Any ideas?

stevek · #1 06-20-2009, 11:39 AM

Hi everyone,
Perhaps I'm posting in the wrong place but I need some advice. My SVX keeps cutting out intermittently. Sometimes as it cuts it may chime in again if I pump the throttle rapidly but if it stops altogether it will restart immediately after switching off the ignition. It doesn't misfire and from the feel of the problem it seems like an ignition cut. I have tried to read the fault code but am getting regular flashes so no fault code present. I have cleaned the MAF element and blown out the TPS to no effect. The odd time, usually after a throttle pumping recovery the 'power' light flashes. Whether it's at all related I don't know but the problem seems to disappear after I have charged the battery - car has no charging issues but as I don't drive it everyday periodically I have put a 1 amp charge through it for around 12 hrs as a precaution. It has a Laserline alarm fitted which appears to work as it should but could it be a thought?

Any pointers would be much appreciated as I just quit smoking after 35 years so patience is in short supply and I noticed a big axe in the garage.....

stevek · #2 06-21-2009, 04:36 AM

Hi everyone,
Panic over - I tried the self diagnostic again today which revealed number 23 which I believe is the airflow meter. Wonder why they are known as MAF's rather than AFM's but I digress.
All the best.

svxistentialist · #3 06-21-2009, 06:02 AM

Hi Steve

I've just seen your post and I was about to suggest the MAF. I had this problem on my Purple car. It would cut out sometimes as I came to a halt at junctions.

Make sure you use a standard air element in the filter box. Don't use those things that require oil on them. The oil contaminates the element of the MAF. Sometimes cleaning the MAF works OK, sometimes no it doesn't. If you have not already seen it in the How-To section above, you may want to try re-soldering the connections inside the MAF. These can get loose through age, vibration and heat. When that happens you can suffer intermittent bad running problems. Check out the PDF:

MAF re-solder instructions

Let us know how you get on with it.

Joe

stevek · #4 06-21-2009, 07:44 AM

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the advice. I have just re-soldered the terminals. I have never held that blowlamp so steady, and it was nearly full of paraffin too. I did spill a little Bakers fluid onto the circuit board but it will soon dry off. I am hoping to try it out later when the No Nails has set.

Only joking by the way....

svxistentialist · #5 06-21-2009, 11:29 AM

We're all jokers round here Steve. Welcome to the club!

There is a good chance that could fix your problem. If it does not you will probably be looking for a second hand MAF/AFM. They're expensive buggers.

Joe

stevek · #6 06-22-2009, 10:49 AM

Hi Joe,

You know, without this site and it's contributors I don't think I could run an SVX. You were spot on Joe - the MAF was at fault. I was surprised though because there were no obvious signs/breaks inside, even after I removed the brass shield. I didn't have the ba**s to try resoldering the circuit board terminals as well so it was lucky they turned out to be fine. Apart from the fantastic lack of cutting out the car seems generally more responsive too.
If anyone needs any motorcycle tech advice I'll be pleased to reciprocate! I'm not claiming to be the oracle on the subject but I have been in the trade nearly 40 years.
All the best,
Steve

mikecg · #7 06-22-2009, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevek

Wonder why they are known as MAF's rather than AFM's but I digress.
All the best.

MAF stands for Mass Air Flow.