idle problem on my 2002 Esprit

[vws]

Hi everybody, i'm new on this forum and my name is John.
I have an idle problem on a Esprit v8 2002, sometime, the engine stops, especially when it makes very hot. If the airco works, the problem is less frequent. Somebody with an idea?
excuse my English....

Cheers

[kmaier]

I had similar problems on my 2000 V8 when I first got it. I would suggest that you reset the ECM as a starting point. To do this, remove the fuse/relay box cover in the reat trunk area which is just ahead of the battery. There is a 5-amp fuse in position B2 (note, info is in owner's manual). Remove the fuse and leave out for about 30 minutes, then reinstall it. You should get a decent idle and at this point, go for a nice drive of at least 20 miles or more and allow the ECM to build a custom map. Hope this helps.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[vws]

when i reset the ECM (not with the fuse but with the Lotus Diagnose), the idle functions are pretty good but quickly the problem returns. The problem also arrives when I re-start the engine after a few minutes stop (driving heat).

[cnh1990]

Reset ECM idle to hot with A/C off, then with it on, then take the car for a nice drive.
Calvin

[vws]

How should i do that? With the fuse or with the Lotus Diagnose?
I think that it takes about 30 min to reset the ECM, will the engine be hot enough?

[kmaier]

I'm not sure what you are referring to as "Lotus Diagnose" method of reset. In short, I would say to pull the fuse for 30 minutes, then as previously suggested, start the car and idle till warm, then go for a drive with AC off.

Are you getting a check engine light?

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[vws]

yes there is the cheking engine light but not for this reason. You may know that the MY 2002 only have one tank filling(on the left side). It is impossible to fill both tanks. My dealer added an air pipe on the second tank but the ECM think there's a gasoline fume leakage so, after 300/400 km the light flash. The trouble code is "142" (but i'm not 100% sure)
Anyway, when the engine fixes, the lamp does not ignite
Sorry for my English, i hope i'm not too difficult to understand?

[ErnestM]

I would take it back to the dealer and have them sort it (both problems - the tank and check engine light). A new car shouldn't have that type of problem (IMHO)

ErnestM

[kmaier]

vws said: yes there is the cheking engine light but not for this reason. You may know that the MY 2002 only have one tank filling(on the left side). It is impossible to fill both tanks. My dealer added an air pipe on the second tank but the ECM think there's a gasoline fume leakage so, after 300/400 km the light flash. The trouble code is "142" (but i'm not 100% sure)
Anyway, when the engine fixes, the lamp does not ignite
Sorry for my English, i hope i'm not too difficult to understand?

Well, as they say, "the devil is in the details". First, I would strongly suggest that you use a scan-tool or have your dealer use one to find the cause of the check engine light because this is not normal and should be corrected. There are some unique codes for the Lotus that requires the correct add-in modules to decode. Also note that a "flashing" check engine light implies that there is a serious problem with engine management and the vehicle should NOT be operated.

The vent pipe added is most likely a bad idea. I would strongly suggest that you have all of the fuel tank plumbing put back to original factory sepcification. I also have a sneaky feeling this is causing your idle problem.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[vws]

The idle problem was there before tank pipe modification. For the moment, the car is at my dealer and the ECM back to England (at the factory), they want to make a new programation.
I'm waiting for news but i've some doubts ;o
In anyway, thank you for your interest.

John.