XR8 220 issue

[Windsor220]

Hey guys

Im having a problem with the XR8 lately. Everytime I take off in the morning for work, the thing will start up, drive away then die down for a couple of seconds while accelerating then pick up again. After that its fine. Its like it has a big flat spot for a second. It seems to be getting slowly worse. I dont know if its coincidence but it seems to do it when turning like when taking the first corner after starting.

Just wanted to see if anyone had experienced something like this on thier XR8 before I start trying stuff.

[honer]

Mine does exactly the same thing, but only for a few minutes... I put it down to being cold ?

[CRAIGAU3220]

Originally Posted by honer

Mine does exactly the same thing, but only for a few minutes... I put it down to being cold ?

As above.

[RG]

Mine is the same, always has been.

[james22]

Another vote here. Always been a bit laggy when cold in the morning. I like it in a way, gets to 2500rpm and feels like it hits boost all of a sudden lol

[LowEL2XR8]

If its doing it when turning it could be the switch on the power steering rack that tries to bump up the revs when going slow (ie turning). Maybe the switch is dead.
Also it could be the ISC controller as that is what the switch tries to open to rev it up more.

When you turn the wheel your loading up the power steering and when its cold and not working properly it can cause a rev drop or hang.

[BillC]

Have a look at the thread "Need help from the guru's". Sounds like the same symptons I had. My vote is the CAM ANGLE Sensor.

[TICK4D-TAS]

Mine has done it since day 1, even with the new top end it does it.

On a side note, AU XR8's dont have the power steering idle up switch.

[Laminge]

Seriously have a look at the problems have had to the sock and fuel pickup in the tank.

Should fix the issue for most

[Peuty]

Yep, my car is the crankiest SOB in the morning, but once it warms up properly, it's fine.

Laminge, good point, however, I have put a new pump in mine and it still does it.

[Windsor220]

Quite a few people saying its a normal thing here. I definitely wouldnt consider it to be a normal characteristic. Im doing all the ignition system soon so i'll see what happens after that.

[RG]

Originally Posted by Torxteer

Quite a few people saying its a normal thing here. I definitely wouldnt consider it to be a normal characteristic. Im doing all the ignition system soon so i'll see what happens after that.

Been there, done that. Doesn't fix it.

It IS a normal characteristic as most of us have the same thing. Cleaning the fuel sock is a good idea and that can contribute to the issue but even with all the work I've had done and all the tuning it is still there.

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by RG

Been there, done that. Doesn't fix it.

It IS a normal characteristic as most of us have the same thing. Cleaning the fuel sock is a good idea and that can contribute to the issue but even with all the work I've had done and all the tuning it is still there.

Its strange though as I've had the car for over a year and its only been doing this for the last few weeks.

[Peuty]

Probably wouldn't hurt to do the ignition system anyway, but if it goes away like you said it does, it wouldn't be that. The ignition breakdown would always be there, regardless of whether it's cold or not.

[shazaam]

hmm... have never noticed anything like that with mine

[LowEL2XR8]

Try the idle speed controller. Either replace or clean it.

Its definitely not normal. Best not to get used to it and accept it.

If its not the ISC take it somewhere where someone can read a code while its cold, idling and you turning the wheel.

[CRAIGAU3220]

Never noticed mine do it when stock.

Just thought it had some thing to do with the tune that's it, particularly because it has aftermarket MAF.

Have always thought could probably have it tuned out if it bothered me enough.

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by Peuty

Probably wouldn't hurt to do the ignition system anyway, but if it goes away like you said it does, it wouldn't be that. The ignition breakdown would always be there, regardless of whether it's cold or not.

Yeah the ignition system is something that I was doing anyway as it still has all the original stuff on it after 130k kms. Just waiting for Krudds $900.

Originally Posted by LowEL2XR8

Try the idle speed controller. Either replace or clean it.

My ISC is way out of whack atm. Ever since the battery was replaced. Needs a good cleanout and reset. You wouldnt think that would have an effect though with the throttle being off idle when it occurs.

[honer]

Just did my my ignition (Leads/Plugs/Coils) and exactly the same....... Though mine was was to fix breakdown issues.

I doubt it'll be ISC -- that only does what the name implies and OP didn't report any idle issues.

As for normal or not, my EF and EL XR8 were fine when cold.... But I accept it as normal in this car.

[UU TS50]

mine does it too
makes it a fun start to each morning

[CRAIGAU3220]

May be its some sort of air-born virus, man made at the Holden factory !!!!!!!!

[5L]

yep mine done it. sort of misses 2 or 3 times taking off when cold. idles a bit angry. after i have driven for about 1km it is fine.

[OzJavelin]

My AUII XL V8 has done it for a few years .. since it went to dual fuel. I suspect it's the solenoid which controls the throttle bypass (what's it called?). I've cleaned it once before a year or so ago and it was fine for awhile, but eventually came back. I my case I'd suggest it could be because of the LPG being sprayed past it and the throttle plates (old mixer system). In a non-LPG car I'd just try it anyway and see if it helps?

[lotus]

I've had trouble with mine in that it would run on about 6 cyls and when you get about half throttle, all 8cyls would fire and away you go !!!.A bit hairy at times .specially in traffic.
Turned out to be CO2 sensors (were contaminated) but I think it was also the fuel I used. Changed fuel and no problems.
Sometimes if I let it idle after starting, when you take off it seems it seems to be underpowered but I just give it a short burst and that seems to settle it down and have no problem after that.

[Stevo]

AU2 XR8 5Speed - Each morning even after letting it warm up it chugs and carries on for about 10 meters. After that it runs perfect. Has done it just about every morning that I have owned it.

[LowEL2XR8]

Originally Posted by Torxteer

My ISC is way out of whack atm. Ever since the battery was replaced. Needs a good cleanout and reset. You wouldnt think that would have an effect though with the throttle being off idle when it occurs.

True but if its playing catch up with the throttle position or not closing or doing what it is supposed to it can have an effect.

[ON_DUBS]

Is this problem specific to the XR8s? My 5L hasn't missed a beat

[au3 220]

my girl clears her throat too, then when in second gear she sings

[DaveTE]

Thought I'd go against the grain. Mines been fine on the cold start n go. I do prefer to let her warm slightly before moving. Mines a S2 XR8 so wondering if it's S3 that has the prob more so? O2 sensors have been noted as causing these probs mines due for changing.