Closed loop problems? Idle fail on warm restart

[reggie_mk]

Yes its the same topic that has had a bazillion hits before..don't worry i've checked them.

88' 320i 180K on the clock, Belts and seals changed (no inlet, exhaust or head gaskets done) Seemed to run fine.

Morning start up purrs like a kitty. After warm or on a warm restart after a 5 minute break, I sometimes get a sparadic chugging before car stalls. It doesnt happen every time either. If I drive with this senario it sputters up to 1500 rpm (feels like running out of fuel).

The fact it only happens when warm makes me think closed loop and so first port of call is O2 sensor. However what other inputs are taken into account when engine is warm that arent when its cold. I ask this because its perfect when cold started.

Also theres an article on pelican parts of a diagnostic test by pumping accelerator pedal 4 times in succession after a 1 slow initial pump when the key is at the accessories postion. I cant seem to get the check engine light (what ever that is? Is it the flashing "check light?") to flash any fault codes. Maybe if i could i would solve the above problem..

Many thanks from a newbie

[silversled]

I'd go find the coolant temp sensor and replace that first...probably less than $30. The coolant temp sensor is a major player in restart stuff..I'd start there first....good luck

[silversled]

and, actually, after thinking about that...if the temp sensor doesn't do it the next thing I'd look at would the fuel pressure regulator...the general tune up stuff would not fix varying performance throughout the operating temputure range. Tune up stuff would be more consistantly screwed up. Although I would do a complete tune up if you don't know when the last one was done.