Sputter off the line and no throttle response- very intermittent

[lowdwnsteve]

I've had my 91 auto for about 6 months- strange problem that has only happened 3 times since I've owned it.. Off the line, after sitting at a light, I accelerate, and the car starts to sputter a bit, and it doesn't want to get going.. Doesn't matter how much throttle I give it- it just doesn't want to move-- It's an auto, and basically, when this happens, I just feather throttle a bit and eventually, it will accelerate normally--- this has only happened 3 times over the past 6 months... Kinda strange-- no codes, New plugs, timing belt new etc etc etc... Any thoughts? I should mention that I tested the coild packs when I replaced the plugs-- though the car was cold when I tested the packs... I wish It would just do it all the time so I could properly diagnose it..... Anyone have any ideas?? I should mention that all three times after doing it, the car is at full temp-- not cold..

 

[nsxtasy]

Main relay, maybe? What do you think, Larry?

 

[red_dragon]

hmmmm.... sounds like a fuel related problem, perhaps... check out the fuel filter...

nate

 

[lowdwnsteve]

did that too-- fuel filter is fine.. I've like went through this thing pulling my hair out-- I'm waiting for the day It leaves me stranded, then I can for sure fix it..... and btw, what did you mean about the "main relay".......

 

[Briank]

Main Relay search results:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/search.php?searchid=448505

Try this one:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/search.php?searchid=448934

Tons of info :smile:

 

[nsxtasy]

Main Relay search results:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/search.php?searchid=448505

No matches found...

Do a search on "main relay". It's a small electrical part that costs about $50 (I think) and is easily replaced.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Just a hunch, but sounds like an 02 sensor to me. If it is sputtering when you get up past about 3K-4K rpm does it clear up and take off?

HTH,
LarryB

 

[lowdwnsteve]

Just a hunch, but sounds like an 02 sensor to me. If it is sputtering when you get up past about 3K-4K rpm does it clear up and take off?

HTH,
LarryB

Well, it never even gets up to 3-4 k, more like 2k and about 5mph -- and to get up there, takes alot of effort-- It's almost like idling it up, without the gas (remember it's an auto)-- barely any throttle response either, then she's gone like it never happened... But anyway, if there is anything that I can actually test, I'd be very grateful for the input- but this computer stuff, I know can be really hard to track down---- I wish it would throw a code ..

 

[Ojas]

Useless suggestion

I wish it would throw a code ..

I had a similar problem. There’s a techniqued outline on page 11-30 of the service manual to try to reproduce intermittent codes related to the O2 sensors. One of the steps is, while in a a high gear starting around 1200 RPM, apply full-throttle for several seconds. The code that was thrown intermittently on my car before, could be thrown regularly under these conditions.

Of course, the bad news is, the procedure seems specific to manual transmission. I don’t know how you would hold a high gear with the throttle completely opened - the service manual seems to omit how to do this with an automatic transmission. Maybe someone has a suggestion.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

The other thing you can try is to disconnect both 02 sensors. This will cause a check engine light, but....will also force the ECU into "Open Loop" mode. If it is a bad 02 sensor, the car should run way better. Give it a shot.

HTH,
LarryB

 

[lowdwnsteve]

The other thing you can try is to disconnect both 02 sensors. This will cause a check engine light, but....will also force the ECU into "Open Loop" mode. If it is a bad 02 sensor, the car should run way better. Give it a shot.

HTH,
LarryB

Hmmmmmmmmm... I'll give it a shot tonight-- Thanks Larry....

 

[lowdwnsteve]

I did the O2 sensor thing last night and it never seemed to make a difference...... I'll keep playing with it and see what I can find out.. I'm gonna order up a new main relay and I'll put in a new fuel filter while I'm at it and jsut wait and see what happens-- thanks for the replies!!

 

[saint2709]

try takinkg of the traction control

 

[jgtcnsx]

if you think its the o2 just start it up and drive it, before it gets to the temp to go into cloosed loop, in open loop the computer ignores the readings and you can find out then, if i were you i would get a resistance check on the fuel injectors, and visualy inspect your fuel system, you said its not the filter so check the lines.