Cold Start issue - poor acceleration 986 S w/90K miles

[rprieto]

2002 Boxster S / Tiptronic does not like the cold...

This morning my car started normally but went I got to the main street I had almost zero acceleration. The engine sputtered almost continuously until I backed way off the throttle. The engine seemed to only want to idle. I pulled off a side street and pressed the accelerator half way but had barely an increase in acceleration and backfired once till again I got off the throttle. I turned the car around and limped back home but I noticed much improvement as the engine remained at operating temperature.

We’ve not had much fall temperatures and only recently have the temperatures dropped in the evenings to the upper 40’s (F). I have noticed only minor engine hesitation in the early AM till today.

Also, twice in the last month my car has difficulty starting when the engine is hot. Starts, then stalls but not more than twice.

Any ideas where to start? MAF, Fuel Filter, Engine Temp sensor, Throttle Body?

I’d appreciate any help with this issue.

Edited November 14, 2008 by rprieto

[wvicary]

Check for engine codes and post them here, that's the best place to start.

[rprieto]

Check for engine codes and post them here, that's the best place to start.

The CEL works (at startup) but I've never seen it set...yet.

I don't have a tool to check for the codes. What do I buy and where do I get one?

Also, I drove the car just now and the engine will not rev past 3000 RPM.

Edited November 15, 2008 by rprieto

[Glyn]

Almost certainly a weak mixture, all the symptoms you describe fit the bill.

Engine temperature sensor fault?

MAF is possible as intake air temperature is monitored by MAF

Poor sealing gasket - have you had the throttle body off to clean out?

[pompous]

Almost certainly a weak mixture, all the symptoms you describe fit the bill.

Engine temperature sensor fault?

MAF is possible as intake air temperature is monitored by MAF

Poor sealing gasket - have you had the throttle body off to clean out?

Exact same issue with mine earlier this week. Replaced the MAF and its back to normal.

[rprieto]

Almost certainly a weak mixture, all the symptoms you describe fit the bill.

Engine temperature sensor fault?

MAF is possible as intake air temperature is monitored by MAF

Poor sealing gasket - have you had the throttle body off to clean out?

I've never removed the throttle body...

[rprieto]

Almost certainly a weak mixture, all the symptoms you describe fit the bill.

Engine temperature sensor fault?

MAF is possible as intake air temperature is monitored by MAF

Poor sealing gasket - have you had the throttle body off to clean out?

Exact same issue with mine earlier this week. Replaced the MAF and its back to normal.

Is there a trick in removing the MAF connector? I cannot seem to budge it.

Here is a photo I just took:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30713060@N05/...364281/sizes/l/

Edited November 15, 2008 by rprieto

[rprieto]

Sooooo... still unable to remove the MAF Sensor connector I simply removed the whole thing and cleaned it with the CRC MAF Sensor cleaner. The sensor looked clean already btw.

Even with the MAF sensor off I could not figure out how to safely remove it.

After cleaning it and putting it back, no change at the 3K range. What bugs me the most is that I don't see the CEL even blink!

R. :(