restricted performance

[Guest]

Hi.  I've had my 2004 s type for about 1 month.  Once or twice I've had the restricted performance message, either when starting from cold or low speed manoeuvring.  Restarting has cleared it.  About a week ago the restricted performance message was followed by the car stalling, (slow moving traffic) but restarted with no further problems.  Tonight the message and stalling occurred about a dozen times, restarting clearing the fault each time.  Each event was in stop start traffic except for the last one which was at about 20-25mph in a queue of traffic.  I have a cheapy generic code reader which I plugged in when I got home and that says no codes found.  The only other problem is that sometimes when starting the engine, I get a sooty smell/taste.

 

EDIT:  Ran ok yesterday until reversing to park, then restricted performance again.

 

04/02/19

Yesterday morning the eml and restricted performance warnings displayed again.  I plugged into the laptop and no faults found.  Started the engine and all checked out ok although warnings still displayed.  Restarted the engine and warning lights were cleared.  Very strange.

 

 

Can anyone lead me in the right direction?

Thanks for reading this.

[Guest]

Got a new diagnostics reader and as with my cheapie one, no faults found.  When the car was hot, I fuelled up and on restarting got the restricted error message.  Turned off and restarted, absolutely fine.  I've put the laptop and module into the car so hopefully next time it happens I can read it straight away.

[Pinto]

Had this fault myself recently - seems there are a few common causes, the first of which is low battery condition; seems the S with its multiple electrical system doesn't like low battery voltage - mine was 11.9v static (engine off) even tho the car charged ok when running.  Charged the battery for 10 hours and things are much improved ( but my car also has a naff LION battery which will be swapped for something decent in due course)

I'd recommend starting here.

Secondly, the fault will appear if a critical sensor reading is wrong or missing when running; my S required a new radiator, header and top hose when I bought it, and I fitted the XF 3.0 hose assembly to mine, which is near identical except for the location and type of engine temp sensor- the S has a different plug and the wiring loom is too short to reach.  My heath Robinson to get over this sometimes lost connection and with no engine temp signal the eml/reduced performance combo would appear.

Worth checking if all your plugs are secure and all your gauges are reading correctly.

[Guest]

Hi

Thanks for your reply.  Battery seems ok but I will plug in the diagnostics tomorrow and check 1st thing, (0420) in the morning and again when it's running.  Service history doesn't show a new battery but engine turns over well even on the freezing mornings.  If that is ok I will just unplug, check and reconnect everything I can find.  It's just frustrating that no fault codes, either stored or pending, show up.

[Pinto]

Even with the low battery, mine never failed to start - just the restricted performance light issue.  If the battery shows less than 12.2v static after standing overnight, it needs charging.

[Guest]

Hi

Just braved the freezing cold and plugged in my diagnostics.  Battery shows just 11.3 volts.  Also checked the service history which lists all new parts back to 2013, and no mention of a new battery.  I will have to get a replacement.  Seems to be an unlucky car so far.  Drives like a dream but since my purchase mid-December, 2 flat tyres which I've replaced and now battery.  Fingers crossed that problem will be rectified.

 

Thanks for your help.

[Pinto]

Welcome 🙂 when I replace mine, I'll be buying the best I can afford - lesson learned.

I bought my S very cheaply, but with a few issues I could see and one or two I couldnt - So far it's cost me a wheel bearing, three way valve, radiator, top hose, header tank and a couple of check straps - but the smiles per mile have been very worth it.  Possible gearbox troubles may cost me a few hundred, but TBH im all in for about £1500 so far; what else with this level of style and luxury could you buy ?

[Guest]

New battery fitted, 12.7v.  Car starts and runs ok.  Idle for a few minutes and amber restricted performance.  Still no codes shown.  Stop engine. remove key and restart, no problems unless I let it idle.