Rough Engine After Start
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 495
Likes: 43
From: Panama City Florida
Rough Engine After Start
So I came back from a month of being gone, and I just left my 15 Z06 in the garage. It had normal gasoline in it and was not plugged in.
When I tried to start it, the battery seemed weak and it didn't crank. I tried one more time, and this time it started. It made a very loud thunder as it started, and lots of smoke came out the tail pipes. Immediately a check engine light came on, and the idle sound was very rough and strained. I got a "reduced engine power" message as well, and the engine was completely unresponsive to touching the gas pedal.
After about 30 seconds I shut it down. I plugged her in and let her charge for about 6 hours. After that, the car started up normally, and drove normally. The check engine light remains on though.
Anyone know what happened? Could this have been the result of ethanol-containing gasoline sitting for too long? Or have to do with the weak battery start? I'm fairly concerned.
When I tried to start it, the battery seemed weak and it didn't crank. I tried one more time, and this time it started. It made a very loud thunder as it started, and lots of smoke came out the tail pipes. Immediately a check engine light came on, and the idle sound was very rough and strained. I got a "reduced engine power" message as well, and the engine was completely unresponsive to touching the gas pedal.
After about 30 seconds I shut it down. I plugged her in and let her charge for about 6 hours. After that, the car started up normally, and drove normally. The check engine light remains on though.
Anyone know what happened? Could this have been the result of ethanol-containing gasoline sitting for too long? Or have to do with the weak battery start? I'm fairly concerned.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 883
Likes: 407
I imagine the best way to find out is to take it in and figure out what code the engine is throwing.
My guess is if it’s running normally now, the problem might have been temporary.
Get it it checked out just to be safe. Warranties are a good thing.
My guess is if it’s running normally now, the problem might have been temporary.
Get it it checked out just to be safe. Warranties are a good thing.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,917
Likes: 6,710
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
Buy a cheapo code-reader/canceller and see for yourself. In the future put Stabil in your gas (should not be an issue after only a month, but what the heck) and maintain or charge your battery BEFORE starting. I've a half-dozen cars and bikes that I may drive less frequently than you with your Vette and this works. All the best.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 245
Likes: 33
From: Doha
I belive the engine light is due to the COLD start they call it.
If it takes long time to start due to a weak battery or a cold start happened to me twice before.
It's normal if still under warranty just pass by the dealer any quick service center should be able to tell you and then clear the code
If it takes long time to start due to a weak battery or a cold start happened to me twice before.
It's normal if still under warranty just pass by the dealer any quick service center should be able to tell you and then clear the code
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 453
From: Saint Clair Shores Mi
From lots of different reports of "never seen before" stuff, my guess is the battery was almost dead and when it fired up, low voltage. I would take it by the dealer get the code cleared and ask for a battery load test. Warranty my cover it if still valid and batt has bad cell. In any event you might want to replace it anyhow. Another thread just recently posted talked about 14-15 model years battery's starting to fail at about 3 yrs. I have a 15 and keep it on a charger when not in use especially in the winter. I plan on a little preventive maintenance and getting it replaced this spring. Quick point: mentioned several times in the battery thread, dealer tore the sh** out of the back carpet while changing batt. Make sure if you have it done at the dealer you tell them; "I don't want my rear carpet ripped", at least you will put them on notice.
Good luck getting your "Z" taken care of -- beautiful cars !!
tom
Good luck getting your "Z" taken care of -- beautiful cars !!
tom
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 495
Likes: 43
From: Panama City Florida
I got the codes... they did indeed both have something to do with electrical problems. I cleared the fault and charged up the battery. It has been running normally now. Hopefully no harm done.