NeilW

Hello All,
My 88S has mood swings! One minute it drives nice and smoothly, the next it develops a slight hesitation/bucking on light throttle. This is coupled with a voltage gauge that goes up to 14v from its normal reading of around 13v. Also, when in this mood if I switch on the headlights or fan the volt meter momentarily drops, the rev counter needle bounces (upwards) and the red alarm light flickers, then everything is OK, though still with the slight hesitation.

It seems to do this more when we're out on a weekend run and the car is hot.

I've checked the battery and it shows 12.1v with the engine off, and 13.8v with the engine on. I'm not suffering from a flat battery, the car starts every time.

I've recently changed the ignition switch, which didn't make any difference. Would I be correct in thinking grounds?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Neil

Jakerx

checking the grounds is never a bad idea..that could very well be the problem but then again our cars have thousands of electrical gremlins...good luck!

theedge

Sounds like bad ground(s)...

Chris_924s

Definetly my vote.

Also check the main ground cables and starter cable for wear/ shorts/ oxidation. You'll be suprised!

NeilW

Thanks chaps, will do.

N

mossy

I thought they just did that...... I've had a similar problem that I just can't resolve (slight hiccup at low revs, none of the other symptoms).
From my experience, it's probably NOT:
1. TPS
2. Rotor, cap, leads or plugs
3. FPR
4. AFM
But could be:
1. Grounds (try the one at the back of the block, and the battery negative)
2. Dry solder joints in DME
3. Do you have an immobilizer?
If you find what the problem is, please let me know!!!!!!!
Mossy

NeilW

Mossy, is yours also intermittent, i.e. some days/trips it's fine others it's not?

I'll check the grounds over the next few days and let you know if I find anything. I'm familiar with under the dash but I'm guessing the block/bellhousing grounds are a little more tricky.

Cheers,

Neil

mossy

Yes Neil, it's intermittent..... My thoughts are that it could be grounds (as we've all mentioned- and the one's at the back of the block are a pain to get to).
Here's another thought though. What if the knock sensors are cutting in? I know that these cars are supposed to run on 95 octane and above (I try to put Super-Unleaded in mine when possible), but I've noticed that the performance varies greatly, depending where I fill up. This would also explain the intermittance of the fault (not only changes in fuel but also in weather conditions). Just a thought......
M