3200 CEL + limp mode when sat in traffic....

[Ben3200gt]

Hi guys - I'm booked in to Autoshield on Friday but just wondered if anyone had any knowledge of common issues causing the 3200 to show a CEL when sat in heavy traffic, then to drop in to limp mode. It seems to rectify itself after a day or 2, but it's very irritating!! Have just had a new straight through back box from Autoshield (which sounds great!) but wouldnt have thought this would make any difference? Cheers in advance for any thoughts!!

 

[conaero]

Sounds like the Lambdas or the throttle system.

In traffic, you are constantly pressing the pedal with light touches which might aggravate it.

Only way to know for sure is to trust it to someone like Marios and get the codes read.

 

[Ben3200gt]

Agreed Conaero - fingers crossed I'll get an answer Friday. Im familiar with the costs/options with regards to the throttle system, but as for the Lambdas.... I'm guessing if it is, it's not going to be a cheap fix??!

 

[rotorheadcase]

Bosch lambdas are around £50 each...not really expensive compared to a refurb'd throttle body.

Neil

 

[Ben3200gt]

Thats not as bad as I was fearing Neil - cheers for that!! Took a quick look on Eurospares and they were suggesting £220 odd each if I remember correctly!! Now I'm hoping it IS the Lambdas, rather than the throttle body!

 

[Maser Sod]

I used to get the problem you had all the time in my 3200, but very rarely with limp mode.

I used to assume it was down to the O2 sensors either getting too much heat or soot, and didn't really worry about it. Limp mode is a complete PITA though, so glad I don't get it in my GS.

 

[Ben3200gt]

You're not wrong!! Hopefully it'll all be sorted on Friday - will let you all know what it turns out to be!

 

[NickP]

http://www.maranellohouse.com/maserati.html gives a how to guide for changing the sensors if that what it turns out to be..

 

[Paulm]

Ben,
Just a quick one for you.
Jack her up, get underneath and check there is no oil on your sump.
One problem people overlook is the oil feed tubes that run from the sump to the turbo's.
If they're split or jubilee clip is loose this will / can give you the symptoms your looking at.
My son bought a 3200gta and the CEL light came on after a few miles ! into limp mode
He checked oil found it to be low and then it was a case of where to start.
Alt checked, spark plugs, coils checked, up in the air she went and he found the two pipes either side to be either slack or very loose. Tightened and the check all hoses, not going to say he found 1 without clips and 2 more loose.
Anyway, he fires her up and off for a 60 mile run......no issues
Just something you could try before your pockets are emptied !

 

[Ben3200gt]

Cheers guys - as always, excellent advice!! Will try get underneath her later today/tomorrow and will check the oil levels once she's cooled down later to be sure she's not bleeding!! Fingers crossed for a cheap (or at least cheapish!) repair!!!! Better still; free, or the cost of a couple of new jubilees!! Hows yours going Paul?? Much progress being made since we last spoke??

 

[Maser Sod]

Not sure if it's mentioned already (sorry, at work), but a quick clean of the lambdas has been known to solve some CEL issues.

 

[Ben3200gt]

Cheers Maser Sod - will add it to my list of things to check prior to taking her over to Marios & Co @ Autoshield for the full once over Nice one

 

[Paulm]

Yep, everything is going nicey nicey..... slow slow..... at the moment Ben !

 

[Garry_c]

I had the CEL come on once when sat in traffic at roadworks. It turned out that I had my foot lightly on the brake pedal which took it off the rest position but it was not making full contact with the brake on sensor so the system assumed there was a fault in the braking system and sent a CEL. I changed the brake light sensor switch to be on the safe side but now ensure my foot is ******* the pedal if sat in traffic and its not happened since.