Runs rich only with lights on!!
03-30-04, 07:51 PM
#1
Runs rich only with lights on!!
Need some more input on this weird problem...
My engine has been running super rich lately after a good drive. Just yesterday I figured out that everytime it starts running rich, my fans turn OFF! Another thing I figured out today is that the only time it runs rich is when the lights are on, and it's not continuous, usually after a good drive it starts running rich when it wants to...other than that it runs perfect with the lights off.
What is the connection here, I usually like driving with the parking lights on so that the fans turn on sooner...but today I used the A/C and it sucked with all that hot air blowing at me in this Cali weather.(NO FREON!) Turning the fans on with the A/C had no ill effects...ran perfect!
I'm going crazy trying to figure this out...I know the EL Unit is responsible for turning the fans on when the lights are on, but how would it cause the engine to run rich!
Only mods right now are DP and drop in K&N with stock ECU...
Someone please help...any input would be great. Thanks!
My engine has been running super rich lately after a good drive. Just yesterday I figured out that everytime it starts running rich, my fans turn OFF! Another thing I figured out today is that the only time it runs rich is when the lights are on, and it's not continuous, usually after a good drive it starts running rich when it wants to...other than that it runs perfect with the lights off.
What is the connection here, I usually like driving with the parking lights on so that the fans turn on sooner...but today I used the A/C and it sucked with all that hot air blowing at me in this Cali weather.(NO FREON!) Turning the fans on with the A/C had no ill effects...ran perfect!
I'm going crazy trying to figure this out...I know the EL Unit is responsible for turning the fans on when the lights are on, but how would it cause the engine to run rich!
Only mods right now are DP and drop in K&N with stock ECU...
Someone please help...any input would be great. Thanks!
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03-31-04, 11:37 AM
#13
3rd motors a charm I hope
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maybe you are running rich because when your fans kick on your engine speed usually goes a little lower. I guess your lights could take away from your spark? Im just as confused as everyone else on this.
03-31-04, 11:59 AM
#14
Alright, first off I listed my mods...DP and drop in K&N.
Second, sorry if I was a little vague...when the problem starts, the idle jumps up and down between 600rpm and 900rpm, black smoke starts spitting out of the exhaust, popping /backfiring with a very strong smell, also, the acceleration gets very unresponsive, like almost cutting up and taking a second before it really wants to go...when I rev the engine, it almost wants to turn off when the needle drops(sometimes does turn off). If that's not running rich, then sorry, maybe you can let me know what it is...
The problem only starts when the engine bay is really warm...like after a good drive in warm weather. The newest things I figured out are that the fans turns off when the "problem" starts. AND the only time the "problem" starts is when the lights have been turned on. Otherewise it's fine. I hope that makes sense...
Before you guys start making suggestions, let me tell you that I changed my plugs and wires about 3,000miles ago, my airpump works properly and my MAP sensor is working properly. Also, I just relocated my battery about 2 month s ago with new cables.
Thanks for any input...
Second, sorry if I was a little vague...when the problem starts, the idle jumps up and down between 600rpm and 900rpm, black smoke starts spitting out of the exhaust, popping /backfiring with a very strong smell, also, the acceleration gets very unresponsive, like almost cutting up and taking a second before it really wants to go...when I rev the engine, it almost wants to turn off when the needle drops(sometimes does turn off). If that's not running rich, then sorry, maybe you can let me know what it is...
The problem only starts when the engine bay is really warm...like after a good drive in warm weather. The newest things I figured out are that the fans turns off when the "problem" starts. AND the only time the "problem" starts is when the lights have been turned on. Otherewise it's fine. I hope that makes sense...
Before you guys start making suggestions, let me tell you that I changed my plugs and wires about 3,000miles ago, my airpump works properly and my MAP sensor is working properly. Also, I just relocated my battery about 2 month s ago with new cables.
Thanks for any input...
03-31-04, 12:04 PM
#16
Check you plugs and if you could give us a pic of your plugs.. Plugs will also tell you if you are running rich..
Far as strong smell.. what are you smelling.. fuel??
If your rev goes down.. I would first fiddle with your trottle cable.. Most of the problems could be as simple as adjusting your cable..
Far as strong smell.. what are you smelling.. fuel??
If your rev goes down.. I would first fiddle with your trottle cable.. Most of the problems could be as simple as adjusting your cable..
03-31-04, 12:10 PM
#17
Originally posted by herblenny
Check you plugs and if you could give us a pic of your plugs.. Plugs will also tell you if you are running rich..
Far as strong smell.. what are you smelling.. fuel??
If your rev goes down.. I would first fiddle with your trottle cable.. Most of the problems could be as simple as adjusting your cable..
Check you plugs and if you could give us a pic of your plugs.. Plugs will also tell you if you are running rich..
Far as strong smell.. what are you smelling.. fuel??
If your rev goes down.. I would first fiddle with your trottle cable.. Most of the problems could be as simple as adjusting your cable..
Yes, it is like a fuel smell...and my throttle cable is fine...
Everything runs perfect and the engine pulls strong and smooth...the only time this starts is when I have the lights ON and have been driving for more than 20-30 minutes...so to me it sounds more like electrical, but what do I know.
03-31-04, 04:56 PM
#20
Originally posted by mad_7tist
/\ or the fpr.
/\ or the fpr.
Guess Im trying to find some logical answers, because the lights or ELU are triggering this problem.
03-31-04, 05:07 PM
#21
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if you are sure that the lights/electrical load are related to the prob than i say look toward the el unit. the fpr will just dump a ton of fuel past the diaghpram into the vac line and then the intake
03-31-04, 05:10 PM
#22
Okay thanks, Im looking to buy the EL Unit right now to do the swap...I also bought a new Thermosensor and a Miata Thermoswitch...I think the computer is just getting bad signals by either the EL Unit (not sure if it's possible) or by the Thermosensor for the temp...??
03-31-04, 06:12 PM
#23
Just tried a couple different things, it looks like it's definitly the extra LOAD. As you guys know from my previous posts this problem only occurs when the lights are on...but I figured out that it's not just the lights or the fans, but when there is "additional" load applied, meaning when there are too many things on at once shuts off the fans and dumps more fuel...
I figured this out when I decided to hit the defrost switch while the lights were on and it automatically turned the fans off and starting running rich...
So, I hope it's the electrical load unit, if anyone thinks otherwise, please chime in. Otherwise, I'll let you guys know. Thanks!
I figured this out when I decided to hit the defrost switch while the lights were on and it automatically turned the fans off and starting running rich...
So, I hope it's the electrical load unit, if anyone thinks otherwise, please chime in. Otherwise, I'll let you guys know. Thanks!
