Evora S fails to start

[SwissToni]

A couple of days ago the Evora  S ran rough and threw a misfire code.  After searching the forums I pulled the throttle body connector, cleared the codes and everything was fine for a 20 minute drive.  Until today (2 days later).  Car turns over but refuses to fire.  I pulled the connector again and cleaned with contact cleaner.  I pulled as many connectors as I could find, but nothing fixes it.  There was a huge downpour this morning and I suspected damp in the electrics or some kind of a failure with the throttle body.  After turning it over a couple more times I then got numerous fault codes (P0222, P0223, P0123, P0122, P2119, P2104, P2105, P2100).  All of these indicate some kind of issue with throttle sensor or actuator. I cleared the codes, but still won't start and no further CEL 

 

Has anyone else had these issues?  Is the actuator and sensor within the same unit?  Any ideas how to fix or diagnose for sure?  I live miles from a dealer!

[Ryanmt]

If you have a fault code reader can you attempt to do live diagnosis on it. You should be able to read the signal from the TPS and try the throttle see if its moving/reading.

I would also check no wires are broke at the back of the sensor too, inspect the plug closley.

Edited August 10, 2014 by Ryanmt

[SwissToni]

My code reader is quite basic and I can't get any diagnostics other than the Fault Codes that I posted earlier.  

 

I will see if there is throttle movement tomorrow, but I would have expected the engine to fire up and idle even without a working throttle - or am I being dense?

[SwissToni]

Throttle works, but car still won't start.  Battery is good, fuel is good.  This is killing me!

[auRouge]

Can you hear the fuel pump and does the self test happen on the dash still? Or is it just dead?!

[superdavelotus]

I don't know much about Evora's but have you checked the inertia switch hasn't tripped?

Also try all of the fuses.

[superdavelotus]

Just found this (whilst sunning myself on holiday)

Inertia Switch

The safety inertia switch is designed to operate on impact, typified by vehicle collision, to switch off the fuel pump, and thus minimise any fire hazard. The central door locking will also be triggered to unlock the doors.

The inertia switch is mounted on the backstay at the left hand side of the engine bay, ahead of the airbox, and is reset by pressing the rubber diaphragm button on the top of the unit.

It may help!

[SwissToni]

Yep - can hear the fuel pump and the self test (spanner light) appears to work as it should.  I found the inertia switch, but that didn't help unfortunately!

 

Will go through the fuses (should have done that first)!

[SwissToni]

All the fuses (front and rear) boxes are good.  Pulled the relays in case the contacts were hooky, but still nothing.  I still reckon it has something to do with the recent downpours and ropey connectors in the engine bay, but I have pulled all of those that I can see!

[Ryanmt]

maybe go back to basics,

Check for spark/wet plugs? If nothing, check the crank sensor on the flywheel.

[Bibs]

Toni, where in Germany are you?

 

You may have simply flooded the engine (fuel, not water!). Remove the 3 spark plugs from the boot box area (panel removed) and see if they are wet?

[SwissToni]

Evora got low-loaded away this morning.  It will be at the dealership next week - I will let you all know what happens!

[SwissToni]

Update! The garage (main dealers) have replaced the plugs and the car runs. But badly. I have been away from the UK, so getting updates regarding the car has been difficult and I am quite concerned about the fact that they haven't got to the bottom of the problem yet (4 weeks now). It is just outside of warranty and I am dreading that this is going to be both expensive and partially unresolved. I really wanted to love the Lotus (and still do) - the previously intermittent cruise control and other small niggles were not a concern, but why can't a garage with full diagnostics pin down a problem on a fairly new car with a Toyota engine?

[TBD]

Does sound like a problem that started with the downpour, in other words moisture. Unfortunately none of the diagnostics are of much help in sorting these down, you still need a good  and well trained mechanic to solve these onds of problems.

 

But, those are almost impossible to find nowadays. 

[SwissToni]

Garage failed to update me again (losing count of the lost promises) - 5 weeks and still no idea - should I be concerned?

[TBD]

Yes! I would get very angry if the garage takes longer than a few days. Five weeks? I think I would kill someone. 

 

They are obviously not even trying. 

[SwissToni]

Lotus offered up a software update and wiring checks. The garage have told me that these were carried out, but the car is still not running correctly. The garage have now requested a site visit by Lotus Technical. At this stage now I just want to get rid of the car at any price as it is looking like it either cannot be fixed, or it will be a ridiculously expensive fix (rewire etc). All for a car in which I have lost complete faith. I am dreading the bill as it stands so far as they have been working on it now for over 6 weeks.

I usually prefer independent specialists, but because it is relatively new and has a fLsh it is with a main dealer. Should I have gone to a specialist, or even a Toyota dealer?

[TBD]

Problem is that once you're at a dealer it's nearly impossible to take it to another. I would set the dealer a date until which he must have the car fixed (Frist). I wouldn't worry about the bill, he doesn't seem to have done much to date. 

[Bibs]

Can you please pm me which dealer it's at, your VIN number and mileage please

[SwissToni]

Lotus won't do a site visit, but are sending a test ECU. Garage have spent a number of days testing the cars diagnostics against another 2011 S that they have. Any one fancy running a sweepstake on the final bill?

[SwissToni]

So it only took them 5 weeks, but Lotus have finally sent the test sensor to the dealers who have the car up and running again, but still running rough. So effectively I am back where I was in mid September.

The service dept stated the following:

The fault code currently stored is for the cam position sensor. We are now looking into this as it may well be picking up the fact the ECU is not specific for the car.

Not quite sure exactly what this means. Do I have the wrong Lotus ECU (seems unlikely) or is it a Toyota ECU and they are saying that they still have no idea what is wrong with my car?

Really, really unimpressed.

[auRouge]

Sounds strange.

From what you've just stated they are saying the car has potentially been "modified"..

If it has you're on your own..

If not then that's Lotus's responsibility.

Annoying when your toy doesn't work, hope it gets sorted mate.

A ;-)

[Bibs]

What they mean I believe is that the ECU is just a Toyota one and not bespoke to the Evora.

[TBD]

The Evora gas a bespoke Ecu from Efi, not the Toyota part. 

 

Each ECU is custom configured to the car (things like VIN, etc.). But that has nothing to do with its operating. 

 

I still think your dealer has no idea of what he is doing! 

[auRouge]

Did you buy it from that dealer?