Hey Guys, I know its been a while since I was last one here but I have a problem with my car. This has happen 2 times alread. The CEL in my car will go one and my RPMs will drop and will not be able to go faster then like 20Mph. I have an 08 Lancer GTS with RRM SRI and RRM Axel Back exhaust. The first time it happened, i was trying to respond to a fire (i'm a fire fighter) and I didn't really let my car warm up. Needless to say, i missed the call. The Second time it happen was Yesterday. I let my car warm up and i was driving home from work. Out of know were the CEL came on and my car dropped down to 20MPH. After letting my car sit off for about 20mins or so, everything went back to normal. It was about 30 deg out yesterday so I dont know if that has something to do with it. I'm not sure if its a spark plug issue or if I'm getting to much Air Intake from the filter. I've had both of the parts installed for about 7 months or so... Any suggestions
since the check engine light came on it has to be a sensor/electrical line...it's probably the SRI because the axel back exhaust is just the rear section of the pipe, therefore you didnt mess with any sensors or what not...so that leads me to believe it may be the mass air flow sensor (MAF)...if it happens here and there then it may just be a an air leak, which will make this happen... this happend to my friends XA...i installed his CAI and @ one point the MAF got knocked around or something (theyre really fragile things)...when we were done i started it and everything ran fine until you hit the gas...it revved up to around 3k RPM's and would dump off horribly then idle...this was because the MAF was getting the wrong readings and was trying to compensate for the reading that it WAS getting... if you take it to a local auto parts store (i.e. pep boys, advanced auto parts, etc... not too sure what ya'll have in NY) then they can run a diagnostic (most of the time for free) and let you know what error codes your ECU has...then they'll let you know what you need, if its just a leak then its prob. the O-ring on the MAF or a loose line, if its actually the MAF it probably wont be over $100 (my friends was $80 on the XA) but i doubt its that because its not happening every time you drive... all i can say is take it in because the diagnostic is the best way of knowing what is wrong....and dont take it to the dealership because theyll try and pin whatevers wrong on your mods in an attempt to void the warranty ...good luck man one question, @ what RPM does it drop???
same thing happend to me, i had the pulstar spark plugs and they caused my issue, so i would sugguest you check your spark plugs bro. As soon as i put my stockers back on problem gone.
When it gets to the point that it will only go 20 mph you are in limp home mode which normally means there is a major problem that the car is tryin to avoid. Thus limp it to closest dealership shop of any kind or call a wrecker to get it to the dealership and shouldnt your car have warranty? If so change back to stock then take it up there if they find nothing wrong put ur stuff back on and if problem continues its your mods
oh ya, forgot all about that...like budrow said, you could always change out your mods for stock...then go to the dealer
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I will change the spark plugs and get a Diag at Pepboys to see whats up. Once I get the error code, will you guys know what that means or will I have to research it/call the dealership? I will keep you guys updated as I get this checked out. Thanks.
