3200 Throttle Body

[luisabel9090]

Hello all.

It is long since I do not write here yet I would like to ask for assistance, ot other enthusiasts experience.

My 2001, 80.000 kms 3200GTA went last month to the usual specialist for the routine service, including belts, water pump and spark plugs change.

Then, after taking delivery of the car, the 3200 let me down after a 20 minute drive. First time in 13 year ownership, time during I may have been lucky as the car has been almost trouble-less. Symptons were sudden engine stop, then misfire while starting again. I thought It could be the car did not have ignition. Felt to me like that.

The specialist is trying to fix, but has told me the posibility that it could be the throttle body.

Question: anyone that has experienced this famous 3200 system failling, what were the symptons?

The car worked perfect and went to the specialist just to follow the service program. Everything worked well when I left the car, so it seems unsusual that the throttle body fails during the time at the garage.

Would appreciate if you could share thoughts and/or experiences.

Thanks.

Luis

 

[allandwf]

It doesn't sound like throttle body to me, but will follow with interest.

 

[safrane]

I'm no expert on this issue, but what I have read about TB is that it is a slow deterioration rather than a sudden stop.

I would recommend contacting forum member https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?members/davy83.495/

 

[luisabel9090]

Thank you for your replies.

I have gone through the Forum looking for information.

For what I have understood, the throttle body issue will show in the form of certain errors when doing a diagnosis, and this is not happening in my car. According to the specialist, no error is shown.

Hope to get some news this week.

Regards.

 

[davy83]

Hi Luis
first let me congratulate you on possibly having the most trouble free experience of the 3200 I have ever heard of (any owners with similar please share we need some good news! )
Do you know what error codes it is generating when these issues started?
Sudden engine stop and misfiring do not sound like the usual throttle body symptoms. As was said it usually is a gradual process with odd errors initially (often at start up) which are initially easily cleared but recur. often idle revs high, or is unstable (although unstable idle is also often related to clumsy replacement of the position sensors).
Sudden stop and misfire I would suspect probably the crank position sensor perhaps? It is known to have a finite life and has a pretty dramatic effect on the engine starting and running and is also easily damaged while replacing the oil filter?
Let me know if I can help at all.
Dave S

 

[luisabel9090]

Thank for your reply Dave.

No error codes generated, according to the specialist.

About the oil filter change damaging the crank sensor I will comment just in case.

Always thought part of the trouble free 3200 experience has been this specialist, GT-Stradale, which I have visited for Maserati maintenance since 2008. But we all make mistakes, so could be.

Aware of the 3200 idiosyncrasy, I always tried to be ahead of problems, and carefull use and maintenance, at a cost, have proved worth...till now.

I believe if I tell here that before the 3200 I run a trouble-free, no engine-light, Evoluzione QP V6, this policy is best understood.

And also Forum members experience and knowledge have always helped me a lot in understanding this unreliable brand so I could still enjoy the experience of ownership.

Luis

 

[Vespasian]

Ive managed 10,000 miles of 3200 ownership, all issue I've had is a couple of failed water pipes (she had only done 10,000 miles in 12 years before I got her) a failed coil pack and a throttle body. The car would hunt badly on idle and the throttle would stick which was scary, never not started though or died on me

 

[luisabel9090]

Thank you for your reply.

Can I ask if the car behaved the same when cold compared to some time later when engine was hot?

Mine was OK after start, then after a while started failing.

Have not made any progress. Specialist believes is the throttle body, in spite of not having any error readings. He told me he has sent my car throttle body to have it fixed at his own risk. After he receives the part, if the car is fixed, I will pay the attempt; if it kept failing, he will not charge me for this.

Adding to the helpless feeling, he does not know neither the cost, nor the time this will take.

Will keep you updated.

Luis

 

[Vespasian]

It made a massive difference once the throttle body was replaced, but the pedal pot would also throw an emergency light on. I'll replace the pedal pot eventually but I've connected the white / yellow wires together and that has solved the issue. Same hot or cold tbh

 

[Lozzer]

I will say it once, if you are after a trouble free TB or PP for a 3200 that behaves itself get in touch with Davy. I'm sure he would even send you one to try, for eliminating problems.

 

[luisabel9090]

Thanks both for your comments. Already in contact with Dave. He has provided great assistance.

Hope the specialist can get the fixed part soon and hopefully have my 3200 back.

This experience has made me learn a lot about the 3200, and realize how different it is servicing a 20 year old exotic.