Typically I’m in Germany at the ring when my car has developed this fault. On the motorway through Belgium, the car started to loose power for a split second then suddenly catch again like it was out of fuel, it’s even done it at low speed through town.
I’ve had a quick search through the forums and if was suggested it could be something to do with the Aircon, so I turned it off, and the fault has gone away!
Can anyone tell me what specifically needs doing with the air con to rectify this? The car is a 2007 model done 7k miles and is obviously out of warranty.
Not sure what the fix is yet, but mine suffers the same problem ('07 Cadena Exige S)
Currently have Back-on-Track set to investigate the problem, having replicated the cut-out at their works a couple of weeks back. Last time it did it, it triggered MIL and reported a throttle related fault code. The a/c stayed on when the car was re-started, so it is thought that it isn’t actually a fault with the a/c, just happens when the a/c is in use (if you see what I mean).
There are a few more people with the same sypmtom - but I’ve not yet met or heard from anyone who knows the solution.
I spoke to my local Lotus garage and they had no idea what it was other than a potential fault with the throttle pedal (fly by wire) but that fault usually brought up a fault code and engine warning light on the dash, this has not happaned with my car.
I’ve since spoken to Lotus and they reckon its the radiator fan control module thats spiking the system and momentarily resetting the ECU (hence the sudden loss of power as the engine effectively stalls for a split second, then restarts).
Its a big module, with a big price (�86.00+VAT) but apparently takes 10 mins to swap underneath the the NS front access panel nxt to the radiator.
If anyone else is experiencing this fault, its probably worth investigating rather than leaving and putting up with, I dont suppose a spike in power and/or resetting the ECU on a regular basis can be doing it any good, and I’m guessing a new ECU will cost a bit more than �86!
I’m waiting for the part to arrive, so I’ll report back when its fitted.
Hi fella, I’ve literally just picked up the module today on my way home, so not fitted it. Another strange thing happened tonight though, got back in the car to drive home and noticed the shift light was flashing! Like it does when the immobiliser is armed. Not sure if if was just a gremlin or if it’s related to the air con issue?
I’ll post back when I’ve fitted the module and tested it
I have been reading about spiking caused by the A/C relay in O/S wheelarch, but not the fan.
Reason I ask is that my 06 car runs fine except when accelerating hard it ‘hiccups’ - a momentary cut out, one or two times. But it does it with A/C on or off. Lotus specialist has not been able to replicate fault.
Have you checked your intercooler hoses? One of mine was loose and would pop off under hard acceleration. As soon as I came off the throttle the other rubber joiner plus the vacuum would pull it back on and it would run ok again. There is usually a bit of oil in the intercooer as well so that lubricates it nicely.
CAB
Ive been driving the car for a good few weeks since I fitted this new module and the fault has not re-occured at all. So Im guessing it was the module afterall. To be honest, when I took the old one off it looked fine aroud the connectors, so Ive no idea what the problem was with it. It must have gone internally.
Be warned, Lotus said that you can swap them over via the access panel in front of the screen, 10 minute job but you need feckin small hands. It can be done, but you need patience. There aint much room to get any hands in there. Failing that the wheel and wheel arch liner have to come out to gain access.
JohnD, I dont think your fault sounds like the same thing if it does it when the AC is off, then I doubt it is the same fault.
[quote=CAB]Have you checked your intercooler hoses? One of mine was loose and would pop off under hard acceleration. As soon as I came off the throttle the other rubber joiner plus the vacuum would pull it back on and it would run ok again. There is usually a bit of oil in the intercooer as well so that lubricates it nicely.
CAB [/quote]
fit catch cans and you will find no more oil in your intercooler
