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Flat spot at 5k

Discussion in '360/430' started by modena001, Jul 17, 2004.

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  1. modena001

    modena001 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2004
    32
    Seattle
    #1 modena001, Jul 17, 2004
    I have a 97 550. I am getting a flat spot at around 5k to 6k. Anybody have an idea what might cause this. Could it be a ignition wires, spark plugs, running too lean?? Any help would be much appreciated.

    Regards,
     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,105
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #2 Rifledriver, Jul 17, 2004
    Under what circumstances exactly are you getting the flat spot? If for example it is under heavy acceleration in a lower gear (1st or 2nd ) it could just be the traction control operation.
     
  3. modena001

    modena001 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2004
    32
    Seattle
    #3 modena001, Jul 17, 2004
    Brian, it appears after a test drive this morning that I am getting a power loss situation not just a flat spot. It s happening in every gear. My slow down light has come on and shut down the fuel to one of the banks. I think its an O2 sensor or a thermocouple possibly. I checked the traction control btw. No change.

    I picked up an OBD II reader and keep getting the same error code P1446. Do you know if its pretty easy to check out the O2 sensors and thermocouple?

    Thanks for your help

    Brad
     
  4. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,105
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #4 Rifledriver, Jul 17, 2004
    Brad, take it to someone that has an SD2 and really knows how to use it. It give you LOTS more info than a generic scan tool, but it is just a data collection device so the operator how needs to know what to do with the data.
     
  5. maranelloman

    maranelloman Guest

    #5 maranelloman, Jul 17, 2004

    Agreed. Sounds like a thermocouple or O2 sensor to me, but best make sure.
     
  6. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    #6 bobafett, Jul 17, 2004
    Has your car had the thermocoupler ECU updates? This happened in 99 and was part of a recall. check your service records. That could be the problem right there.

    I have been having random "slow down" issues as well, but rarely and only for a brief moment. FoSF was unable to replicate and didn't find any codes, so I think either the ECU is on the fritz, or the O2 sensor is going bad.

    BTW, if you do see a slow down light - DO NOT KEEP DRIVING. Even in conditions like mine where I know it's an electronics glitch, you should still pull over and turn the car off. Check the cats / car - if it feels like it's hot enough to cause a problem, then definetly do not turn it back on. If it's not, then good...keep going.

    --Dan
     
  7. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    #7 bobafett, Jul 17, 2004
    By the way, slowdown light will also come on during fuel starvation. For example, if you run the car bone dry and it is misfiring, you will see a slowdown light then as well.

    --Dan
     
  8. maranelloman

    maranelloman Guest

    #8 maranelloman, Jul 17, 2004
    Both of Bobafett's posts are spot-on here.

    Also, not sure what fuel you use. Lotsa discussion of gasoline here on FC. But if you use Chevron, there is lots of evidence that their Techron additive is incompatible with Ferrari O2 sensors. I & many other Ferrari owners I know have learned this the hard way. Since replacing my O2 sensors & no longer buying Chevron gas, all is OK.
     
  9. modena001

    modena001 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2004
    32
    Seattle
    #9 modena001, Jul 17, 2004
    Thanks guys. I really appreciate the help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I pulled the o2 sensors. They look fine. I think I will take her in.
     
  10. modena001

    modena001 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2004
    32
    Seattle
    #10 modena001, Jul 17, 2004
    BTW does it make any sense to replace the thermoocouplers and O2 sensors to see if that fixes it. Or do you guys recommend I take her in and have FOS diagnose first?

    Thanks
     
  11. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    #11 bobafett, Jul 17, 2004
    Modena: emissions warranty is 7 years. They will definetly test everything first if you have had the thermocoupler recall. Even if you haven't, they will plug it in, check the codes, and then make a determination.

    Can you check to see if you have had the updated parts? This will definetly make it easier for us to tell. The simple way of checking is looking at the thermocouplers themselves. The old one is black, the new one is green. Just pop your hood and they are on the upper left and right sides near the back of the engine.

    Check to see if you have hard part number 168661 (old thermocoulper) replaced with 174674. Also, the O2 sensors were updated as well, the old one being 173533, and the new one being 179278.

    Hope this helps. If you need, I will take a picture of my engine bay to show you where they are, but check your service records regardless.

    --Dan
     
  12. maranelloman

    maranelloman Guest

    #12 maranelloman, Jul 17, 2004
    The SD-2 diagnostinc computer will tell if any of the 4 O2 sensors, 2 sensor preheaters, etc are faulty. Have it diagnosed before spending $$ to replace parts that may be OK.

    Also: Bobafett, the emissions warranty does NOT include O2 sensors.
     
  13. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    #13 bobafett, Jul 17, 2004
    Dave: I didn't know that, nor did I know about Chevron (which I have used often enough w/o issue).

    I always thought the O2 sensors are covered since they are directly related to emissions and nothing else. Local dealer told me that all items emissions related (including O2 and theremocouplers) are legit.

    --Dan
     
  14. modena001

    modena001 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2004
    32
    Seattle
    #14 modena001, Jul 17, 2004
    Thanks guys. I can figure out the old versus new issue on thermo and O2

    I appreciate all the help!!
    Brad
     
  15. maranelloman

    maranelloman Guest

    #15 maranelloman, Jul 17, 2004

    Yeah, I thought so too...until I carefully read my warranty. Specifically excludes "consumables", which include O2 sensors. I forget about thermocouples, however...
     

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