HELP! Starting but no Rev

[kimberly001]

Hi! I've got a small (or large) problem. I have a 2000 Boxster with 56K that's run fine throughout the past year I've owned it. I had a CEL come on last month, but it went off in a day and I thought nothing of it.

Yesterday it was running fine as I was running errands. After my last stop, on my way to head home, I started it up and it started pretty rough. It felt like it was going to turn off as it searched to hold an idle, but then found an idle at 1,000 RPM. Because I was concerned I turned it off, let it sit for awhile, and then restarted. It did the same thing. When I went to put it in first to pull out, I could push the gas, but there was no rev to the engine and it didn't get above 1,000 RPM. Can someone assist in what might be going on? It's sitting downtown and I have to figure out if I need to have it towed.

My thoughts were a vacuum line, but that was just off the little research I could get last night.

Thanks again and I appreciate your input!

Kimberly

[Dragonwind]

This sounds like the MAF. The time when I installed my EVO intake I failed to replace the hose that connects to tube with the Mass Airflow Sensor. Becuase of this the car didn't know what was going on, would idle rough, and not rev. The CEL could also have been related to the MAF.

Granted there could be other things going on, but what I would do first is get into the engine compartment and see if the hose clamps are broken thus causing the hose to come off. I had to replace mine as one was completely rusted through. They are cheap and you can also just get a couple large hose clamps from the hardware store in a pinch.

Best of luck!
Chris

[kimberly001]

Thanks Chris:
Is this something that could have just vibrated loose which is why it's been fine up until now?

I did find the engine compartment

I'm off to see if I can hopefully fix something

[RobZ]

I'd try cleaning the MAF sensor. MAF SENSOR CLEANING

[Tool Pants]

Sounds like a problem with the e-gas.

To check the air flow sensor unplug the electrical connector then see if it will rev up.

[chitowndad]

IMHO - "idle hunting" is usually the MAF going bad. I had a similar symptom on my 1990's my Pathfinder. You can also start the car and gently tap the MAF tube with a screw driver. If the idle changes up or down it's the MAF. The simplest way is the find the CEL code from AutoZone. Replacing the MAF is really simple DIY.

Good luck.

-Steve

[RandallNeighbour]

Just in case you don't know the abbreviation being used on this thread...

MAF - Mass Air Fuel (sensor)

Toolpants makes a good point. Before you buy one of these expensive little sensors disconnect it and see if you can rev the motor. Then you'll know it's that and not something else.