Sick chipped S2

[Jas11n]

Doesn't leaded fuel kill Lambda probes??

[rspeed]

yes

[Jas11n]

yes

Thought so

[Mikes2]

Leaded fuel in South Africa is normal. There is a lambda probe listed in the parts database for cars running on leaded fuel. Make sure the correct part gets fitted.

[Jas11n]

Leaded fuel in South Africa is normal. There is a lambda probe listed in the parts database for cars running on leaded fuel. Make sure the correct part gets fitted.

Learn something everyday I do

So, if they are designed to run "leaded" that also means no cat. There is a part number for a lambda for vehicles with no cat, but it's only listed for the ABY

[Craig]

As far as I know all the S2's imported into South Africa were "converted" to run on leaded fuel. I'm not quite sure what was done specifically though. Fitting the lambda was part of it though. What do these cost anyway?

[Craig]

Okay, the lambda's been replaced but the car still won't idle properly when cold and also doesn't want to rev cleanly(feels like its bogging down). Any ideas guys??

[dan_b]

Dirty Idle Stabilisation Valve?
Dirty MAF?
Damaged MAF connections?

[Craig]

Forgot to mention. After replacing the lambda, I now have no error codes.

[Doug_RS2]

Have you checked spark strengths? Dodgy lead or old plugs?

[Craig]

Well gents, after a month of trouble-shooting my car is at last running as it should again. I replaced the lambda and distributor cap. This sorted the accelleration but not the erratic idle.
After lots of experimentation, the garage as a last resort decided to pull the chip (one of Mihnea's). And what do you know, the gremlin disappeared. At start-up, even when it's very cold, the idle is stable and the accelleration is smooth as butter.
So the problem's sorted although I now have less power. At least it's running well.
It's been a very tramatic experience though both to my psyche and my pocket!

Thanks for the input everybody
Craig

[Doug_RS2]

I hope they changed the 2 chips and the map sensor? Otrherwise you'll be running the car really screwed upo - and that just might mask your problem.

[Craig]

When I changed the chip to Mihnea's, I realised that there already were aftermarket chips in the car as well an identical map sensor. So I am running the same setup now that I have been for the last two years (up until the upgrade 6 months ago). At least it working though.