Got car back from shop today. Sputters under boost/load... HELP!
 

Alright, I finally got my car back from the body shop today and when I was pulling out of the parking lot it started sputtering right around 2500 rpm. I don't know what the problem is. It starts up and idles fine. It even runs fine as long as I'm not giving it very much gas. If I go very, very easy on the gas it will rev past 2500. However if there is any load or I give it any significant amount of gas it sputters at 2500 and won't go any higher.

Does anyone have any ideas??? I don't even know where to start. It seems like it starts sputtering/back firing as soon as it goes past 0psi on the boost gauge. There are no engine codes. The shop was messing with the engine wiring harness because it was damaged in the accident.

Please let me know what to check.

Thanks,
-Charlie

sounds like the shop hooked something up wrong. a control solenoid or the like. Vaccum lines etc.. time to start over again!(isn't it fun) Crazy thought but did the IC or other parts of the intake tract get crushed?(resticting airflow off idle)

Yes the intercooler was cracked, they put a new one in so there is a chance that there is a leak somewhere, would that cause this problem? Could you be more specific about what to check and how to check it please?

Thanks,
-Charlie

It's not an intake leak. It sounds like your car is in limp mode. When you say there are no engine codes, do you mean that the check engine light is not on, or did you connect the TEN and GND connections and not get anything? The reason I'm asking is because there are many codes that will not set the check engine light.

You could also have a problem with your secondary injectors not coming online.

i would pull off the UIM and check over all the connections. I agree it sounds like fuel more than a leak which would cause more of a drop in boost. Get a service manual if you don't have and check everything carefully.. Take your time, you'll get it

It sounds like limp home mode to me, too.

Reset the ecu before tearing your car apart....

Disconnect neg batt cable and hold brake pedal down for 30 seconds.

I tried disconnecting the battery and holding the brake for 20 seconds. It seems to be working right now, 10-8-10 boost pattern.

Hopefully that will take care of it.

-Charlie

Great, glad it worked out for you.

BTW, some of you need to take a breath -- all his problem was is the ecu needed to be reset -- some of you had him elbows deep under the UIM.... :)

relax it was just a suggestion!! that's what he asked for yes?!!!! Just like you i gave him the trouble experience i have had. so "just take a breath"

Everyone just take a breath :) - the problem is solved. Thank you for the ideas and suggestions. I am VERY happy it is running correctly now (fingers crossed). Any idea why it would go into limp mode? Does this mean there is a problem somewhere and it will happen again?

Thanks,
-Charlie

BigIslandSevens: I was just busting some balls, that's why I put the smilie in...

Charliegt: It probably just went into limp home mode because of the shop messing with the wiring harness. I wouldn't worry about it unless it DOES happen again.

Sweet thanks.

-Charlie