console, Door Panels), Dry Carbon rear Diffuser, Harness Bar, BWR Gauge Mount, OMP Superquadro steering wheel, LETSLA Short Shifter, V2arms, Rear Tow Link Brace, RLS Battery Bracket, BOE Tow Bar, Stickers.

08-19-2009, 10:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
jhnmdahl Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 821	Try fresh gas, make sure the MAF sensor wire is clean, and make sure it has the latest flash update for the ECU (it fixed a couple rough idle problems). If you still have troubles, you might post a little more info, e.g. any modifications to the car, or stock? John

08-22-2009, 02:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
marathaslaw Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 7	Thanks for the help...interestingly enough, I put some fresh gas in and all was well for 35 miles, now the car did it again and the check engine light came on....is there a way to reset? I cant get this car to dealer for a few days and I need a car to drive!!! Car is running fine with engine light on...i saw a thread about how to do a reset and now I cant find it.....thx guys.

08-22-2009, 03:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
bigDog Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: San Antonio Posts: 33	Autozone will also read the code for you for free

08-25-2009, 03:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
marathaslaw Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 7	Took Elise to Dealership Today.... 1 Last edited by marathaslaw : 09-13-2009 at 04:53 PM.

08-25-2009, 04:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
titleist1 Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cumming, GA/Coal Region of NEPA Posts: 207	Ignition coils and spark plugs???? __________________ 2006 Canyon Red Elise, Touring, Starshield, Micro mirror, Shower cap, Trunk bootie, Driving lights 2005 Volvo V50 T5 (traded) 2006 Kawaski Ninja 500 2009 Acura TSX

08-25-2009, 08:28 PM	#13 (permalink)
marathaslaw Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 7	Could those be bad with 6k miles on the car?

08-25-2009, 09:16 PM	#14 (permalink)
DWebb Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pleasanton Texas Posts: 184 Images: 20	Surge is generally caused by a lean condition. I would run the crap out of it for a few hours. I mean really dog it. sure would like to see what it does with a datalogger. Is it doing this with a/c off? Can't believe they let you leave that way. 6000 miles. Did you add any seafoam fuel system cleaner or Justice Brothers fuel system cleaner? If not, do. Take some pictures of engine compartment I'll get back to you. __________________ Yes, that's very nice, Thank You.

08-25-2009, 09:27 PM	#15 (permalink)
Cardinal Ex and future Lotus owner Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metro North Boston Posts: 4,036 Images: 8	From what you're describing, I think the tech would have found the problem the first go around if he were any good. Something sounds strange. __________________ the1sen: why move forward with design when you can recreate a monstrosity from the past?

09-11-2009, 09:46 PM	#16 (permalink)
marathaslaw Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 7	2 weeks at dealer and no progress... Lotus Dealer has replaced the following and still no luck with correcting the hunting problem and rough idle with this car: 1. Mass Airflow Sensor 2. Cat Convert. 3. Coils 4. Ecu 5. O2 sensor 6. Re-flash ECU (three times) 7. Check fuel pressure Lotus Factory is scratching thier heads...seems that I found the only Elise on the planet that even the Lotus techs cant fix....what a joke. Dealer is waiting for the factory to tell them what to do next.... Last edited by marathaslaw : 09-11-2009 at 09:52 PM.

09-12-2009, 12:12 AM	#17 (permalink)
the1sen The Azteks are coming! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: In The Ghetto... Ghetto of Phoenix AZ Posts: 1,566	Sorry to hear it. This is definitely NOT the norm. I wish you had access to Andy, my Lotus tech, because he is no slouch. Did they check for possible vacuum leaks? __________________ The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. F The System - ChuforiaGraffix.com SweetDaddyDelicious(at)hotmail(dot)com

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09-13-2009, 10:54 PM	#18 (permalink)
marathaslaw Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 7	I have access to Andy...I live in Scottsdale and this is the only dealer in town. Hes a nice guy and trying to help, but I don't understand why Lotus lets a customer sit without a car for two weeks to fix a simple hunting idle problem. Andy is now waiting for instructions and in the mean time, I wait for Lotus to "email" the tech on what to try next. I believe Andy knows his craft and he is trying to keep the price down for me, but if I had to do it over again I would not have bought this dam car. We have tried everything....I think Im screwed or going to be forced to pay a huge bill for the dealer to "troubleshoot".......

09-14-2009, 12:31 AM	#19 (permalink)
Parramint Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 117	Hi I have just emailed the workshop manager at Lotus with your last posting to see if he can throw any light on your troubles....can't promise, but he is a good chap. Regards Richard

09-14-2009, 06:22 AM	#20 (permalink)
maz uniter not a divider Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: chicago Posts: 1,303	check the connections to the ecu. wiggle them. they might just be loose. __________________ www.lotuscarclub.org "Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns - the ones we don't know we don't know." (rumsfeld)