Well, After multiple times trying to fix an underway engine stalling problem, AM is still baffled. ('09 6-spd, sports pkg, convt, 2500 miles) My car has been in the AM shop more than in my garage over the past 2 months and they can't seem to fix the problem. It simply stalls out when slowing to a stop at lights, turns, etc. No drama, shuddering, noise or anything else. The engine simply drops straight down to 0 rpm and dies quietly. Every time it starts right back up and it doesn't do it every time. Yet, it has scared the hell out of me a few times, when it puts me in an unsafe situation with following or approaching traffic. The AM tech's and Zone Aftermarket Sales Rep have driven the car extensively and have experienced the problem themselves. Yet, each time they return it, they say they haven't seen the stall for a while, so assume it must be alleviated.
They've reflashed the computers any number of times, replaced the mass air flow sensor, fuel pump and key (ECU) slot. The computer apparently does not throw a code and their techs reported being as baffeled as I am. They have gone back to the UK with info frequently, but no firm fix has been developed yet. Each time I get it back, after some days of driving, it will just decide to stall in awkward spots. Now, I watch the tach like a hawk to immediately respond. I've learned the response routine well...quickly hit the emergency flashers, wave my arms over my head to warn those behind me (when top is down) and quickly come to full stop, step back on clutch in neutral, pop out the key, reinsert key and start her back up as quickly as I can. Several times the folks behind me nearly smacked me, fully expecting me to move on or make a turn quickly. I'm getting tired of the horns and nasty hand gestures!

I've now documented my major discontent and safety concerns to AM (everything is very well documented) and am waiting their response. I've usually been lucky with cars, but as someone here previosuly said, "...can you say lemon..."!

 

Don't know what state you're in, but in many that qualifies under the lemon laws. If I'm them, its time to take the car back and give you a new one. That makes you happy and lets them send the car someplace where they really dig into the car to find the problem, not the blind guesses that the people working on the car so far seem to be making.

I've had this happen once to to me in 2500 miles and its a very unsettling feeling.

You can also file complaints with NHTSA and possibly with your state. If NHTSA gets enough complaints on an issue, especially one involving safety, they will get involved.

 

Wow that is a huge surprise. I have not heard of any problems like this with the Vantage models. It is actually fairly easy to prove Lemon Law and have a resolution as long as the problem is habitual and is documented at least three times.

I had a similar problem with an SL55 and contacted the state DMV. I am in Florida and as soon as the dealer knew i contacted the state i received another car.

Good luck.

 

How does the Lemon Law work if, hypothetically, you're not the original owner of the car and it happens to be an exotic like AM? Do they owe you a brand new '09?

 

Ive heard of this problem affecting other owners cars and until yesterday hadnt thought much about the whole thing. Yesterday however it happened to me - exactly the same thing, I pulled up to the lights and the engine just quietly died for no reason at all.

 

I have also had the problem where the engine suffers a sudden but momentary total loss of power when accelerating. Thinking about it I expect the two problems to be related if not even the same problem - its just when the sudden loss of power is at idle the engine will die. THe problem feels like the fuel has been cut off to the engine - and indeed that looks like it is the problem - read this long thread I have found! Seems a new fuel tank / purge valve mechanism is the fix for the problem.

<http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/t...i=0&nmt=Engine briefly cutting out&mid=171344>

I shall be talking to my dealer about it next week!

 

I need you guys start bring your cars to me as it sounds like you have a IAC (Idle Air Control) motor problem.

 

Yes, I have run into the loss of power when accelerating. With mine it seems to occur when you accelerate after briefly (second or two) stopping or decelerating to a very low speed and then accelerating again. To me it feels like the computer is just choosing not to go. Between the traction control system and the sport-shift, there's a number of reasons why it could "choose" not to go but I haven't been able to narrow it down because it doesn't happen all the time.

 

Well its just happened again tonight - pulled up to the lights and the engine just died. On both occasions its died following a short period of sedate driving immediatly after a session of spirited driving. Thats twice in the last week (and my car is only 2 weeks old!)

PS : My car is a manual so its nothing to do with Sportshift!

 

I've also had the momentary loss of power, slow-to-go issue, but only twice. I hadn't really tied the two together until now. For those of you that have a similar problem to my original issue, are your cars the newer, upgraded units ('09's) or older engines? From your comments, plus some others, from around the US, sounds like this is not a simple, unique problem to my car.
Also, I have MT...do you have MT or sports shift?
I'll keep you updated re AM's responses this week. Meanwhile, mine is staying in the gargage, for safety reasons.

 

Mine is an 09 sport-shift.

More and more it is seeming that the fuel tank replacement reported on other forums for this problem is the best fix.

 

While I still don't know exactly where my Vantage situation will end up yet, I am very pleased at this time to note that AM seems to be really digging into the issue and working with us to find a suitable resolution. I'm impressed to date. Time will tell how we end up.

 

Hi Stu and friends on 6 speed online forums.

This is my first time on a board, I have been reading here just for about a week, and everyone's thoughts and insight have been quite helpful.

I got an '09 Vantage Roadster last week and it stalled on my three times during the first day. They did a re-flash after I reported the issue to them the next day. Well today my car stalled again and they want to hook it up to the computer and send info to AM in the U.K.

Stu can you tell me how your progress is going?

Thanks.

 

Talking to the AM folks again today, they still do not seem to have a firm solution re my stated problem. They think it may still be a programming issue, where high heat and humidity are causing some type of read and response failure in the ECU.
In any case, I gave up and got out of the Vantage. Just bought a new DBS today, hoping the V12 and totally different set-up will not exhibit the same poor traits. AM has been helpful throughout.
I also note, on various forums, several other owners with what sounds like very similar stalling problems. does not speak well to development quality and pre-release testing.

 

Wow this totally kills my dream of the Vantage....
Why not just lemon the vehicle?