could use some help here

bullet21 · 06-16-2007, 12:51 AM

once i start my 01 s2000 it idles fine for a minute and then starts dipping really low and back up (rpms), it does this for a minute or two and then dips and stalls. No codes are thrown at all though. I tried to reset the ecu by removing the negative cable for a while and then do the "idle learn" proceedure, and then it seemed to idle fine for about 5 minutes after i restarted it, then it started happening all over again. i havent tried the map whack yet, but dont really think it is my problem. I cant even drive the car because as soon as i go to take off and give it throttle it dies as soon as i let off the gas. i figured if it was a sensor (o2 or tps) it should throw a code, right? i am pretty sure its not a vacuum leak because all the vacuum lines look good. i know the pcm's on this car are considered "learning computers" and i have heard alot of people having to reset the comp during climate changes and things like that (info from an s2000 forum). Any advice would be great. thanks

Java Junky · 06-16-2007, 07:54 AM

Aaay Bull, sorry to hear 'bou'cher problems. I'm not one'a the site technical problem solution guys. Afraid that alodda what I really know about is usually in a bone-yard somewhere, but some ol' techniques still serve us well, so, until our very capable site problem solvers arrive, lemme ask you this: was there any kind' warnin' signs before it went into this situation n', more importantly, was there anythin' engine-wize done to the car recently?
Chances are it probably some black box/computer/sensor/save-us-all-from-ourselves kind'a thing of which I ain't godda clue, but if it ain't . . .
Be well n' keep us posted.
Java

s2000isu · 06-16-2007, 11:01 AM

It doesnt sound like an o2 to me. Normally a o2 will make it run ruff at idle but usually doesnt stall and usually you can smell its running way rich at idle. I am really suprised you arent getting a code with it acting like that.

bullet21 · 06-16-2007, 11:08 AM

thats why i am stumped, because there is no code at all. it doesnt smell rich either. i have a couple people telling me to check the map and aicv. im gonna try that today.

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 06-16-2007, 11:55 AM

I went through the same thing with my '00, I tried everything anyone told me, then took it to the shop turned out to be a simple fix my #1 coil pack need to be replaced that did the trick

bullet21 · 06-16-2007, 11:59 AM

... it idles fine for a little bit after starting and then after about 2 min it will start doing the idle dip until finally stalling, if it is ever given any gas it will stall immediately after letting off the throttle. My starter is almost toast from having to restart it so much. And P.S. I would love to get the service manual in pdf format.

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 06-16-2007, 12:10 PM

thats what was going on with me, I changed so many thing people told me to and it turned out to be a 60.00 fix at the shop. it would happen when I would stop at red lights or in traffic it was a pain in the ass, and yes I'll send you a manual just PM me your address I have a few I need to send

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 06-16-2007, 12:12 PM

P.S. don't waste much time on it take it to a mechanic you trust and have him take a look he will test the coils to find the one thats going out

Java Junky · 06-16-2007, 12:21 PM

See Bull? 'Tol' ya they'd be along shortly.
'Hope Hell'z got'cher problem solved, r' that your mechanic will.
Be well.
Java

bullet21 · 06-16-2007, 12:33 PM

well im usually my own mechanic, but this one has just got me dumbfounded.

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 06-16-2007, 12:37 PM

I'm the same way but, you have to know your limits or bad stuff happens

satisaii · 06-16-2007, 01:52 PM

I would verify that the check engine light is working.
I would pull the plugs and read them. Be sure to torque them properly.
I would put the coils on in a different order than they came off.
I would go and make sure that all the connectors are seated properly.

bullet21 · 06-16-2007, 03:24 PM

Ok guys, tried the map whack, iacv was clean, egr was clean. after that I reset the ecu again and when I was doing the idle learn the "eps" light came on. But no check engine light. What is the eps light?

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 06-16-2007, 03:50 PM

thats your Electric Power Steering (EPS) System, now when you start the car does that stay on or shut off (it should come on for a few seconds and shut off when you start your car everytime)

bullet21 · 06-16-2007, 03:55 PM

it stays on

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 06-16-2007, 05:37 PM

Don't know what to tell ya there (maybe ease off re-setting the ECU for awhile?)

bullet21 · 06-16-2007, 05:39 PM

no it didnt, and it didnt once i restarted the car either, it was when i was doing the idle learn that it came on.

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 06-16-2007, 05:45 PM

see I had someone walk me though that before and it never helped me either

bullet21 · 06-16-2007, 07:02 PM

i dont know, there is a guy off another forum who lives near me who says he will come and help me diagnose it on monday

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 06-16-2007, 07:32 PM

Good luck, hope you figure it out

bullet21 · 06-16-2007, 07:38 PM

me to. im just so short on cash right now, that i dont want to go and pay a mechanic 90 bux to just tell me whats wrong with it and then whatever money on top of that to fix the problem, you know? i would rather know what it is and then just go and get the part and do it myself or something along those lines.

Java Junky · 06-16-2007, 11:25 PM

Yeah Bull, that'd be great if it worked that way, but as a wrench, you know that even in person it ain't always that easy to make a diagnosis. Via the internet . . . well, at best, it leaves somethin' to be desired for us ol' tire-kickers.
Best'a luck Monday. 'Weather's jus' too durn nice ta have it sittin' there.
Be well.
Java

bullet21 · 06-16-2007, 11:31 PM

my sentiments exactly, but it couldnt hurt to have someone familiar with the car check it, also he owns one so i may be able to pull his map sensor and put it on mine to see if its the problem, or his coilpack or whatever we think it could be, ya know?

bobby2002S2K · 06-17-2007, 09:24 AM

My mech only charges me to fix it not to check it out, i guess i'm just lucky.

HELL_ON_WHEELS · 06-17-2007, 10:58 AM

I think thats how most do it

bullet21 · 06-17-2007, 10:59 AM

yea, youd be lucky for that. around here we pay a minimum 1 shop hour for diagnosis and then however much to fix on top of that. Ofcoarse i dont have my own mechanic, normally i do it myself, maybe because you r\take it to the same guy or something.

s2000isu · 06-17-2007, 12:29 PM

I dunno if I was a tech and I didnt charge to diagnose a problem and then the customer was just like ya I just wanted to know what was wrong so I could fix it I would hope that as they pulled away they were side swiped by a large flaming truck filled with human feces. But thats just me.

bobby2002S2K · 06-17-2007, 01:00 PM

Like you i do alot of my own work but sometimes i got those problems that is really ubove my skill level.So i carry to this guy. But i have had this guy do alot for me like engine swaps and other big jobs.So he hooks me up sometimes like changing cam seals and things like that. You should really look into findin a good mech. It really does help sometimes even if you usually do your own work have someone you can refer people too. that will do them right and that dude will be there when you need him.IDK thats kinda like what i did.
Thats why when

06-16-2007, 12:51 AM	#1 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	could use some help here once i start my 01 s2000 it idles fine for a minute and then starts dipping really low and back up (rpms), it does this for a minute or two and then dips and stalls. No codes are thrown at all though. I tried to reset the ecu by removing the negative cable for a while and then do the "idle learn" proceedure, and then it seemed to idle fine for about 5 minutes after i restarted it, then it started happening all over again. i havent tried the map whack yet, but dont really think it is my problem. I cant even drive the car because as soon as i go to take off and give it throttle it dies as soon as i let off the gas. i figured if it was a sensor (o2 or tps) it should throw a code, right? i am pretty sure its not a vacuum leak because all the vacuum lines look good. i know the pcm's on this car are considered "learning computers" and i have heard alot of people having to reset the comp during climate changes and things like that (info from an s2000 forum). Any advice would be great. thanks

06-16-2007, 07:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,432	Aaay Bull, sorry to hear 'bou'cher problems. I'm not one'a the site technical problem solution guys. Afraid that alodda what I really know about is usually in a bone-yard somewhere, but some ol' techniques still serve us well, so, until our very capable site problem solvers arrive, lemme ask you this: was there any kind' warnin' signs before it went into this situation n', more importantly, was there anythin' engine-wize done to the car recently? Chances are it probably some black box/computer/sensor/save-us-all-from-ourselves kind'a thing of which I ain't godda clue, but if it ain't . . . Be well n' keep us posted. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

06-16-2007, 11:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
s2000isu Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: pa Posts: 1,172	It doesnt sound like an o2 to me. Normally a o2 will make it run ruff at idle but usually doesnt stall and usually you can smell its running way rich at idle. I am really suprised you arent getting a code with it acting like that. __________________ S2kx2: "paint it pink! Or better yet buy a Miata" 2001 Vortech SC 12.8 at 111 miles per hour

06-16-2007, 11:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
HELL_ON_WHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 639	I went through the same thing with my '00, I tried everything anyone told me, then took it to the shop turned out to be a simple fix my #1 coil pack need to be replaced that did the trick __________________ "Drive it like you stole it"

06-16-2007, 11:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	even though... ... it idles fine for a little bit after starting and then after about 2 min it will start doing the idle dip until finally stalling, if it is ever given any gas it will stall immediately after letting off the throttle. My starter is almost toast from having to restart it so much. And P.S. I would love to get the service manual in pdf format.

06-16-2007, 11:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	thats why i am stumped, because there is no code at all. it doesnt smell rich either. i have a couple people telling me to check the map and aicv. im gonna try that today.

06-16-2007, 12:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
HELL_ON_WHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 639	thats what was going on with me, I changed so many thing people told me to and it turned out to be a 60.00 fix at the shop. it would happen when I would stop at red lights or in traffic it was a pain in the ass, and yes I'll send you a manual just PM me your address I have a few I need to send __________________ "Drive it like you stole it"

06-16-2007, 12:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
HELL_ON_WHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 639	P.S. don't waste much time on it take it to a mechanic you trust and have him take a look he will test the coils to find the one thats going out __________________ "Drive it like you stole it"

06-16-2007, 12:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,432	See Bull? 'Tol' ya they'd be along shortly. 'Hope Hell'z got'cher problem solved, r' that your mechanic will. Be well. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

06-16-2007, 12:33 PM	#10 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	well im usually my own mechanic, but this one has just got me dumbfounded.

06-16-2007, 12:37 PM	#11 (permalink)
HELL_ON_WHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 639	I'm the same way but, you have to know your limits or bad stuff happens __________________ "Drive it like you stole it"

06-16-2007, 01:52 PM	#12 (permalink)
satisaii Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glendale CA Posts: 82	I would verify that the check engine light is working. I would pull the plugs and read them. Be sure to torque them properly. I would put the coils on in a different order than they came off. I would go and make sure that all the connectors are seated properly.

06-16-2007, 03:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	Ok guys, tried the map whack, iacv was clean, egr was clean. after that I reset the ecu again and when I was doing the idle learn the "eps" light came on. But no check engine light. What is the eps light?

06-16-2007, 03:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
HELL_ON_WHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 639	thats your Electric Power Steering (EPS) System, now when you start the car does that stay on or shut off (it should come on for a few seconds and shut off when you start your car everytime) __________________ "Drive it like you stole it"

06-16-2007, 03:55 PM	#15 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	it stays on

06-16-2007, 05:37 PM	#16 (permalink)
HELL_ON_WHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 639	Don't know what to tell ya there (maybe ease off re-setting the ECU for awhile?) __________________ "Drive it like you stole it"

06-16-2007, 05:39 PM	#17 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	no it didnt, and it didnt once i restarted the car either, it was when i was doing the idle learn that it came on.

06-16-2007, 05:45 PM	#18 (permalink)
HELL_ON_WHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 639	see I had someone walk me though that before and it never helped me either __________________ "Drive it like you stole it"

06-16-2007, 07:02 PM	#19 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	i dont know, there is a guy off another forum who lives near me who says he will come and help me diagnose it on monday

06-16-2007, 07:32 PM	#20 (permalink)
HELL_ON_WHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 639	Good luck, hope you figure it out __________________ "Drive it like you stole it"

06-16-2007, 07:38 PM	#21 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	me to. im just so short on cash right now, that i dont want to go and pay a mechanic 90 bux to just tell me whats wrong with it and then whatever money on top of that to fix the problem, you know? i would rather know what it is and then just go and get the part and do it myself or something along those lines.

06-16-2007, 11:25 PM	#22 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,432	Yeah Bull, that'd be great if it worked that way, but as a wrench, you know that even in person it ain't always that easy to make a diagnosis. Via the internet . . . well, at best, it leaves somethin' to be desired for us ol' tire-kickers. Best'a luck Monday. 'Weather's jus' too durn nice ta have it sittin' there. Be well. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

06-16-2007, 11:31 PM	#23 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	my sentiments exactly, but it couldnt hurt to have someone familiar with the car check it, also he owns one so i may be able to pull his map sensor and put it on mine to see if its the problem, or his coilpack or whatever we think it could be, ya know?

06-17-2007, 09:24 AM	#24 (permalink)
bobby2002S2K Wisdom begins in wonder. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lorton,VA Posts: 528	My mech only charges me to fix it not to check it out, i guess i'm just lucky. __________________ I still cant get my foot off the floor and its been over a 2yrs now

06-17-2007, 10:58 AM	#25 (permalink)
HELL_ON_WHEELS Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: SoCal Posts: 639	I think thats how most do it __________________ "Drive it like you stole it"

06-17-2007, 10:59 AM	#26 (permalink)
bullet21 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 13	yea, youd be lucky for that. around here we pay a minimum 1 shop hour for diagnosis and then however much to fix on top of that. Ofcoarse i dont have my own mechanic, normally i do it myself, maybe because you r\take it to the same guy or something.

06-17-2007, 12:29 PM	#27 (permalink)
s2000isu Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: pa Posts: 1,172	I dunno if I was a tech and I didnt charge to diagnose a problem and then the customer was just like ya I just wanted to know what was wrong so I could fix it I would hope that as they pulled away they were side swiped by a large flaming truck filled with human feces. But thats just me. __________________ S2kx2: "paint it pink! Or better yet buy a Miata" 2001 Vortech SC 12.8 at 111 miles per hour