AU XR8 S3 idling terribly!

[redauxr8]

Hi everyone,

my AU XR8 is idling terribly and chewing through alot of fuel!

When the car is left idling for a couple of minutes, the revs drop as low as 2-300rpm and if u giv the accelerater pedal a little stab it drops even lower and sometimes stalls. Also, when it idles in P or N u can smell the fuel being dumped out of the exhaust.

Car has 130,000kms. No mods, just twin 2.5 inch exhaust.

I'm guessing could be leads or something? Coil packs are same from factory..... What about O2 sensors or fuel pump?

Any help would be great! thanks in advance

[JK EX CHASER]

Check fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose for leak or cracked.

[JC]

Is the MAF connected? Is it clean? The default state of tune when the MAF doesn't work or is not connected is a very rich base tune, with resulting loss of power, poor idle and lots of fuel being dumped out the back.

[xr8ute]

Start by looking at the MAF, as per JCs comments.

Or even the pipework connecting the MAF to the Throttle-body...maybe its loose and is not airtight i.e. massive vacuum leak.

[b2tf]

Check MAF then 02 sensors.

[redauxr8]

Whats the best way to clean a Maf?

[JC]

Originally Posted by redauxr8

Whats the best way to clean a Maf?

Carefully. It has a very fine element in it that can break, and then you're in a world of hurt.

But I know you meant what product. Carbie cleaner will do it. Wd40 will work. Even good old metho. But clean it gently and let it air dry (or use hair dryer or heat gun) before you try starting it up again.

Before you clean it though - are you running a K&N filter? Has it recently been oiled? If not, chances are the MAF itself is OK, but check the plug.

If you can get a scan tool hooked up to it to see if there's any codes, that would be the first thing to do. While we can try to help over the net, you may replace or clean etc random parts for no effect, whereas $50 odd to take it to a workshop for a scan tool read and/or diagnosis might end up being cheaper.

[adrian k]

what ever you use it musn't leave a residue. thats what screws them up, so carbie cleaner or brake cleaner, nothing oily, and you are better off not touching it with anything, just use the cleaner and a hair drier.

[b2tf]

You can get specialist MAF cleaner from autobarn.

[redauxr8]

Thanks guys

[JC]

Originally Posted by b2tf

You can get specialist MAF cleaner from autobarn.

I like their claim - "Proven to gain 4 - 10 horsepower at the wheels".