Turbo8

iTrader: (17)

Hello all,

I just received a used PowerFC, version S4, and went to install it today. I removed the negative battery terminal wire, removed the factory PCM without issue, attached the ground wires to a spot in the kick panel, and proceeded to clip the required 4 wires per Dale Clark's fantastic FAQ PDF I found.

I then removed the TB elbow and screwed the idle adjustment screw all the way in, then backed it out half a turn as per the instructions.

I turned everything on, the Commander booted right up. No funny noises or anything. I checked the Sensor Check screen under "ETC" and a few sensors were highlighted but I assumed (perhaps wrongly) this was normal. I also "reinitialized" the PFC to set it back to the base map (I assume).

I attempted to start the FD- the engine would catch (fire) quickly, run for very roughly for about 1/2 a second, then die. I attempted to re-start the engine and it did the same thing. I then noticed the Overheat Exhaust lamp was illuminated.

Also, when the engine died, I could hear a pretty loud but variable pitch "buzzer", and it was definitely coming from the engine bay. It sounded like the low coolant buzzer but from the engine bay...

So I double checked the wire I clipped in the harness. All good, verified by the wire color with tracer and the pin-out in Dale Clark's FAQ. So I re-plug the PFC back in, making sure all the harness are fully seated into the respective connector housings and they make a very audible "click".

I attempt to restart but noticed the overheat exhaust light is still lit. I went to the sensor check menu on the Commander and this are the sensors that are highlighted:

PIM: 0.03V
VTA1: 0.01V
VTA2: 0.01V
VMOP: 0.01V

When I got WOT via the gas pedal the values change for all but the VMOP to the following:

PIM: 0.05V
VTA1: 0.05V
VTA2: 0.03V

What might the issue be here? My car was running perfectly before installing the PFC. No issues at all. Could the PFC be damaged? Or is there something I am overlooking?

Thanks!

Turbo8

iTrader: (17)

OK, just a little update.

I re-connected the wires I cut for the PFC installation at the harness and reinstalled the factory ECU. I did not adjust the idle air screw just in case that could have been my issue effected the PFC.

Car started up like normal, idled like normal, and drove like normal. Does then indeed indicate I was sold a "bad" PFC? What other issue could there be? Keep in mind when I re-installed the factory ECU I only re-connected the 4 wires you are supposed to cut for the PFC installation...

If anyone else has a clue to any other potential issues, I am all ears, as I want to be able to use my PFC!

cewrx7r1

iTrader: (2)

Which RX7 do you have and is it stock?
I normally start with the the Air Adjusting Screw under the TB opened 1.5 turns.
The throttle adjusting screw (on top and in front) open 1/4 turn from a completely close throttle with the hot wax rod cam disengaged.

Make sure that the re-init of the PFC took.

Any unfamiliar terms, look in section F of the FSM.

Turbo8

iTrader: (17)

I have a '93 FD, just bolts ons; Blitz NUR Spec, Pettit dp, gutted/cheap bastard airbox, and Snow Stage2 water/meth inj spraying windshield fluid at 350cc/min right before the tb.

I adjusted the idle air screw about 1/2-3/4 turn out from full close as per the instructions. Car runs fine (albeit stumbles slightly after tip-in) on the stock ECU with the idle screw in the same position.

I was able to disconnect the MAP sensor completely from the harness (at the sensor), and the car exhibits the same behavior as with the PFC installed (but the MAP sensor connected). It's obvious the MAP sensor is not getting signal to the PFC.

I truly believe I have a bad unit. I'm not positive if the "reinitialize" is working...I go to the option in the ETC menu, highlighted "Yes", then clicked Next, then turned off the key. Is that the correct procedure? After doing this my Monitor screen has reset...

Thank you for the help

Turbo8

iTrader: (17)

I figured it out after talking with multiple experts, including Check Westbrook last night on the phone. I have a bad unit. I further verified this by installed it on a different FD that has a working PFC already installed, and it would not run on my PFC, either.

So I got ripped off. I started a "bad guy" thread in the appropriate forum. Please read.

arghx

iTrader: (3)

Good to see you got to the bottom of it at least. Sorry you got screwed over.