Maserati Spyder M138 runs for 2 seconds then stops. Everytime. Help!

[rayray]

Greetings from New Zealand.
I hope someone can help me.
My Spyder was off the road for two months, on axle stands for a suspension repair, and when everything was fixed, it wouldn't start.
Engine check light is on, and car cranks and fires up immediately, does its little revvy thing, then cuts out after a second or two. Will start immediately again, only to cut out each time. No codes are coming up on three different readers.
To me it seems like ignition being cut, but hard to tell.
I read authenticsteve on this forum who had a similar problem and it turned out to be a fuse on the electronic injection, but unfortunately the fuse was fine, as was the relay.
I thought it could be the tilt sensor getting stuck somehow, and immobilising the car, but I am not sure if it does do anything with the immobiliser, and maybe it only trips the alarm.
Does anyone have any ideas please?

Thanking you in anticipation,
Ray, Wellington, NZ

 

[midlifecrisis]

Welcome Ray in Wellington, sounds to me like the Mass Air Flow sensor. I had one go on my 4200. A quick fix/ diagnosis would be to disconnect it and the ECU resorts to a default setting and keeps the engine running. I'm sure someone more informed than me will come along but it's worth a shot.

 

[Tallman]

Might be worth checking the fuel lines and the Petrol pump/filter to exclude that part of the system.

 

[conaero]

Sounds like a fuelling issue to me...or lack of it.

On the fuel rails, you have a black cap on each one. Unscrew them and with the ignition on, press the valve and stand clear. Don't do it on a hot engine for obvs reasons and watch your eyes. The pressure should hit the underside of the bonnet. If its trickles out, you have a fuel pressure problem.

 

[rayray]

Welcome Ray in Wellington, sounds to me like the Mass Air Flow sensor. I had one go on my 4200. A quick fix/ diagnosis would be to disconnect it and the ECU resorts to a default setting and keeps the engine running. I'm sure someone more informed than me will come along but it's worth a shot.

Thank you midlife crisis. Sorry for the late reply but I haven't had a chance to get into the shed.
If you are right, you are a 'flippin' legend...' to put it in Kiwi Speak...which means that I am indebted to you for your timely advice.
I have had a look today, but I can't seem to disconnect the MAF sensor plug. Is there a special trick to it?

 

[The Captain]

I had the butterfly stick open on the air intake Throttle body. It would start rev than die ? I think its caused by over filling the engine oil and it blowing into the air intake between the air filter and throttle body.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Thank you midlife crisis. Sorry for the late reply but I haven't had a chance to get into the shed.
If you are right, you are a 'flippin' legend...' to put it in Kiwi Speak...which means that I am indebted to you for your timely advice.
I have had a look today, but I can't seem to disconnect the MAF sensor plug. Is there a special trick to it?

From a dim and distant memory, the plug just has a little catch on it.

I have a cousin in Auckland, but him a beer if I'm right. His brother can buy me a beer later, then we're quits. They've just got to sort it out amongst themselves.

 

[rayray]

Okay Martin. I owe you a beer- or your cousin!
Disconnecting it and car kept running.
Yippee!
Tried cleaning it, but made no difference, so will get a replacement.
Once I get a new sensor, I'll drive up and buy him one...
Please feel free to PM me his name and address.