Limp mode, no codes

[Handy Johnny]

2004 GTX 4Tec ran great for 17 minutes after cold start, then appeared to go into limp mode without displaying any codes. All fluids are normal and there were no signs of overheating. In limp mode motor ran a little rough. In the prior week when this happened a code for faulty #1 ignition coil displayed. I replaced all 3 coils and spark plugs. Doo ran great then went into limp mode, displayed code for #1 fuel injector. I cleaned the electrical connection and unit ran fine for a short test run. Today produced the no code run described in the first sentence. I thought heat might be causing a control chip problem, but the control box was pretty warm, but not hot. Something is heat related, but I would welcome any suggestions on what to do next.

 

[Tommy O]

2004 GTX 4Tec ran great for 17 minutes after cold start, then appeared to go into limp mode without displaying any codes. All fluids are normal and there were no signs of overheating. In limp mode motor ran a little rough. In the prior week when this happened a code for faulty #1 ignition coil displayed. I replaced all 3 coils and spark plugs. Doo ran great then went into limp mode, displayed code for #1 fuel injector. I cleaned the electrical connection and unit ran fine for a short test run. Today produced the no code run described in the first sentence. I thought heat might be causing a control chip problem, but the control box was pretty warm, but not hot. Something is heat related, but I would welcome any suggestions on what to do next.[/QUOTE

 

[Tommy O]

My 04 4tec is doing the same thing. Do you locate the problem?

 

[Handy Johnny]

My 04 4tec is doing the same thing. Do you locate the problem?

Hi,
Short answer is no.
I've replaced both inner and outer fuel pump filters and checked the fuel tank vent line. I also unplugged/plugged all electrical connectors I could reach easily while doing this. I also "exercised both ECU plugs. Very discouraging!
I want to hook up a pressure gauge at the injector rail. One person experienced decline in fuel pump output after it ran for a while.

Somethings require more prayer!

 

[Tommy O]

Hi,
Short answer is no.
I've replaced both inner and outer fuel pump filters and checked the fuel tank vent line. I also unplugged/plugged all electrical connectors I could reach easily while doing this. I also "exercised both ECU plugs. Very discouraging!
I want to hook up a pressure gauge at the injector rail. One person experienced decline in fuel pump output after it ran for a while.

Somethings require more prayer!

Hi,
Short answer is no.
I've replaced both inner and outer fuel pump filters and checked the fuel tank vent line. I also unplugged/plugged all electrical connectors I could reach easily while doing this. I also "exercised both ECU plugs. Very discouraging!
I want to hook up a pressure gauge at the injector rail. One person experienced decline in fuel pump output after it ran for a while.

Somethings require more prayer!

I disconnected the temperature relays no difference, going to fuel pressure next I'll let you know what I find out

 

[Handy Johnny]

Problem found:
I had bought 3 after market ignition coil sticks from Amazon. The top rubber bushing can slide on the round stick, unlike the originals. The stick was rising causing lack of spark. I thought it was in limp mode, but it wasn't, just runs badly on 2 cylinders. I tried wiping the lube off the rubber parts, but eventually 2 of them would pop up. Working with the vendor to come up with a solution (they recommendded gluing the upper busing to the stick).

A gracious repairman gave me this procedure for a rough running machine:
Remove the plastic trim cover over the coils and injectors (this allowed me to see the coil popping up). Start it and disconnect a coil on one cylinder, see if there's a change. Stop, reconnect and start, Go to next, etc. This tells you if there's a problem with one cylinder. Once the cylinder is located swap coils and retest. If problem moves, it's the coil. Do the same thing with the fuel injectors. If all cylinders produce the same change, it's likely due to lack of fuel (pump, filters). He also suggested checking compression.

Hope this helps.

 

[Spank]

Gracious of him and gracious of you, for posting up!

 

[Handy Johnny]

Update on after market ignition coils;
I was able to keep the coil stick from popping up by placing an O ring under the upper rubber bushing. On one coil I placed two. On the third coil I wound lots of teflon tape. This puts the squeeze on the rubber bushing. So far all three have stayed in place.

The original coil has 4 tabs on the upper part of the stick. They dig into the rubber bushing. I do have to give the vendor credit since he offered twice to send new coils.

 

[ski-d00]

Are you taking the cap off the top of the spark plugs?

The coil snaps onto the plug very solidly with a firm press with your palm and you will hear it as it makes a solid connection on the small top threaded shaft of the plug.

 

[Handy Johnny]

Yes, the caps were removed. The metal bore of the coil stick simply slides over the threads, possibly with a little scraping. The rubber boot that goes over the plug ceramic makes for a snug fit, but I suspect air gets trapped. The replacement coils are distributed by Dade. There's very little friction between the round stick and the upper bushing. Inserting an O ring tightens everything when installed. They've been working just fine ever since.

 

[ski-d00]

This isn't a Seadoo design. The coils are Bosch and the plugs are NGK and has been used in this exact plug coil interface for several million cars and trucks. It's proven and retains perfectly so I can only think you're doing something wrong. Of all the 4tecs I've worked on this has never been an issue when installed properly.

 

[Handy Johnny]

Please read my post carefully. All comments were about replacement coils distributed by Dade on Amazon. You obviously have not seen the coils I received. The originaal coils had tabs on the top end of the stick that dug into the bushing. The Dade sticks are smooth. Inserting the O ring under the bushing made up for a a loose fit on the bushing. I have used my Doo successfully for several hours with this fix.