Slight Loss of Power

[omar_little]

Hi forum

Recently I've noticed a slight loss of power when accelerating. I tried planting my foot on the accelerator and I don't get the same acceleration I used to. It's ever so slight and hard to notice, but I can feel there is definitely a slight loss of acceleration / power.

Any clues as to what this might be? The 4200 Coupe recently had its 31,500 service,

 

[hodroyd]

Omar,
It sounds like some of the settings have not been done correctly. You could try turning off the power (in the boot), leave it for a while then turn it back on. You can then reset the throttle pedal and you will have to reset the seats etc. This may cure the issue, if not it's back to the garage for them to cure the problem. Check that nothing is blocking the air filter..??
Cheers
R

 

[lozcb]

Hi forum

Recently I've noticed a slight loss of power when accelerating. I tried planting my foot on the accelerator and I don't get the same acceleration I used to. It's ever so slight and hard to notice, but I can feel there is definitely a slight loss of acceleration / power.

Any clues as to what this might be? The 4200 Coupe recently had its 31,500 service,

If a battery reset has been carried out , or you have gone through an extended period of driving like your granny , the thottle pot can become lazy, there is a re-learn facilty automatically kicks in after an extended battery reset , basically when you turn the battery back on let it tick over for 10 minutes then get in and drive it like you stole it for as lon a period as you can , the ecu relearns your driving style for the first couple of hundred miles

If that doesn't work then it have it checked out , could be maf, needs cleaning/changing, throttle pedal pot worn , i could possibly have similar with my gransort at times so will be addressing this in due course , i'll probably try changing the throttle pot first as ive done the rest


regards loz

 

[Emtee]

Think I'd begin with checking the air filter. Easy enough to check, just pop the wheel off and take out the liner to get at it. Then I'd move on to the MAF as Loz mentions and maybe also check all the coils look in good condition and screwed down correctly.

 

[conaero]

Sounds like airflow meter to me or even a duff batch of fuel.

The MAF is easy and cheap to replace, a failing one will carbon up the engine so put in some Optimax and whip it within an inch if its life. If you don't feel confident to do that, offer the car to BennyD, he is expert at engine decoking!

 

[Emtee]

If it's just been serviced you could also check none of the pipe sections between the MAF and filter box have been dislodged.

 

[hodroyd]

Yes, a good thrashing is always good for the car and the driver, we all enjoy doing it..!!

 

[omar_little]

Thanks for all the suggestions. As I'd like to try to learn more about the mechanics of the car I have a couple of questions which I hope you don't mind me asking (as stupid as they might sound):-

When you say turn off the power, I'm assuming you mean the switch located near the battery in the boot. Is there anything else I need to look out for when switching the power back on asides from memory seat sittings, clock, radio etc??

Regarding the air filters, how easy are they to access from behind the wheel? Is it front left or right? Any pictures please??

How do I check the pipe sections between the MAF and the filter box have been dislodged?

Actually I just found the following which looks like a good place to start http://www.maseratilife.com/forums/coupe-spyder-gs/9429-diy-maf-sensor-cleaning.html

 

[hodroyd]

Omar,
Where abouts are you located, your avatar looks a bit like Spain..??
Yes it's the power switch just above the battery. Make sure you drop your drivers door window a little before you turn off the power, otherwise it will be difficult to get back in and you may damage the window. Turn the power back on, press the accelerator pedal slowly to the floor and back, reset the seats, radio and clock, the gearbox should reset itself, there are other resets you may, or may not have to do.
Air filters should be on left side of the vehicle viewed from the drivers seat. Someone may have pictures, I will see if I can find some.
I don't know that answer, someone else may know about the MAF pipes.
Cheers
R

 

[omar_little]

Cheers many thanks. I'll give it a try at the weekend.

Avatar picture was taken in Reims in France. Unfortunately I was visiting! I live in Clapham, South West London.

 

[Emtee]

Hi Omar, If you take a look at the photo and diagram attached you'll see the sections that go from the inlet manifold to the air filter box. Worth checking they're all secure to each other as if not it can throw slightly false readings into the MAF sensor. Regards, Miles.

 

[hodroyd]

Omar,
Are you coming to the Forum Xmas Party in December..??
Cheers
R

 

[omar_little]

I must admit I didn't know about it! Where and when??

 

[ahvlanico]

to help you for, the filter:

it is in the big box on left

 

[hodroyd]

Omar,
See the thread on the SMF Christmas Extravaganza 2012, it gives all the details, partners very welcome.
Nico,
Thanks for the info on the filter, now I know where to look.
Cheers
R

 

[omar_little]

How long should I leave the power off for??? How long is awhile??

 

[hodroyd]

Omar,
About half an hour to make sure everything is off, then switch the power back on. Remember to open the window so that you can get in and out. Then you put the car in learn mode, leave the engine running for about 10 mins, switch off, then start her up and take her for a drive, but drive her like she was stolen, the car will learn that fast is normal.
Cheers
R

 

[omar_little]

Thanks. I've only just seen your response. I did everything as you describe, apart from turning the car off and on again after the learn mode. The problem still seems to be there. Should I try again and ensure I switch off and on again?

 

[hodroyd]

You can try it, but I suspect there may be something else going on. Check all the pipes are connected and tight, check for splits.

 

[omar_little]

The story continues. Checked connections etc and all seems fine. The guys at Maranello Egham suggested I bring the car in to allow a technician to drive the car. He drove the car and experienced the problem. He brought the car back and ran some diagnostics to check for errors. Nothing came up. He asked if I use supermarket fuel, which I do. He believes this may be the problem and suggested I switchback to Shell. Any views on this please??