Engine Problems - Any Ideas?

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 8:44 pm

Hi, I just bought a FTO GPX Tiptronic. There are a few problems that are standing out, that I was hoping a few of you FTO pros might know something about.

1. Firstly, on the dashboard the righthand side ( ! ) light is on, however, when I turn on the headlights, it goes off. What does this light mean? I found a dashboard icon diagram and it said that spot should be an icon for the handbrake, however, this doesn't seem to make sense. The last time i saw this light was in my GSR Lancer when I was leaking brake fluid.

2. On the left side of the dashboard, after driving for about 5 minutes, the bottom left light comes on, now this is supposed to be an exhaust warning light. Does this mean I have a problem with my exhaust? Is it over heating or something? (Also, on my sun visor there is a picture of this icon with some instructions - in Japanese - any one know what the translation is???)

3. After driving for about an hour when trying to accelerate hard on a straight, the car geared down and trying to give more power, however the car started stuttering and chugging and gave little power. This also happened when I was trying out the manual tiptronic gearbox. When doing small trips, there hasn't been a big problem and the car is giving a lot of power, but after a while when trying to push it, even at low speeds, it starts to jump and chug.

Any ideas anyone? Are any of these common problems? Also, one more thing, the car I have still has the standard GPX rims, I am looking to get a new set, I want something that is thicker and comes out more, and possibly a little larger, maybe 17's. Does this give the car too hard a ride? I want to maintain the smooth ride without having to get mini rims.

Thanks, I've only had it for a few days, but I love the FTO!

Post by **Bennoz** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 9:02 pm

Hi Tbone & welcome to the club!

Fisrt up, that handbrake light also doubles as a brake warning light. So as you say about your Lancer - it may be a brake fluid issue. One of the sensors is in the resevoir of the master cylinder. You may be very low on fluid. I would be checking that first.

Second, exhaust warning usually refers to the lamba sensor. It may be starting to pack up. To be sure - best bet is to check the error codes in the ECU by following this guide:
http://www.ftowa.com/html/workshop/workshopart07.html
If you get error code 39 - thats the lamba (oxygen) sensor

Your chugging is a new one thou

As long as its warm (as you'll get electronic restrictions trying to punch it when cold) Sounds like your tip box has a frog in its throat. After checking your error codes on the sensor fix, you could try resetting the ECU (if you reset the ECU before checking for codes - they will be lost on the reset.) Ie disconnect the battery terminals for 30 mins. This also clears the Invecs memory (the computer that controls your tip box) Then go for a good hard fang & let the systems 'relearn' your driving style. Other than that - only thing I can think of it maybe one of the tip speed sensors is packing up / overheating.

17's will fit fine

You can wrap a 50 series tyre on it & its a stiffer ride, but by no means uncomforatable.

khunjeng · Post by **khunjeng** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 9:03 pm

hi mate

where are you? sounds like u have a few issues. Best to take it to an FTO expert for some advise..or take some of mine!

1. The exhaust light...if it stays on all the time u better get it checked out...something is really hot (or the sensor is rooted)

2. Handbreak light. The manual suggests that this cold indicate the need for new break pads (wow didn't know that! and I'm a bit suss on this feature) or low break fluid - go find an check the fulid level in the car and see if this is the case.

3. when u gave it the juice nothing happened when its warm? hmm lacking power...why?? dunno could be a few things...fuel/air supply spark plug are dirty / missing maybe due to broken lead etc. Best to get this checked out by some1.

4. Aas for the rims..I run 17/45/225s with lowered springs and adjustbale shockers...ride is ok but I reckon u have a smother ride with stock springs and 16/50s..but it doesn't look as cool - and I'm all about cool.

mate get your car checked out u have some stuff which may notbe serious if fixed quickly.

KJ

Storm · Post by **Storm** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 10:08 pm

When you run the diagnostics, as shown above, you will also get a flashing "N" which will give you a diagnostic read out for the gearbox ECU. If there is a sensor problem this will give you the error code in the same way as the engine read out. Theres a thread on the British FTOOC forum which will give you the error codes. Try http://www.ftooc.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=31351

If this doesn't bring any light to bear then disconnect the battery as said to clear all of its memory. For the error codes though you only need to disconnect it for ten seconds.

HTH

Arashi

bigpitty1 · Post by **bigpitty1** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:32 pm

With that exhaust light, I think it has something to do with the cat, it might not be doing it job, might be clogged, I think they have it because the japan has a more strick emission law, The FTO has 2 O2 sensor's I before the cat and 1 after.

So I think you may need a new cat, a hi-flow cat may set this light as well, well that What I think it is, the holden astra has the same thing.

Tbone · Post by **Tbone** » Mon Mar 13, 2006 11:32 pm

Thanks for all your help guys! I'll check the fluid first thing tomorrow and try the battery trick. It seems weird the handbrake light goes off when I turn the headlights on though. I'll have to book it in for a major service and get everything checked out. I'm in Bendigo (central Victoria), so there isn't a lot of options for Japanese imports around here (its the middle of Holden and Ford country out here - *shudder*)

Also, is there a recommended oil to use in the FTO, I was speaking to one owner and he said he was importing some special oil from Japan, a Mitsubishi-only oil from some company, not too sure about that, but I guess Mobile 1 would be the go. My guess is that the FTO will need an oil change.

Thanks again, this is a great site.
Tbone

khunjeng · Post by **khunjeng** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 7:54 am

hi mate.

for the oil use 5W-30...you can use the Mitsi oil but you can get this in all the major brands...so far Mobil and Motul oils seem fine (fully sync)

KJ

Teania · Post by **Teania** » Tue Mar 14, 2006 10:54 am

Another quick check - with the (!) light. I found that the rubber seal thing in the inside of the brake fluid lid had been pulled down by suction. This caused it to push the sensor for low brake fluid down - made car think it was low on brake fluid. Took lid off, pushed rubber thing back where it belonged - problem went away.....

Also handbrake works on earth - so if wire has come off little switch - could be earthing itself somehow....

Cheers
Tanya & Robert

ps - apologies for non-technical terms....