I finally got around to getting my new plugs (NGK Iridium) installed so that I could use my Softronic (93 Octane) flash. I’ve already got an EP2 exhaust.
Before the new plugs I uploaded the tune, but around 4k rpm WOT it stuttered. It felt like the computer was cutting in. I assumed plugs were the issue.
I dropped my car off for the plug install with the tune uploaded. After I picked up the car the exhaust sounded different (deeper tone and quieter at low rpm). The power band seemed weaker down low too, but then by mid rpm power felt stronger. Not sure if it was my imagination, so I thought I’d verify with a datalog.
I did one 3<SUP>rd</SUP> gear pull. I noticed full boost was coming on earlier say by around 4.5k rpm but between 5k to redline it stuttered. WTF! Then a CEL came on. Code C3213 (Valve Lift Control Bank 1 / Valve Below Lower Limit Value). I’m going to ask Softronic and plug installer about the C3213. Could it be simply be that boost is not holding and new diverter valves are needed?
If you’ve experience any of the above and can comment or have wise words to share, I’d appreciate it. Thanks

 

I'd contact Scott at ST, may be an issue with the way the file was uploaded.

 

Not sure on yours but I seem to feel what appears to be missing/slipping/hesitation as I accelerate hard for a bit? Seem to feel it more in Sport mode? I have Softronic tune also...I changed the plugs to iridium 1 range cooler after the Softronic tune caused a CEL. I also have a Fabspeed Maxflow exhaust with 200 cell cats and headers, and Forge Aluminum Diverter valves. Car seems very fast and smooth, but at times I do feel what I described above...was wondering if it was slight tire slip,or tranny slip (tip)??? I get no CEL?? I will watch this to hear any ideas....

 

Clutch slipping?
Or
Maybe data log it snd see if your ecu isn't pulling timing bc of a lean condition.
C

 

exactly what I was thinking too...could be a slipping clutch. OEM clutch & pressure plate can only handle so much torque.

 

It's probably the clutch...

 

Thanks for the thoughts guys!....For the record ( I put in quotes) it is a Tiptronic. ( I know there are technically clutches/valves, etc.)...But wanted to be clear on that.

As I mentioned .....I seem to notice more in Sport mode? I punch it hard and it accelerates great! The boost guage maxes out and stays pretty steady and it keeps accelerating fine...just has this slight feel of inconsistency...like a sputter/or slipping, or like the AWD clutch is bouncing around trying to get traction? It is not harsh, but noticeable.

I had the Softronic tune on for a while, and seemd OK. Had CEL initially and put the new plugs in as suggested. Also changed the Vario-Cam actuators while at it... Added the Billet Diverter valves and seemed to do great. Added headers and Fabspeed exhaust (no O2 bungs needed..no CEL's)....and seem to notice it now??

Could just be hyper-sensitive now? But there is something there for sure.

Anyway... May do as TTSurgeon suggested and Data Log...Any ideas what I should be monitoring with Durametric as I run it? And what I should be looking for? Maybe covered elsewhere on the site?? I will look.

Anyway...Thanks!
DC

 

First check to make sure the car is not running lean before all else. This can cause the biggest damage.

 

Update - plug installer said see if CEL persists (gee thanks). Waiting for Softronic to get back to me.

In the meantime, I plotted out the flash log (MAF, IAT and RPM) I gathered. Pic 1 shows stock at bottom, Sport Chrono in middle and new flashed at top. Low end power appears the same with a jump in the mid range and then confirmation that funny stuff is happening at the top end. I'm no expert, but it may be mis-firing or boost not holding. I don't know what they're suppose to feel like though.

Pic 2 - Reloaded the stock ECU. Comparison is essentially original Bosch platnium plugs (smooth line) to new NGK iridium plugs (bouncing line). WTF. With the NGK plugs the exhaust sounds different and the power is definately different, but perhaps smaller plug gap on stock tune yield funny results. Or there's something wrong with the new plugs.

I think I'm going to try diverter valves to see if that fixes the problem in pic 1. If it doesn't I guess I'll have to go back in and look at the plugs. Right now, going back to Bosch plugs would have been nice.

Any suggestions on what to datalog for good info? Thanks

 

very interesting happenings here. let me see if I'm following you, in pic two the car is running stock ECU in both plots but the difference between the two is plugs + exhaust? if so then there's something amiss with the plugs or the exhaust set up or a combination of the two. and whatever the underlying problem is, it is amplified once you introduce the softronic tune.

keep the updates coming, this is informative and I obviously hope you get it straightened out

-Art

 

I'd flash it back to stock and take it for a run. If everything is fine then, you have your answer .

 

Paul, unless I misread the OP's last post he did just that. He flashed back to the Stock ECU and data logged it (see pic #2 in OPs post), and he's still having issues with some stuttering or erratic type behavior. could it be he got a bad set of plugs?

 

Thanks, my bad. As some have said it could be the stock clutch. Once it's been subjected to a tune god only knows what the clutch is up to, it'd be basically had it but to what extent. Then again i've also read when the stock type plug is changed for different range that too can cause problems..same with changing the oem filter for a bmc..oil on maf....

Also check the VTG actuator rods aren't sticking. Pop underneath and push the rods against the spring loads to see if they move freely on both turbos. There was a campaign, some vins worse affected than others.

 

I had the ep2 with the old plugs and no problem. Pic2 has the stock ecu and the diff is the plugs/gap. The NGK's are same temp range, but set at smaller gap (to correspond with the higher boost with the ST tune). In pic2, the ngk at smaller gap + stock tune is giving me less low end power than stock ecu + old Bosch plugs (w larger gap). If the plugs are ok, then does gap really have that effect? If not, then this points at the plugs.

In pic1 low end power with small plug gap + ST tune shows "normal" power. Power at the upper end is then the issue. Things were fine before the tune , so the new variables are higher boost and the plugs.

 

I don't think it's the clutch. Plug Temp range is same and stock filter.

I'll give the actuator rod a poke. What is the fix if it doesn't move freely? Some spray? Or replacement? Thanks