Right - Im gonna need your expert advice here:

 

I have an imprt TT that i was driving the other night when suddenly noticed loss of power and erratic idling. The rev needle then refused to get over 1000 and gradually lost more and more til the engine just shut down.

 

I managed to pull it over before it completely died but couldnt then restart the car - electrics seem fine. starter motor ticking over and fuel pump seemed to be whirring but engine just wouldnt catch.

 

Waited two hours for the AA after trying to restart unsuccessfully and wouldnt you know it when he turns up it starts on the first go although still "lumpy" acceleration.

 

AA guy used to own a 200sx and says most likely fault is Air Flow Sensor sending dodgy signals. He then keeps engine running and disconnects the sensor right at the front of the engine - connectors are covered in green crap which he scraped off.

 

Engine now running fine and has not missed a beat in 80miles since.

 

BUT

 

1. If the engine needed that sensor to work then why didnt it cut itself off when it was beinig disconnected and cleaned?

 

2. After looking at some pics on the forum this morning it looks like the sensor is the Engine Water Temp connector so now im totally confused!!!!!

 

3.To add to the confusion now the electric windows have packed in on both sides; is this related?

 

 

I have a long journey coming up next week and I am unsure whether I should take the Z now as breaking down would be a major hassle! Does anyone have any ideas about how i could fix this - I am planning to give it the 60K service in two weeks so do i need to ask for any addditional parts etc?

 

thanks in advance

depends if your talking about the MAF or the temp sensor?

 

MAF is right up front under the nose panel between the lights. Water sensor is on the water pipe on the front of the engine.

 

I'm assuming its the water sensor for now so

 

1. Failsafe mechanism, you will find you can disconnect most of the sensors and the engine will still run, just like a sack of crap, if you disconnect the temp sensor it makes it think the engine is cold and runs on 'choke'.

 

2. As above

 

3. No

Cheers Clarkey

 

So what the hell do you think it was then and do about it now? car seems to be running smoothly so how do i pinpoint what was wrong?

 

And yes, it was the connector right at the front of the engine rather than between the lights!

 

I dont know if its me being paranoid but it seems theres a teeny bit more exhaust smoke out ofthe drivers side as compared to the passenger side - relevant? im at a complete loss!

oh right, upon reading the post again, you say you waited for 2 hours, and after that wait it started first try.

If that is the case then i can almost guarantee you its the PTU on its way out. PTU is the power transistor unit which aplifies the signal to the coilpacks, its bolted to the front of the engine on the left hand side, its the aluminium thing with cooling fins on it. They are somewhat prone to this kind of failure.

just had a thought - what could the problem be if i have a series II PTU already fitted? (not able to check for a couple of days as it is parked up 200 miles away!)

 

Any ideas anyone?